Free Pre-Start Checklist (Kerb Machine) Template

Purpose of the Free Pre-Start Checklist (Kerb Machine) Template

This free Pre-Start Checklist (Kerb Machine) Template provides a structured starting point for formalising daily equipment inspections. Regular pre-start checks are a critical part of managing the risks associated with mobile plant in construction and civil works.

Using a formal checklist helps a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) meet their primary duty of care to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that plant is safe to use. This template helps operators systematically inspect critical components like controls, guards, emergency stops, hydraulic systems, and extrusion mechanisms before operation begins.

It creates a documented record that the machine was in a safe condition at the start of each shift. This process is a fundamental part of a proactive safety culture and can be reinforced through regular pre-start checks and plant maintenance toolbox talks.

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

This template is available as a DOCX file, which is fully editable, and a PDF for immediate use. It is essential that you customise the Word document to the specific make, model, and configuration of the kerb machine used in your operations.

A generic checklist is not sufficient for compliance or safety.

Note: We have included common inspection points based on standard kerb machine designs, but your equipment may have different features or require additional checks specific to its manufacturer or the work being performed. This template is a starting point, not a finished, document.

You must adapt it to your specific context.

Once customised, the Pre-Start Checklist should be integrated into your daily operational procedures. It should form part of a broader safe system of work, which may include other key safety documents such as a SWMS for concrete truck operations, especially when working on busy construction sites.

When to use a Kerb Machine Pre-Start Checklist

A kerb machine pre-start check should be completed before the machine is used for the first time on any given day, or at the beginning of each operator's shift. This ensures that the equipment's condition is verified before work starts, capturing any damage or faults that may have occurred overnight, during transport, or in the previous shift.

Making the check a non-negotiable routine for every operator helps prevent incidents caused by equipment failure. The completed checklists serve as an important record of maintenance and safety diligence within your broader WHS management systems.

Who should use it

The pre-start check must be completed by a competent person. This is typically the machine operator, who should be trained not only in its operation but also in how to conduct a thorough visual and functional inspection.

Competency means the operator has the necessary knowledge and skill to identify potential defects or damage that could compromise safety. It is good practice for the checklist to be reviewed and signed off by a supervisor to ensure accountability and that any reported issues are actioned promptly.

Verifying an operator's ability to conduct these checks can be part of their initial assessment, similar to how an organisation might use a verification of competency for pipe threaders or other specialised plant.

Ensuring Ongoing Compliance

Simply filling out a checklist is not enough. An effective safety system requires a clear process for managing the findings.

This includes immediately reporting defects, tagging and removing faulty equipment from service, and tracking repairs through to completion. Completed checklists should be retained as part of your WHS records.

Regularly reviewing these documents can help identify recurring issues or trends, which may signal a need for changes in maintenance schedules or additional operator training. The effectiveness of your overall safety processes can be validated through periodic WHS compliance auditing to ensure they remain robust and aligned with best practice. For more tools to enhance your safety framework, browse our complete free WHS resources library.