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Power tool inspection checklist

A condition check of hand-held power tools on a construction site, filled in on a phone in the tool store or with each gang. Add each location, then each tool with its ID and rating plate, type and power source. The checks change with the tool: guards, discs and wheels against the speed marked on the tool, blades, switches, cords and plugs, batteries and chargers, air hoses and nailer safeties, and the daily test of a powder-actuated tool. Each tool ends OK, repair before use or withdrawn, with the tag and where it went. The form counts them.

For site managers, supervisors, storekeepers and safety advisers who check grinders, saws, drills, breakers and nailers on site, under US OSHA rules or PUWER in Great Britain.

Electrical test results for UK tools go in the PAT testing record. Who has which tool goes in the tool register.

Tools by location, each with ID, rating plate scan, type, power source and who supplied it
Checks that change with the tool: grinders, saws, drills, breakers, nailers, powder-actuated tools
Corded, battery, pneumatic, fuel and hydraulic checks, with the last electrical test date
Result per tool: OK, repair before use or withdrawn, with the tag, where it went and photos
Counts of tools checked, OK, for repair and withdrawn, then actions and two signatures

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What should a power tool inspection checklist cover?

A power tool inspection record is useful when every tool has an ID, the checks fit the tool in front of you, and each failed tool has a result, a tag and a note of where it went. That is what lets the next person see a grinder is out of use and why.

Last updated 27 October 2026. Facts checked by the SiteSurvey team on 27 October 2026 against OSHA 29 CFR 1926.300, tools: general requirements (eCFR), OSHA 29 CFR 1926.302, power-operated hand tools (eCFR), OSHA 29 CFR 1926.303, abrasive wheels and tools (eCFR), Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, regulation 6: inspection (legislation.gov.uk), HSE: Inspection of work equipment, HSE: Portable appliance testing FAQs and HSE HSG17: Safety in the use of abrasive wheels (PDF).

How to inspect power tools on site

Check tools when they arrive, at the intervals your risk assessment sets, and after damage.

Set the basis
Choose US OSHA, GB PUWER or your company rules, say why the tools are being checked, and note the tag you use for tools taken out of use.
Add the locations
Add the tool store and each gang or floor whose tools you check, with the supervisor or storekeeper.
Identify each tool
Type or scan the tool ID and rating plate, then pick the tool type and power source. The checks for that tool appear.
Check it
Look at the body and handles, switch, guards, disc or blade, cord and plug, battery, hose and safeties. For a grinder or disc cutter, read the speed marked on the disc and on the tool.
Decide and act
Mark the tool OK, repair before use or withdrawn. Tag it, say where it went and photograph the defect. Add actions with owners and dates, then sign.

What makes a power tool inspection record useful

Each tool: ID, type and power, checks for that type, result, tag and where it went

Salford site, 14 October: tool store, grinder T-101, 115 mm, 110 V. Guard: Action needed, taken off and found on the cutting bench. Disc and cord fine. Result: withdrawn from use, red tag fitted, quarantined in the store until a new guard is fitted. Toolbox talk on grinder guards booked.

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

A common recording mistake

Ticking a grinder as OK because it runs, without reading the speed on the disc it is carrying or noticing the guard has been taken off.

What happens next

Keep withdrawn tools tagged and out of the store issue until the repair is checked, and recheck the tools at the interval your risk assessment sets.

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Every question in the power tool inspection template

A condition inspection of hand-held power tools on site, for US OSHA 29 CFR 1926 subpart I or GB PUWER 1998: each tool by location with its ID and rating plate, type and power source, the checks for that type (guards, discs and blades against the tool markings, switches, cords, batteries, hoses, powder-actuated tool daily test), the result, the tag and where it went, with counts of tools OK, for repair and withdrawn. 3 sections and 94 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.

Make it your own: every question is editable

This is a starting point, not a fixed form. Once it is in your SiteSurvey account you can reword any question, add or remove questions, sections and answer options, and add your own logo, so it fits the way your team works and the jobs you do.

Details you only enter once

Add this form to a project in SiteSurvey and it fills in what the project already knows, so nobody on site retypes it and every form on the job uses the same names. Anything filled in can still be changed.

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

Site and inspection

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 main contractorShort answer
Fills in from the project's customer
Location (GPS)Short answer
Inspection date*Date
Inspected by*Short answer
Employer or contractor*Short answer
Rules you work to*Choose one
- United States: OSHA 29 CFR 1926 subpart I
- Great Britain: PUWER 1998
- Other: company rules
Why the tools are checked now*Choose one
- Regular site inspection
- Tools arriving on site or from hire
- After damage or an incident
- Pre-use check
- Other
Tag or label used for tools taken out of useShort answer
Your own scheme, for example a red DO NOT USE tag.
GuidanceUS rules. All hand and power tools, whether the employer's or the employee's own, are kept in a safe condition, and tools designed to take guards have them fitted when in use (29 CFR 1926.300(a), (b)(1)). Electric tools are double-insulated or grounded (1926.302(a)(1)). A powder-actuated tool is tested each day before loading by the maker's procedure, and one not in proper working order is removed from service until repaired (1926.302(e)(2), (e)(3)).
Shown when “Rules you work to” is “United States: OSHA 29 CFR 1926 subpart I”
GuidanceGB rules. Work equipment is suitable for the work, maintained in good repair, and where it is exposed to conditions that cause dangerous deterioration, inspected at suitable intervals with the result recorded and kept until the next one (PUWER 1998 regs 4, 5 and 6). Equipment from a hire company comes with evidence of its last inspection (reg 6(4)). HSE says the inspection frequency comes from your risk assessment and the maker's recommendations.
Shown when “Rules you work to” is “Great Britain: PUWER 1998”
GuidanceElectrical test results for UK tools go in the PAT testing record. Who has which tool goes in the tool issue and return register.

Tools by location

GuidanceThe checks change with the tool type and power source. For grinders and disc cutters, compare the maximum speed marked on the disc or wheel with the speed marked on the tool; this form states no speeds of its own.
Locations
Repeat for each entry. Each one asks:
- Location*Short answer
  For example: Site tool store; Level 3 fit-out gang; Groundworks compound.
- Supervisor or storekeeperShort answer
- Tools checked here
  Repeat for each entry. Each one asks:
  - Tool ID*Short answer
    Asset number or tag.
  - Rating plateScan a label: asset id, make, model, serial number, rated speed, voltage
    Optional. Scan the data plate or label to capture the numbers.
  - Tool type*Choose one
    - Angle grinder
    - Circular saw
    - Cut-off saw (disc cutter)
    - Reciprocating or jig saw
    - Drill or impact driver
    - Rotary or SDS hammer drill
    - Breaker or demolition hammer
    - Nail or staple gun
    - Powder-actuated tool
    - Other
  - Power*Choose one
    - Battery
    - Corded electric
    - Pneumatic
    - Fuel
    - Hydraulic
    - Cartridge (powder-actuated)
  - Make and modelShort answer
  - Supplied byChoose one
    - Company
    - Hire company
    - Worker (own tool)
    - Subcontractor
  - Last electrical (PAT) test date, if your scheme tests itDate
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Test labelShort answer
    For example: in date, out of date, none.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Body, housing and handles sound, side handle fitted where designed for oneChoose one
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Switch or trigger works and switches off as designedChoose one
    US: momentary contact or constant pressure switch by tool type (1926.300(d)); concrete breakers, jack hammers and rock drills are exempt (d)(5).
    - Acceptable
    - Action needed
    - Not checked
    - Not applicable
  - What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Guard fitted, secure and adjustedChoose one
    US: tools designed for guards have them when in use (1926.300(b)(1)).
    - 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
  - Lower blade guard returns on its own to cover the bladeChoose one
    US: automatically and instantly when withdrawn from the work (1926.304(d)).
    - 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
  - Disc or wheel: the maximum speed marked on it is not exceeded by the speed marked on the toolChoose one
    Read both markings; right type and size for the tool and the job (HSE HSG17 para 66).
    - 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
  - Disc or wheel free of cracks, chips or damage, fits freely, not forced onChoose one
    US: abrasive wheels inspected and ring-tested before mounting; fit freely on the spindle (1926.303(c)(7), (c)(8)).
    - 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 sharp, undamaged, the right type and fitted the right way roundChoose 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
  - Bit, chisel or chuck secure, retainer or latch holdsChoose 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
  - Cord, plug and cord grip undamaged, no joints or tape repairsChoose one
    HSE gives cable condition on hand-held power tools as a quick check before use.
    - 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
  - Double-insulated, or earthed (grounded) plug and cordChoose one
    US: 1926.302(a)(1).
    - 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
  - Battery and charger undamaged: no cracks, swelling, heat marks or loose contactsChoose 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
  - Hose, couplings and whip undamaged, tool secured to the hose by positive meansChoose one
    US: 1926.302(b)(1); maker's safe operating pressure not exceeded (b)(5).
    - 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
  - Safety clip or retainer fitted (percussion tools)Choose one
    US: 1926.302(b)(2).
    - 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
  - Nose or contact safety works: fires only with the muzzle on the workChoose one
    US: required on automatic-feed nailers and staplers above 100 psi at the tool (1926.302(b)(3)).
    - 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
  - Fuel cap, tank and lines not leaking; stop switch worksChoose one
    US: stopped while refueled, serviced or maintained (1926.302(c)(1)).
    - 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
  - Hydraulic hoses and fittings undamaged, not leakingChoose one
    US: maker's safe operating pressures not exceeded (1926.302(d)(2)).
    - 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
  - Tested today before loading, by the maker's procedureChoose one
    US: safety devices tested each day before loading (1926.302(e)(2)).
    - 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
  - Correct shield, guard or attachment fittedChoose one
    US: as the maker recommends (1926.302(e)(11)).
    - 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
  - Result*Choose one
    - OK to use
    - Repair before use
    - Withdrawn from use
  - Tagged out of use?Yes or No
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Where it wentChoose one
    - Quarantined in the tool store
    - Sent for repair
    - Returned to the hire company
    - Returned to its owner
    - Scrapped
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - What was foundNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - WarningA powder-actuated tool not in proper working order is removed from service at once and not used until properly repaired (1926.302(e)(3)).
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - CheckThis tool failed a check but is marked OK to use. Repair or withdraw it, or record why the check does not stop its use.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - Photos of the defect and the tagPhotos
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  - t_failsWorked out by the form
  - t_okWorked out by the form
  - t_repairWorked out by the form
  - t_withdrawnWorked out by the form
  - t_problemWorked out by the form
- l_toolsWorked out by the form
- l_okWorked out by the form
- l_repairWorked out by the form
- l_withdrawnWorked out by the form
- l_problemWorked out by the form
- Location resultWorked out by the form
Tools checkedWorked out by the form
OK to useWorked out by the form
Repair before useWorked out by the form
Withdrawn from useWorked out by the form
Failed a check but marked OKWorked out by the form
Tool resultWorked out by the form

Result, actions and sign-off

Items needing actionWorked out by the form
ResultWorked out by the form
Actions
Repeat for each action. Each one asks:
- Action*Notes
- PriorityChoose one
  - Now: take out of use
  - Today
  - This week
  - Before the next inspection
- 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
- Tools in order
- In use: actions to finish
- Stop use of the affected tools until fixed
Next check or re-inspection dateDate
Summary for the clientNotes
Inspector nameShort answer
Inspector signature*Signature
Site manager or supervisor nameShort answer
Site manager or supervisor signatureSignature

See it filled in

A completed power tool inspection 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.

See completed form (PDF) ↗

Power tool inspection FAQs

What does OSHA require for hand and power tools?

All hand and power tools, whether the employer's or the employee's own, are maintained in a safe condition, and power tools designed to take guards are equipped with them when in use (1926.300(a), (b)(1)). Electric tools are double-insulated or grounded and are not raised or lowered by their cords (1926.302(a)). Portable circular saws have upper and lower guards, and the lower guard returns automatically and instantly over the blade.

Sources: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.300, tools: general requirements (eCFR) and OSHA 29 CFR 1926.302, power-operated hand tools (eCFR).

How often should power tools be inspected?

There is no single interval. In Great Britain, PUWER regulation 6 asks for equipment exposed to conditions that cause dangerous 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 comes from your risk assessment and the maker's recommendations, with quick checks before use such as cable condition on hand-held power tools. In the US, a powder-actuated tool is tested each day before loading (1926.302(e)(2)).

Sources: Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, regulation 6: inspection (legislation.gov.uk), HSE: Inspection of work equipment and OSHA 29 CFR 1926.302, power-operated hand tools (eCFR).

Is this the same as PAT testing?

No. PAT is the inspection and testing of portable electrical equipment. HSE says the law requires electrical equipment to be kept safe but does not set a test interval, and that a power tool on a construction site should be examined more often than a lamp in a hotel bedroom. This form is the condition check of every kind of power tool, corded or not. Record test results in the PAT testing record and enter the last test date here.

Source: HSE: Portable appliance testing FAQs.

What should I check on an angle grinder?

The guard is fitted and aligned with the wheel; the disc is the right type, free of cracks or damage and fits freely on the spindle without being forced; the switch works; and the cord or battery is undamaged. HSE guidance is to check before mounting that the maximum speed marked on the wheel is not exceeded by the speed marked on the machine. OSHA 1926.303 requires guards on portable grinders and says abrasive wheels are inspected and ring-tested before mounting.

Sources: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.303, abrasive wheels and tools (eCFR) and HSE HSG17: Safety in the use of abrasive wheels (PDF).

What happens to a tool that fails?

Mark it repair before use or withdrawn, tag it, and record where it went: quarantined in the store, sent for repair, back to the hire company or scrapped. Add a photo and an action with an owner and a date. For powder-actuated tools, OSHA says a tool not in proper working order, or that develops a defect, is removed from service at once until properly repaired (1926.302(e)(3)).

Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.302, power-operated hand tools (eCFR).

Does the form certify the tools as safe?

No. It records what was checked, what was found and what was done, with photos, GPS and a signed PDF report. The rules you work to, your risk assessment and the maker's instructions decide what each tool needs. The tool ID can be scanned from a label or rating plate.

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