Free Pre-Start Checklist (Grease Pump) Template

Purpose of the Free Pre-Start Checklist (Grease Pump) Template

Regularly inspecting high-pressure equipment is a critical control measure in any workplace. This free Pre-Start Checklist (Grease Pump) Template provides a structured framework for operators to verify that a grease pump and its associated components are safe to use before commencing work.

Using this checklist helps formalise the inspection process, creating a consistent record that the equipment was in a safe condition at the start of each shift. It's an essential tool for preventing equipment failure, minimising the risk of high-pressure injection injuries, and supporting a proactive safety culture.

Integrating these daily checks into your operational routine is a fundamental step in meeting your workplace health and safety obligations. A well-maintained grease pump is not only safer but also more reliable, reducing downtime and costly emergency repairs.

For a broader look at integrating checks and maintenance, our Pre-Start Checks and Plant Maintenance Toolbox Talk provides excellent material to reinforce this message with your team.

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

Using this template is straightforward. Simply download the file in your preferred format (DOCX or PDF) and integrate it into your daily operations.

The DOCX version is fully editable, allowing you to tailor the checklist items to your specific equipment and work environment.

Follow these steps to get started:

• Download: Choose either the DOCX for customisation or the PDF for immediate use.
• Customise: Add your company branding. More importantly, review and modify the checklist items to match the specific make and model of the grease pumps used in your business, the types of fittings and hoses, and the unique environmental conditions of your site.
• Train: Ensure all operators are trained on why the check is important and how to complete each item on the list correctly.
• Implement: Make the pre-start check a mandatory step before any grease pump is used. Establish a clear process for what an operator should do if they identify a fault or defect, such as tagging the equipment out of service and notifying a supervisor.

Important: This document is a template designed as a starting point. We recommend you customise it to reflect the specific equipment, operational procedures, and risks present in your workplace.

Integrating this process within a structured WHS management system ensures consistency and accountability.

When to use it

A grease pump pre-start checklist should be completed by the operator at the beginning of every shift or before the equipment is used for the first time each day. This frequency ensures that any faults or damage that may have occurred during previous use, transit, or overnight are identified before the pump is pressurised.

It's a simple, quick process that can prevent a serious incident. To further formalise procedures around this type of equipment, consider developing a Pump SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) template.

Who should use it

This checklist is designed for use by competent personnel who are authorised to operate grease pumps. This typically includes mechanics, maintenance fitters, heavy equipment operators, and service technicians.

Supervisors should also be familiar with the checklist to ensure their team members are completing the checks correctly and to action any reported defects promptly. Verifying that operators are competent is also key; a process similar to our Verification of Competency for a stationary concrete pump can be adapted to confirm skills for various plant.

While this checklist focuses on pre-start safety, a comprehensive approach involves identifying all potential hazards associated with the task. Our water pump risk assessment template can serve as a useful guide for thinking through the broader risks of pump operation.