Free Pre-Start Checklist (Grain Cleaner) Template

Purpose of the Free Pre-Start Checklist (Grain Cleaner) Template

Implementing a consistent inspection routine is crucial for operating agricultural machinery safely. Our free Pre-Start Checklist (Grain Cleaner) Template provides a structured starting point for your business to formalise daily equipment safety checks, helping to identify and control hazards before they cause an incident.

Using a checklist ensures that key safety components, such as guards, emergency stops, and drive mechanisms, are inspected systematically every time.

A documented pre-start check is a fundamental component of effective WHS management systems. It creates a record that demonstrates due diligence and helps identify mechanical issues like worn belts, damaged guards, or blocked screens before they lead to costly breakdowns or serious injuries. This proactive approach to safety and maintenance supports a positive safety culture and helps meet your obligations under Australian WHS laws.

The checklist encourages operators to take ownership of their equipment's condition and fosters a preventative mindset. While this document is specific to grain cleaners, the principles of safe operation apply to all farm equipment.

You can complement your procedures with other resources, such as a free Grain Drill SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) template, to build a comprehensive safety framework.

How to Use the Free Pre-Start Checklist (Grain Cleaner) Template

This template is provided in both DOCX and PDF formats for your convenience. The DOCX version is fully editable, allowing you to tailor the checklist to your specific operational needs.

Download the file and add your company branding, site-specific details, and any checks relevant to the particular make and model of your grain cleaner. Items to consider adding include checks for specific augers, screens, fans, or dust extraction systems unique to your machine.

Important: This document is a template, not a finished product. It is essential that you customise it to reflect the specific machinery, tasks, and hazards present at your workplace.

We have created this template as a guide based on common WHS principles, but it is your responsibility to ensure it is adapted to suit your specific legal and operational requirements. If you require assistance with this process, our WHS consulting services can provide expert guidance.

Once customised, the checklist should be printed and kept with the machine or in a designated logbook. Operators should be trained on how to complete it correctly, including the process for reporting and tagging out faulty equipment. Regular inspections are a core part of proactive maintenance; you can reinforce this message with our Pre-Start Checks and Plant Maintenance Toolbox Talk.

When to Use It

This check should be completed by the operator at the start of each day or shift, before the grain cleaner is first energised or used. It is designed to be a quick but thorough inspection that takes only a few minutes to complete.

A check should also be performed if the machine has been idle for an extended period or after it has undergone maintenance or repairs to ensure it is safe to return to service.

Many agricultural sites use a range of specialised plant for grain handling. If your operations also involve grain storage and aeration, you may find our Free Pre-Start Checklist (Aerator) Template useful for standardising your inspection processes across different equipment types.

Who Should Use It

The pre-start checklist should be completed by a competent operator who has been trained in the safe use of the specific grain cleaner. The person performing the check must understand the function of each component they are inspecting and be able to recognise signs of wear, damage, or malfunction.

They must also be authorised to stop work and report any identified faults according to your organisation's procedures.

Supervisors and managers should also be familiar with the checklist. They are responsible for ensuring the checks are being completed correctly, reviewing the completed records, and actioning any reported faults in a timely manner. Periodically reviewing completed checklists is a key part of ensuring procedures are being followed, which can be verified through a formal WHS compliance audit. To find more safety templates and documents to support your procedures, you can browse our complete free WHS resources library.