Free Pre-Start Checklist (Escalator) Template

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

Operating an escalator involves significant risks, from slips and trips to more serious entrapment hazards. A systematic pre-start inspection is a fundamental safety measure for any person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU).

This Free Pre-Start Checklist (Escalator) Template provides a structured starting point for formalising your daily safety checks, helping you meet your duty of care under Australian WHS laws.

Regularly using this checklist helps to proactively identify potential faults, wear and tear, or environmental hazards before they lead to incidents or costly breakdowns. It creates a documented record of due diligence and forms a critical component of a comprehensive WHS management system. By standardising the inspection process, you ensure that key safety features like emergency stops, comb plates, and handrails are verified as functional every day.

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

This template is designed for easy adoption into your safety procedures. First, download the DOCX file and adapt it to your specific workplace.

It is crucial to add, remove, or modify checklist items to reflect the make, model, and location of your escalators. This customisation ensures the checks are relevant and effective.

Once customised, train the relevant personnel on how to complete the inspection accurately. This training should be practical and highlight what constitutes a defect.

The completed checklists should be filed as a record of your safety activities, which can be reviewed during WHS compliance audits to verify that procedures are being followed. Any identified faults must be reported immediately through your organisation's maintenance and hazard reporting channels.

Customisation is Essential

Please note: This document is a template and must be customised to suit the specific make and model of the escalator, your operational environment, and relevant state or territory WHS regulations. We are not responsible for the implementation of this document, and it is your responsibility to ensure it is fit for your specific purpose.

When to use it

The escalator pre-start checklist should be completed before the equipment is made available for public or worker use at the start of each day or shift. It should also be used after any period of shutdown, maintenance, or repair work to ensure the escalator is safe to return to service.

Consistent daily checks are the best way to catch developing issues early.

Regular safety discussions also reinforce the importance of these checks. You can use a Pre-Start Checks and Plant Maintenance Toolbox Talk to brief staff on the procedure, discuss recent findings, and emphasise the importance of not operating faulty equipment.

Who should use it

This checklist should be used by a competent person who has been authorised and trained to inspect the escalator. This may include:

• Facilities Managers
• Building Operations Staff
• Qualified Maintenance Technicians
• Designated and Trained Operators

The person performing the check must have sufficient knowledge to recognise deviations from normal operating conditions. If your team requires assistance in developing safe operating procedures or competency frameworks, our WHS consulting services can provide tailored support for your organisation.

By equipping the right people with the right tools, you foster a proactive safety culture. For more templates and safety guides, you can browse our complete free WHS resources library.