Heavy equipment inspection checklist

A daily inspection should cover fluid levels (oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid), tire or track condition, lights and signals, safety devices, brakes, steering, and visible leaks. Focus on components that commonly fail or wear during daily operation and could pose immediate safety risks if not functioning properly.

Each completed checklist should include the equipment identification number, date and time of inspection, inspector’s name and qualification, specific defects found, maintenance actions taken, and verification signature. Maintain these records for at least three years to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements.

Review your equipment manufacturer’s maintenance manual for specific inspection points, then add these to the template. Consider your operating environment’s unique challenges and add relevant checks. Remove irrelevant sections and expand others based on your equipment’s critical components and common failure points.

Failing to conduct and document regular equipment inspections can result in OSHA citations, fines ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, increased liability in accident cases, potential criminal charges for negligence, and possible insurance claim denials if equipment failure causes damage or injuries.