Form library · Health and safety

Heavy equipment inspection checklist

One daily check for a mixed fleet of earthmoving machines. Add each work area, then each machine: pick the type (excavator, wheel loader, backhoe loader, skid steer or compact track loader, dozer, dump truck or articulated hauler, roller, motor grader) and the form shows that machine's own checks, such as the quick coupler, the lift arm support, or the body prop and hoist latch on a dump truck. Every machine also gets the walk-round, the cab and operation tests (seat belt, horn, reverse alarm, brakes), the hour meter and hours to the next service, a data plate scan, and in service, restricted or tagged out. Checking one machine? Use the excavator daily checklist, the telehandler checklist or the HGV daily check sheet.

For site-work contractors, superintendents, operators and fleet mechanics who check several machines at the start of a shift and want one dated record with photos.

Written for the US (OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subparts O and W) and the UK (PUWER 1998). Other countries: take inspection duties from local law.

Machines grouped by work area, each with a data plate scan, hour meter reading and hours to the next service
A machine type choice for eight common earthmoving machines that shows the checks for that machine
Eleven walk-round checks and eight cab and operation tests on every machine, from fluids and ROPS to the reverse alarm
A result for each machine (in service, restricted or tagged out), with how it was tagged and who was told
Totals for machines checked, items needing action and machines tagged out, then actions and sign-off

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What should a heavy equipment inspection checklist include?

A fleet check is useful when each machine can be told apart by its fleet number and hour meter, the checks match the machine (a coupler on an excavator, a body prop on a dump truck), and every defect leads to a clear result: in service, in service with a restriction, or tagged out with the key removed.

Last updated 27 October 2026. Facts checked by the SiteSurvey team on 27 October 2026 against OSHA 29 CFR 1926.601, motor vehicles (eCFR), OSHA 29 CFR 1926.602, material handling equipment (eCFR), OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1000, rollover protective structures, scope (eCFR), OSHA 29 CFR 1926.20, general safety and health provisions (eCFR), Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, regulation 6, inspection and HSE, inspection of work equipment.

How to inspect heavy equipment at the start of a shift

Have each machine's operator manual to hand: levels, pressures and limits come from it.

Add the area and the machine
Enter the work area, then the machine: fleet number, type, data plate scan, hour meter and the next service due.
Walk round it
Engine off, attachment on the ground: fluids, leaks, tyres or tracks, lights, mirrors and cameras, guards, steps, ROPS, glass, extinguisher and decals.
Do the machine's own checks
The form shows them for the type you picked, for example the quick coupler on an excavator or the body prop and hoist latch on a dump truck.
Test it from the seat
Seat belt, control lockout, gauges and warning lights, horn, reverse alarm, brakes, steering and each hydraulic function with no load.
Give each machine a result
In service, in service with a restriction, or tagged out with the key removed. Then check the haul roads and site, list actions and sign.

What makes a heavy equipment check useful

Result for each machine, with the restriction or how it was tagged out

AH-12, articulated hauler, 9,118 h. Walk-round and body checks all acceptable. Reverse alarm: fail, no sound in reverse, tested twice; the camera works but the body blocks the view to the rear. Tagged out on the steering wheel, key held by the superintendent, rental company called at 06:50 for a mechanic. EX-07 kept working with a hose weep, restricted until the shop mechanic fixed it at 10:40.

Fictional example. Record the actual evidence and approved arrangements for your job.

A common recording mistake

One tick for the whole fleet, or marking a machine in service with a failed reverse alarm because the camera works.

What happens next

Repeat the check on the tagged-out machine after the repair before it goes back to work, and book any service that the hour meter says is close.

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Every question in the heavy equipment inspection checklist template

A daily heavy equipment inspection for a mixed fleet of earthmoving machines, for the US and UK: each machine by work area with a data plate scan, the hour meter and hours to the next service, a machine type choice (excavator, wheel loader, backhoe loader, skid steer or compact track loader, dozer, dump truck or articulated hauler, roller, motor grader) that shows its own checks, eleven walk-round checks, eight cab and operation tests including the seat belt, horn, reverse alarm and brakes, the result for each machine (in service, restricted or tagged out), site checks, actions and sign-off. 4 sections and 191 questions. Follow-up questions and guidance appear only when an answer calls for them, so the person on site never sees the ones that do not apply.

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Project: the project name
Site address: the site address, from the space or the project
Client or general contractor: the project's customer

Inspection details

ProjectShort answer
Filled in from the project in SiteSurvey.
Fills in from the project name
Site addressShort answer
Fills in from the site address, from the space or the project
Client or general contractorShort answer
Fills in from the project's customer
Location (GPS)Short answer
Inspection date*Date
Inspected by*Short answer
Rules that apply*Choose one
- US: OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subparts O and W
- UK: PUWER 1998
- Other country
Reason for the check*Choose one
- Daily, start of shift
- On delivery from rental or hire
- After a repair
- Weekly or periodic check
- Other
Other reasonShort answer
Shown when “Reason for the check” is “Other”
Weather on siteAnswer
CheckA daily pre-use record for a mixed fleet of earthmoving machines. Check each machine the way its operator manual describes: levels, pressures, intervals and limits come from the manual, not from this form. It is not a periodic or annual inspection by a mechanic, or a thorough examination of lifting equipment.
GuidanceChecking only one machine? The library also has an excavator daily check, a telehandler daily check and an HGV daily walkaround check.
GuidanceUS (OSHA). Employers provide for frequent and regular inspections of equipment by competent persons (29 CFR 1926.20(b)(2)). Motor vehicles on an off-highway jobsite are checked at the beginning of each shift: brakes, tires, horn, steering, coupling devices, seat belts, operating controls and safety devices, and defects are corrected before the vehicle is placed in service (1926.601(b)(14)). Earthmoving equipment covered by 1926.602 (loaders, dozers, off-highway trucks, graders and similar) is outside 1926.601: use the manufacturer's daily checks.
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
GuidanceUK (PUWER 1998). Work equipment must be suitable for the work (regulation 4), kept in efficient working order and good repair (regulation 5), and inspected at suitable intervals where it is exposed to conditions that cause deterioration, with the result recorded (regulation 6). HSE gives functional testing of brakes and lights on mobile machinery as an example of a quick check before use. A machine used for lifting loads is also lifting equipment under LOLER.
Shown when “Rules that apply” is “UK: PUWER 1998”
CheckUse the form for the record, and take inspection duties from your local law.
Shown when “Rules that apply” is “Other country”

Machines

GuidanceAdd each area where machines are parked or working, then each machine in it. Choose the machine type to show its own checks.
Work areas
Repeat for each entry. Each one asks:
- Work area or parking area*Short answer
  For example Lot 4 pad, laydown yard, haul road north.
- Walk Cam: walk round the machines hereWalk Cam video with voice-to-text
  Optional. Film a guided walk-round on the SiteSurvey app.
- Machines checked here
  Repeat for each entry. Each one asks:
  - Fleet or unit number*Short answer
  - Machine type*Choose one
    - Excavator
    - Wheel loader
    - Backhoe loader
    - Skid steer or compact track loader
    - Dozer
    - Dump truck or articulated hauler
    - Roller or compactor
    - Motor grader
    - Other
  - What machineShort answer
    Shown when “Machine type” is “Other”
  - Scan the data plateScan a label: make, model, serial number or pin, year of manufacture, operating weight
    Optional. Scan the data plate or label to capture the numbers.
  - Make*Short answer
  - Model*Short answer
  - Serial number or PINShort answer
  - Owner or rental companyShort answer
  - Attachment fittedShort answer
    For example 36 in digging bucket, forks, hammer.
  - Hour meter reading*Number
  - Next service due at (hours)Number
    From the service sticker or fleet record.
  - Hours to the next serviceWorked out by the form
    Shown when “Next service due at (hours)” is answered and “Hour meter reading” is answered
  - CheckThe hour meter is past the service due figure. Book the service.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - me_service_overWorked out by the form
  - Operator*Short answer
  - Operator trained and authorised for this machine?*Yes or No
  - WarningOnly employees qualified by training or experience operate equipment and machinery (29 CFR 1926.20(b)(4)).
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - GuidanceWalk-round, engine off and the attachment on the ground.
  - Fluid levels: engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuelChoose one
    At the marks the manual shows, with the machine level. Include DEF or AdBlue where fitted.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - No leaks under or on the machineChoose one
    Oil, fuel, coolant or hydraulic oil on the ground or on the machine.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Tyres, rims and wheel nuts, or tracks, rollers and sprocketsChoose one
    No cuts, bulges or missing wheel nuts; track tension and damage as the manual says.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Lights, beacon and reflectorsChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Mirrors and camerasChoose one
    Clean, adjusted and working.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Guards, engine covers and panels closed and securedChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Steps, handrails and grab handlesChoose one
    Secure, clean and free of mud or ice.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - ROPS, FOPS or cab structureChoose one
    No cracks, bends or missing bolts, and the ROPS label in place where fitted.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Windows, windshield and wipersChoose one
    No cracks that block the view; wipers and washers work.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Fire extinguisher, where fittedChoose one
    Present, charged and in date.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Decals, load chart and operator manual in the cabChoose one
    Readable.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Boom, arm (dipper) and bucket: pins, bushes, retainers and weldsChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Quick coupler lockedChoose one
    Lock indicator or safety pin in place, and the bucket tested as the maker describes before work.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Bucket teeth and cutting edgeChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Slew ring, turntable and slew lockChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - If used for lifting: lifting point and rated capacity chart in the cabChoose one
    Not applicable if the machine is not used for lifting.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Bucket or forks, cutting edge and teethChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Quick coupler lockedChoose one
    Lock indicator or pins engaged, as the maker describes.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Lift arms, linkage, pins and cylindersChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Articulation joint; steering frame lock stowed for workChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Scissor points between the loader arms and frame guardedChoose one
    Where they are a hazard to the operator in normal operation.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Loader bucket, arms, pins and cylindersChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Backhoe boom, dipper and bucket: pins, retainers and weldsChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Quick hitch or couplers lockedChoose one
    Front and rear, as the maker describes.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Stabilisers (outriggers) and padsChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Boom transport lock and swing lockChoose one
    Engage and release.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Seat swivel lockChoose one
    Locks in both the loader and backhoe positions.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Lift arms, pins and cylindersChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Lift arm support device present and workingChoose one
    For any work under raised arms, used as the manual describes.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Attachment coupler levers or pins fully engagedChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Seat bar or restraint and control interlocksChoose one
    Lift, tilt and drive lock when the bar is raised or the operator leaves the seat, as the manual describes.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Cab door, side screens and front screenChoose one
    As the maker fits them, undamaged.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Blade, cutting edges and end bitsChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Push arms, trunnions, lift and tilt cylindersChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Ripper and shanks, if fittedChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Undercarriage: track shoes, idlers, rollers and sprocketsChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Body, hinge pins and hoist cylindersChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Body prop or support present and locks in positionChoose one
    Used whenever anyone works under the raised body.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Hoist control latch against accidental tippingChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Tailgate, latches and trip handleChoose one
    The operator is clear when it trips.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Cab guard or canopy over the cabChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Articulation and oscillation joint; steering lock stowed (articulated haulers)Choose one
    Not applicable on a rigid truck.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Drum or drums and drum scrapersChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Water spray system and tank, if fittedChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Vibration on and off controlChoose one
    Switches on and off as the manual describes.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Articulation joint; steering frame lock stowed for workChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Moldboard, cutting edges and end bitsChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Circle, drawbar and blade lift cylindersChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Front blade, ripper or scarifier, if fittedChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Articulation joint; frame lock stowed for workChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Tandem drives and wheel leanChoose one
    No leaks; wheel lean works both ways.
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - GuidanceFor trucks with dump bodies OSHA requires a permanently attached body support that locks in position during maintenance or inspection, a latch on hoist and dump levers, and tailgate trip handles that keep the operator clear (29 CFR 1926.601(b)(10) to (12), motor vehicles).
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - GuidanceOSHA reserves specific 1926.602 rules for compactors and rubber-tired skid-steer equipment, and its ROPS rules cover compactors and skid-steer equipment made after 15 July 2019 (29 CFR 1926.602(a)(1), 1926.1000(a)). Follow the manual.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - GuidanceCab and operation, engine running, in a clear area.
  - Seat and seat beltChoose one
    Seat locks in position; the belt latches, releases and is not cut or frayed.
    - Pass
    - Fail
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Control lockout or isolation leverChoose one
    Hydraulic controls do not work with the lockout engaged, where fitted.
    - Pass
    - Fail
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Gauges and warning lights after start-upChoose one
    No warning lights left on, gauges reading as the manual says.
    - Pass
    - Fail
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - HornChoose one
    Can be heard above site noise.
    - Pass
    - Fail
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Reverse alarmChoose one
    Sounds in reverse and can be heard above site noise. Note any camera or travel alarm too.
    - Pass
    - Fail
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Service brake and parking brakeChoose one
    Stops and holds the machine.
    - Pass
    - Fail
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - SteeringChoose one
    Responds both ways with no unusual play.
    - Pass
    - Fail
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Hydraulic and attachment functions through full travel, no loadChoose one
    Smooth, no unusual noise, and each stops when released.
    - Pass
    - Fail
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - WarningReverse alarm not working. Earthmoving or compacting equipment with an obstructed view to the rear is not used in reverse unless the reverse alarm works or someone signals that it is safe (29 CFR 1926.602(a)(9)(ii); motor vehicles 1926.601(b)(4)).
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Photos of the machine and any defectPhotos
  - me_failsWorked out by the form
  - me_ncWorked out by the form
  - Items needing action on this machineWorked out by the form
  - Result for this machine*Choose one
    - In service
    - In service with a restriction
    - Tagged out of service
  - Restriction*Short answer
    For example forward work only with a signal person, until the camera is fixed.
    Shown when “Result for this machine” is “In service with a restriction”
  - How it was taken out of service, and who was told*Notes
    For example tag on the controls, key removed, mechanic called.
    Shown when “Result for this machine” is “Tagged out of service”
  - Tag numberShort answer
    Shown when “Result for this machine” is “Tagged out of service”
  - WarningThis machine has items that failed or need action but is marked in service. Fix them first, or record a restriction or tag it out.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - me_outWorked out by the form
- a_countWorked out by the form
- a_failsWorked out by the form
- a_ncWorked out by the form
- a_outWorked out by the form
- Area resultWorked out by the form
Machines checkedWorked out by the form
Items needing actionWorked out by the form
Machines tagged outWorked out by the form
Items not checkedWorked out by the form

Site checks

Haul roads, ramps and grades fit for the machines using themChoose one
Built and kept up so the machines can move on them safely.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
People kept apart from moving machinesChoose one
Walkways, barriers or exclusion zones; a signal person where the plan needs one.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
Overhead lines and buried services markedChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
Refuelling and parking areaChoose one
Level, spill kit to hand, away from excavations.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
Photos of the sitePhotos
Site checks needing actionWorked out by the form
Not checkedWorked out by the form

Actions and sign-off

Items needing actionWorked out by the form
ResultWorked out by the form
Machines tagged outWorked out by the form
Actions
Repeat for each action. Each one asks:
- Action*Notes
- PriorityChoose one
  - Urgent: tagged out
  - Before next use
  - At the next service
- Who will do it*Short answer
- Due byDate
- Status*Choose one
  - Open
  - In progress
  - Done, checked
- Photo when donePhotos
  Shown when “Status” is “Done, checked”
Actions still openWorked out by the form
Decision*Choose one
- All machines in service
- In service except the machines tagged out
- Stop work until actions are done
Date of the repeat checkDate
SummaryNotes
Supervisor or competent person nameShort answer
Supervisor or competent person signature*Signature
Mechanic or fleet manager nameShort answer
Mechanic or fleet manager signatureSignature

See it filled in

A completed heavy equipment inspection checklist report, made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit: every answer, the photos, the guidance that applied and the sign-off, ready to send as a PDF.

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Heavy equipment inspection checklist FAQs

Does OSHA require a daily inspection of heavy equipment?

OSHA requires employers to provide for frequent and regular inspections of equipment by competent persons (29 CFR 1926.20(b)(2)). For motor vehicles on an off-highway jobsite, 1926.601(b)(14) requires a check at the beginning of each shift of the brakes, tires, horn, steering, coupling devices, seat belts, operating controls and safety devices, with defects corrected before the vehicle is placed in service. Earthmoving equipment covered by 1926.602, such as loaders, dozers, off-highway trucks and graders, is outside 1926.601, so follow the manufacturer's daily checks for those.

Sources: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.20, general safety and health provisions (eCFR), OSHA 29 CFR 1926.601, motor vehicles (eCFR) and OSHA 29 CFR 1926.602, material handling equipment (eCFR).

Does heavy equipment need a reverse alarm?

Under 29 CFR 1926.602(a)(9)(ii), earthmoving or compacting equipment with an obstructed view to the rear is not used in reverse unless it has a reverse signal alarm that can be heard above the surrounding noise, or someone signals that it is safe. Motor vehicles have a matching rule in 1926.601(b)(4). Bidirectional machines such as rollers, loaders and bulldozers also need a working horn (1926.602(a)(9)(i)). The form tests both on every machine.

Sources: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.602, material handling equipment (eCFR) and OSHA 29 CFR 1926.601, motor vehicles (eCFR).

Which machines need ROPS and seat belts?

OSHA's ROPS rules in 29 CFR 1926.1000 cover rubber-tired scrapers, front-end loaders and dozers, crawler tractors and loaders, motor graders and wheel tractors used in construction, and compactors and rubber-tired skid-steer equipment made after July 15, 2019. Seat belts are required on earthmoving equipment covered by 1926.602, except stand-up machines and machines without ROPS or canopy protection. The form checks the ROPS structure and the seat belt on every machine; follow the maker for machines outside those rules.

Sources: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1000, rollover protective structures, scope (eCFR) and OSHA 29 CFR 1926.602, material handling equipment (eCFR).

What does a dump truck inspection include?

The walk-round and cab tests every machine gets, plus the body, hinge pins and hoist cylinders, the body prop, the hoist control latch, the tailgate and trip handle, the cab guard, and the articulation joint on an articulated hauler. For trucks with dump bodies, 29 CFR 1926.601(b)(10) to (12) require a permanently attached body support that locks in position during maintenance or inspection, a latch on the hoist and dump levers, and tailgate trip handles that keep the operator clear.

Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.601, motor vehicles (eCFR).

How often should plant be inspected in the UK?

PUWER regulation 6 requires work equipment exposed to conditions that cause deterioration to be inspected at suitable intervals and after exceptional circumstances, with the result recorded and kept until the next inspection. HSE says the frequency is set by risk assessment, and gives functional testing of brakes and lights on mobile machinery as an example of a quick check before use. A machine used for lifting is also covered by LOLER.

Sources: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, regulation 6, inspection and HSE, inspection of work equipment.

Should I use this or the excavator daily check?

Use this form when you check several different machines on one day: each machine gets its own checks and result, and the totals show how many were tagged out. For a single excavator, telehandler or HGV, the excavator daily checklist, telehandler checklist and HGV daily check sheet go into more detail on that one machine. None of them is a periodic inspection by a mechanic or a thorough examination of lifting equipment.

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