Guides
Guides to equipment inspections and pre-use checks
Straight answers on who has to inspect what, how often, what to write down and what to do when something fails — with the rules cited, and no sales pitch until the end.
How-to guides
- How to set up QR code equipment checklistsHow to put a QR code checklist on every machine: list equipment, pick checklists, print durable stickers, train operators in 2 minutes, route problem alerts.
- How to do a forklift pre-shift inspection, step by stepHow to do a forklift pre-shift inspection: a walkaround with the truck off, the seat and controls, operating tests with it running, and what to do if it fails.
- How to write a pre-use inspection checklist operators will actually useHow to write a pre-use inspection checklist: start from the manual, follow the walkaround, say what a pass looks like, keep it to 10–25 items and test it.
- How to get operators to do pre-use checks, and do them properlyOperators skip pre-use checks when they're slow, far from the machine or ignored. Nine ways to get real checks done: make them quick, fix defects, review daily.
- What to do when equipment fails a pre-use inspectionEquipment failed its pre-use check? Stop, tag it out, report it, have an authorized person repair it, then verify and release it. The OSHA rules, step by step.
- How to label equipment with QR codes that lastHow to label equipment with QR codes: where to put them on each machine, which label materials survive, what size to print, static vs dynamic codes, upkeep.
- How to make an equipment checklist with Google Forms and a QR codeMake an equipment checklist in Google Forms with a QR code per machine using pre-filled links, and its limits: one sheet, editable machine field, photo sign-in.
Explainers
- Pre-use vs pre-shift vs daily inspection: what each term meansA pre-use inspection is the operator's check before using a machine. Compare pre-use, pre-shift, daily, pre-start, walkaround and DVIR checks and who does each.
- Pre-use inspection vs preventive maintenance: what each one doesA pre-use inspection is the operator's daily check for defects; preventive maintenance is scheduled servicing by a mechanic. How they differ and work together.
- What is a competent person? OSHA, UK and who inspects whatOSHA defines a competent person as one who can spot hazards and has authority to fix them. Compare competent, qualified and authorized, and who inspects what.
- Pencil whipping: what it means, how to spot it and how to stop itPencil whipping is ticking an inspection checklist without doing the inspection. Why it happens, the warning signs in your records and how to stop it.
Rules and compliance
- OSHA forklift inspection requirements: what 1910.178 actually saysOSHA requires forklifts to be examined before use at least daily, and after each shift if run around the clock. What to check, who does it, records and fines.
- How often should forklifts be inspected?Forklifts must be examined before use at least daily, and after each shift if run around the clock. Every forklift inspection type, who does it and how often.
- Forklift inspection records: what OSHA requires and how long to keep themOSHA doesn't require written forklift inspection records, and retention is your choice. What OSHA's letters say, what to record and how long to keep it.
- OSHA equipment inspection requirements, equipment by equipmentHow often OSHA requires forklifts, lifts, scaffolds, cranes, slings, ladders, harnesses and extinguishers to be inspected, by whom, and which need records.
- MEWP inspection requirements: pre-start, frequent and annualMEWPs need an operator pre-start check each shift, a frequent inspection every 3 months or 150 hours, and an annual one. ANSI A92 and OSHA rules explained.
- Scissor lift inspection requirementsOSHA covers many scissor lifts under its scaffold rules: a competent person inspects before each shift. Plus ANSI pre-start, frequent and annual inspections.
- DVIR requirements: the FMCSA rules for driver vehicle inspection reportsA DVIR is required at the end of each day's work only when a defect is found. Repairs must be certified and reports kept 3 months. The FMCSA rules for 2026.
- Crane inspection requirements: shift, monthly and annualOSHA crane inspections: shift checks by a competent person, documented monthly inspections kept 3 months, and annual ones by a qualified person kept 12 months.
- Heavy equipment inspection requirements on construction sitesOSHA has no single heavy equipment inspection schedule. Jobsite vehicles are checked each shift, unsafe machines tagged out, and the manual sets daily checks.
- Equipment inspection record keeping: what to keep and for how longHow long to keep equipment inspection records, rule by rule: DVIRs 3 months, crane monthly 3 and annual 12, extinguisher upkeep 1 year. And what to record.
- Fire extinguisher inspection requirements: monthly, annual and hydrostaticOSHA requires a monthly visual check and an annual maintenance check of portable fire extinguishers, with the annual date recorded. Who does what, and when.
- Ladder inspection requirements: OSHA rules and what to checkOSHA requires ladders to be inspected before first use each shift in general industry, and periodically by a competent person in construction. What to check.
- PUWER pre-use checks and inspections: what the law requiresPUWER pre-use checks explained: what regs 4–6 require, when a quick check is enough, when a recorded inspection is needed, who can do it and what to record.
- LOLER thorough examinations: intervals, reports and pre-use checksLOLER thorough examination intervals: 6 months for accessories and kit that lifts people, 12 months for other lifting equipment, or an examination scheme.
- Forklift daily checks in the UK: the pre-shift check, records and thorough examinationsUK forklift daily checks: HSE's L117 says operators should check the truck at the start of each shift and document the results. What to check, records, LOLER.
- Pre-start checks in Australia: what WHS law requiresAre pre-start checks required in Australia? What WHS regulation 213 says, how states differ, which plant needs a licence or registration, and what to record.
Comparisons
Reference
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