Free Pre-Start Checklist (Infusion Pump) Template

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

Infusion pumps are critical pieces of equipment in healthcare settings, and their reliable function is paramount to patient safety. This Free Pre-Start Checklist (Infusion Pump) Template provides a structured framework for operators to conduct consistent and thorough safety inspections before use.

Implementing regular checks helps identify potential faults, damage, or calibration issues early, preventing malfunctions that could lead to incorrect dosage or equipment failure. Formalising this process demonstrates a commitment to proactive risk management and helps create a safer environment for both patients and healthcare professionals.

Using a standardised checklist ensures that no critical safety item is overlooked, promoting a consistent standard of care and operational readiness. Reinforcing the importance of these inspections can be effectively done through regular training, such as with a Pre-Start Checks and Plant Maintenance Toolbox Talk Template.

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

This template is provided in both DOCX and PDF formats for your convenience. The DOCX file is fully editable, allowing you to tailor the checklist to the specific models of infusion pumps used in your facility, as well as any unique environmental or procedural requirements.

To use it, download the file and open it in a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

Review the default checklist items and add, remove, or modify them to align with the manufacturer’s instructions and your internal safety protocols. Key areas to inspect typically include the power cord and plug, casing integrity, display screen function, alarm tests, and the condition of tubing clamps and sensors.

Once customised, the checklist can be integrated into your facility's operational procedures.

Important Customisation Note

This document is a template and not a complete, out-of-the-box solution. It is essential that you customise this checklist to suit the specific equipment, tasks, and risks present in your workplace.

We are not liable for any incidents that may occur from the use of this document. It should be incorporated into your broader WHS management systems as part of a comprehensive approach to safety.

When to use it

An infusion pump pre-start checklist should be completed before the first use of the pump each day or at the beginning of each shift where the pump will be in operation. It should also be used when a pump is brought into a new clinical area or if there is any doubt about its operational status.

The goal is to verify the equipment's safety and functionality immediately prior to it being used for patient care. For comprehensive safety, this daily check should complement a FREE Pump SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) Template that outlines the full lifecycle of safe operation, from setup to cleaning and storage.

Who should use it

This checklist is designed to be used by the primary operators of the equipment, such as nurses, clinicians, and other trained healthcare professionals who are responsible for setting up and administering infusions. Their direct involvement ensures that the person using the device is confident in its safety and readiness.

Supervisors, clinical managers, and biomedical engineering staff may also use the completed checklists for auditing, maintenance scheduling, and quality assurance purposes. In settings like residential care, reinforcing safety protocols is crucial, and this checklist can be used alongside resources like an Aged Care Manual Handling Toolbox Talk Template to build a strong safety culture.

Furthermore, WHS managers or officers have a role in ensuring these procedures are correctly implemented and consistently followed. They can periodically review the completed checklists to identify trends, supports your compliance efforts, and verify the effectiveness of the pre-start inspection process.

This can be a key activity within regular WHS compliance auditing to confirm that safety protocols are being upheld on the ground. For more tools to support your safety framework, you can browse our complete free WHS resources library.