Plant Pre-Use Inspections

A plant pre-use inspection is a daily check carried out by the operator before using any item of plant or equipment.
PUWER 1998 requires all work equipment to be maintained and inspected to ensure it is safe for use.
Pre-use checks identify defects such as fluid leaks, damaged guards, faulty controls, and worn tyres before they cause incidents.
The operator is responsible for carrying out the pre-use check and recording the results in the daily inspection log.
Any defect found during a pre-use check must be reported to the supervisor — defective plant must not be used.
Key items to check include fluid levels, lights, mirrors, reversing alarms, seat belts, and all safety devices.
Guards and protective covers must be in place and secure before operating any item of plant or equipment.
Tyre condition, track tension, and undercarriage components must be inspected for wear, damage, and correct pressure.
Windscreens, mirrors, and cameras must be clean and undamaged to maintain full visibility from the cab.
A well-maintained piece of plant is safer, more reliable, and cheaper to operate than one that is neglected.

Prevent breakdowns	Pre-use checks catch faults early, preventing mid-operation breakdowns that cause delays and dangerous situations.
Prevent incidents	Defective plant causes struck-by, crush, and overturn incidents — daily inspections are your first line of defence.
Legal requirement	PUWER 1998 requires equipment to be maintained in a safe condition — pre-use inspections demonstrate compliance.

Do

Don't

Carry out a full walk-around inspection of the plant before starting each shift.
Check all fluid levels including engine oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant, and fuel.
Test all controls, brakes, steering, lights, and reversing alarms before moving off.
Inspect mirrors, cameras, and windscreens — clean or replace if visibility is reduced.
Check that all guards, covers, and safety devices are in place and functioning.
Inspect tyres, tracks, and undercarriage for wear, damage, or incorrect pressure.
Record the pre-use check results in the daily inspection log before operating.
Report any defects to your supervisor immediately and do not use defective plant.
Check the seat belt is working and wear it at all times when operating plant.
Confirm the plant has a current thorough examination certificate where required.

DON'T operate any plant without completing the daily pre-use inspection first.
DON'T ignore low fluid levels — top up or report before operating the machine.
DON'T use plant with faulty brakes, steering, lights, or non-working reversing alarms.
DON'T operate with dirty, cracked, or missing mirrors and cameras.
DON'T remove or bypass guards, covers, or safety devices on any plant.
DON'T operate plant with bald tyres, damaged tracks, or incorrect tyre pressures.
DON'T skip the written record — document every pre-use inspection in the log.
DON'T use plant that has known defects — take it out of service and report it.
DON'T drive without your seat belt fastened — rollovers happen without warning.
DON'T assume yesterday's check is valid today — conditions change overnight.

See also: Plant Operator Competency (CPCS/NPORS) | Plant Maintenance & Defect Reporting

Presenter		Project
Location		Date

Toolbox Talk Record