Checklist for Pre & Post-use Construction Equipment Inspection

April 4, 2024

Author

Oded Ran

It’s like being one step away from disaster, where one small negligence can cause huge losses. This is where the importance of checklists comes in. The construction sector plays one of the greatest roles in the world economy, as construction goods and services consume nearly a $10 trillion budget every year globally.

To improve operations and take preventative measures, having a checklist for pre- & post-use construction equipment inspection is the first step towards safety.

Just as one wrong step can mess up a whole math problem, not having equipment inspection checklists is a clear invitation to accidents. For all construction workers, this guide discusses a detailed checklist for pre- & post-use construction equipment inspection.

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The Undeniable Need for Construction Equipment Inspection

Let's first discuss how crucial is to have the construction equipment inspections:

Inspection before starting work facilitates smooth project management.
Following an inspection checklist provides routine health check-ups for equipment.
Covers both physical condition and technical functionality of equipment.
Extends the lifespan of construction machinery.
Inadequate maintenance and excessive usage lead to premature equipment damage.
Daily checklist adherence mitigates risks to team and site safety.
Proper training for machine operators is crucial for safe operation.
Early detection of issues to prevent breakdowns and costly repairs.
Ensures compliance with safety regulations and standards.
Maintains a productive workflow on construction sites.

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Comprehensive Pre- and Post-Construction Equipment Inspection Checklist for Construction Workers

As it all starts with a thorough equipment inspection, we have compiled a prominent list of your daily tasks. Take a moment to go through this comprehensive pre- and post-construction equipment checklist.

Follow OSHA Guidelines

It's crucial for construction companies and workers to adhere to OSHA guidelines to ensure a safe working environment. Following these guidelines not only minimizes the risk of injuries but also promotes a culture of safety within the workplace.

Regularly updating safety inspection checklists for construction equipment is essential to staying compliant with OSHA regulations, as they frequently update their guidelines to reflect the latest safety standards and practices.

Research says the common incidents happen since people violate OSHA codes. Construction companies can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries on their worksites by following OSHA compliance

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Inspect the Work Site

Research studies have explored the impact of weather conditions on construction site safety. Thoroughly inspecting the construction site and checking the heavy equipment is essential.

Observe the environmental conditions, as specific types of weather can make it dangerous to use certain equipment. For example, extreme heat or cold, heavy rain, or high winds can pose significant risks to construction workers and equipment.

Awareness of electrical wires, trenches, and potential hazards is also necessary. Removing obstacles from your work site is a good idea. Creating a safe environment is essential to minimize injuries.

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Pre-Inspection Preparation

You can prepare an effective strategy by scheduling an equipment inspection call. It will help you quickly gather the required tools, find the necessary documents, and understand the equipment’s functioning easily. The purpose is to ensure a non-disruptive construction process.

Always check your equipment’s maintenance history and understand its current state. If it has had issues in the past, focus more on its inspection. Pre-inspection preparation helps you reduce error margins, save resources, and identify potential problems.

For instance, if you're inspecting a forklift, before initiating the formal inspection, make sure to have a small conversation with the operator about any recent challenges they've faced while using it. They might mention issues like difficulty in lifting heavy loads or strange vibrations

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Visual Inspection

Visual inspection is the first line of defense. This allows you to find issues that may affect your machinery’s lifespan and performance. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, rust, leaks, or irregular noises.

Afterward, check the equipment’s gauge levels to see if they’re operating within the proper range. Remember that your goal is to find problems that don’t quickly appear during the functional inspection.

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Functional Inspection

When testing the operational functionality of your construction equipment, it is imperative to carefully evaluate the control system and features. Create a checklist and thoroughly observe the operation of all components, including the engine, hydraulic system, brakes, controls, and undercarriage.

Keep in mind that any discrepancies or inefficiencies can lead to more significant issues down the line. A successful inspection of construction equipment ensures both efficiency and safety in its operation.

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Use the Right Equipment

Using the appropriate heavy equipment considering the job requirements is critical for ensuring safety and efficiency on site. Pay full attention to payload and lift capacities.

If you use equipment that’s not strong enough, it can have severe consequences for operators and those working in the surrounding area. For instance, if a project involves lifting heavy loads, utilizing equipment with adequate lift capacities is essential to prevent accidents or equipment failure.

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PPE

Ensuring you wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) while working at a construction site is crucial for preventing severe injuries. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as work boots, hard hats, gloves, and protective eyewear offer essential protection against various hazards.

It's imperative to familiarize yourself with OSHA's guidelines on PPE and adhere to them consistently to maintain a safe working environment.

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Top off the Fuel

After mixing hot fuel with cool air, small amounts of water can form, which can cause issues. After every shift, fill up your fuel tank. This helps prevent condensation from forming in the tank, ensuring you can easily start working the next day.

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Refill the DEF Tank

Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) differs from fuel and doesn’t get hot, so you don’t have to worry about condensation. However, it's important to correctly top off the DEF while refilling your fuel tank and avoid confusing the fill holes.

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Lower Hydraulic Implements to the Ground

Lower the booms and buckets to the ground before exiting the cab. This safety measure is essential when parking your machine to prevent anyone from walking under the unsupported hydraulic system. It also provides an opportunity to thoroughly check the hydraulic oil after completing the work.

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Wait Two Minutes Before Shutting Down Your Machine

This technique allows the turbocharger to cool down. Shutting down your machine without allowing the turbocharger to cool down once or twice won’t cause any damage.

However, if it becomes a habit, it will blow up the turbocharger or damage your engine. Volvo machines have a delayed engine shutdown feature, so you can use it to avoid dangerous situations.

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Exit Machine with Three Points of Contact

Several injuries occur around trips, slips, and falls while getting on and off machines. Prioritize your safety, especially at the end of your shift. For instance, when stepping down from a forklift, ensure one hand remains on the handrail, while another on a stable surface, like the vehicle's frame, maintaining balance.

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Turn Off the Battery Disconnect Switch

To turn off the battery disconnect switch on Volvo wheel loaders, locate the excavator or master disconnect switch at ground level. For articulated haulers, it's integrated into the ignition key. Remember to switch off lights and radio to preserve battery power when not in use.

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Perform a Quick Machine Walkaround

Check tracks and tires to avoid excessive damage. If your tracks are full of mud, clean them to avoid wasting time the following day. This is essential if you’re working in winter when frozen mud in tracks can cost you thousands in repairs. Observe the hydraulics machine to check for leaks. If you find any leaks, ask your night shift mechanic to fix them.

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Documentation and Reporting

After completing the inspection, gather all the data and results and prepare to write a detailed construction equipment inspection report. Pay close attention to any issues or abnormalities you encounter while inspecting the equipment.

Record-keeping is a crucial resource for stakeholders, managers, and maintenance team members. It helps them quickly find solutions and design a construction equipment inspection sheet. Consistent documentation and reporting enable you to predict future issues and plan preventive checks.

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Training Sessions

Completing a heavy equipment operator training program is not sufficient. You should also undergo safety training and participate in various other training sessions that are integral to a heavy equipment operator’s job.

Regular training sessions help everyone stay aware of current safe working practices necessary for handling heavy equipment. Additionally, consider taking refresher courses to prevent accidents in the workplace.

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Utilize Technology in Inspections

Leverage technology such as construction equipment inspection software to assess the accuracy and efficiency of machinery. You can use options like simple digital checklists and advanced systems incorporating IoT and AI technologies.

Digital inspection checklists help ensure you don’t overlook any crucial checks and provide data storage for trend analysis and easy reference. Moreover, technologies like AI-powered image recognition can identify potential equipment issues that may be challenging for humans to detect.

IoT devices can monitor equipment health parameters regularly and issue alerts when issues arise. Investing in technological tools will enhance inspection accuracy and increase overall productivity.

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Introducing Clue: The Ultimate Solution for the Construction Sector

Since the transition to digital solutions, equipment inspection checklists can now be efficiently managed using software. Among the top choices for ensuring thorough checks and maintaining balance is Clue.

Here's why Clue stands out as the best and most efficient solution for modern-day construction.

Clue offers comprehensive insights into equipment, enabling real-time monitoring and historical performance tracking. This capability aids in the early detection of issues and helps prevent breakdowns.
The platform facilitates digital inspection checklists, reducing the occurrence of human errors and ensuring meticulous inspections of construction equipment.
With advanced technologies such as inspection software and IoT monitoring, Clue enhances inspection accuracy and reliability.
Moreover, Clue supports training and documentation requirements by providing easy access to inspection records and reports, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

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Final Thoughts:

The above information highlights the importance of construction equipment inspection. Safety and efficiency are the top priorities in the construction sector, and for this, checklists serve as a protective shield to prevent accidents or losses. Additionally, following OSHA guidelines can be a valuable addition to boost safety protocols and ensure compliance.

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FAQs

Why is regular construction equipment inspection necessary?

Regular inspection ensures smooth project management and enhances the safety of your team and the construction site. Construction equipment requires maintenance to perform well and last longer.