Free Pre-Start Checklist (Cryostat) Template

Purpose of the Free Pre-Start Checklist (Cryostat) Template

This Free Pre-Start Checklist (Cryostat) Template provides a structured starting point for formalising the safety inspection of laboratory cryostats before they are used. Cryostats present a unique combination of hazards, including extremely sharp microtome blades, cryogenic temperatures, potential exposure to biological materials, and electrical risks.

Using a systematic checklist helps operators to proactively identify equipment damage, faults, or unsafe conditions before commencing work.

Implementing a routine pre-start check is a fundamental component of managing workplace risks. It minimises the chance of injury from blade contact, prevents equipment malfunction that could compromise samples, and ensures safety features like blade guards and locks are functional. Documenting these checks creates a clear record of due diligence, demonstrating a commitment to safety that forms a core part of effective WHS management systems.

How to use the Free Pre-Start Checklist (Cryostat) Template

This resource is available for download as a DOCX file, allowing for easy customisation, and as a PDF for straightforward printing and use. The checklist is designed as a foundational guide aligned with Australian WHS principles, but it is not a complete, out-of-the-box solution.

It requires careful adaptation to reflect the specific context of your workplace.

Important: Before implementing this checklist, it must be customised for your organisation. We recommend the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) consults with workers who operate the cryostat, laboratory managers, and WHS personnel.

Review the checklist against the specific make and model of your equipment, the manufacturer’s operating manual, and any relevant Safe Work Procedures (SWPs). Add, remove, or modify items to ensure all site-specific hazards are covered.

Once customised, the checklist should be integrated into your daily operational procedures. Completed checklists should be filed as part of your safety records.

These records provide valuable data that can be reviewed during a WHS compliance audit to verify that safety processes are being consistently followed.

When to use it

A cryostat pre-start check should be completed by a trained operator at the beginning of any shift where the equipment will be used, or before the first use of the day. Consistency is crucial for building a strong safety culture and ensuring that no check is missed.

The checklist should also be used after any maintenance, repair, cleaning, or relocation of the unit to confirm it is safe to return to service and is functioning correctly.

Regularly reinforcing the importance of these checks is vital for maintaining high safety standards. Discussing the process and any findings can be an effective topic for safety meetings.

You can use our Pre-Start Checks and Plant Maintenance Toolbox Talk Template to facilitate these crucial conversations with your team.

Who should use it

This checklist is designed for use by trained and competent personnel who are authorised to operate the cryostat, such as laboratory technicians, medical scientists, pathologists, and researchers. The responsibility for conducting the check lies with the operator before they begin their task.

Supervisors or laboratory managers should periodically review the completed checklists to ensure they are being filled out correctly and that any reported defects are being addressed in a timely manner. WHS representatives may also use the aggregated data to identify trends in equipment faults or near misses.

Many laboratories and research facilities use a range of specialised equipment, each with unique risks. It's important that specific checklists are developed for each type of plant.

For example, a facility that also prepares samples might require a separate pre-start checklist for an agitator to manage its distinct hazards.

By embedding this practice into your operations, you contribute to a safer and more reliable working environment. For more templates and safety documents, you can explore our complete free WHS resources library.