Free Pre-Start Checklist (Paint Shaker) Template

Purpose of the Free Pre-Start Checklist (Paint Shaker) Template

A paint shaker, while common in retail and trade settings, presents mechanical, noise, and vibration hazards. Using a structured checklist before operation is a critical control measure to ensure the equipment is safe to use.

This Free Pre-Start Checklist (Paint Shaker) Template provides a systematic way to inspect the machine, helping operators identify potential faults, damage, or missing guards before they lead to an incident. Regular, documented checks demonstrate a commitment to proactive risk management and help maintain the equipment in safe working order.

Integrating these checks is fundamental to fulfilling your duty of care as a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU).

By formalising this process, you create a record that the equipment was verified as safe at a specific point in time. This can be invaluable for incident investigations, maintenance planning, and safety audits.

It also helps manage specific risks associated with paint, such as exposure to hazardous substances. For further training on this topic, consider using our Lead Paint Awareness Toolbox Talk Template to brief your team on associated chemical hazards.

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

This template is designed to be a practical tool for your workplace. Start by downloading the DOCX file and adapting it to the specific make and model of paint shaker you use.

It is crucial that the checklist reflects the unique features and risks of your equipment.

Follow these steps for effective implementation:

• Customise: Add your company branding. Review, add, or remove checklist items to align with the manufacturer's instructions and your own risk assessments. Please note: We provide this template as a starting point. You must customise it to suit the specific equipment, processes, and risks in your workplace.
• Train: Ensure all operators are trained not only on how to use the paint shaker safely but also on how to conduct a thorough pre-start inspection using the checklist. They must understand what each item means and what constitutes a 'pass' or 'fail'.
• Implement: Integrate the checklist into your daily operating procedures. Establish a clear process for what an operator must do if they identify a fault, such as stopping work, isolating the equipment, and reporting the issue to a supervisor.
• Review: Periodically review the completed checklists to identify recurring faults or trends, which can inform your maintenance schedule and purchasing decisions.

These documented procedures are a vital component of robust WHS management systems, providing tangible evidence of your safety processes in action.

When to use it

A pre-start checklist for a paint shaker should be completed before the first use of the day or at the beginning of each shift. It should also be used after any maintenance, repair, or adjustment has been made to the machine to verify it has been returned to a safe operational state.

If the equipment has been moved or potentially damaged, an inspection should be conducted before it is used again. A consistent routine for these checks is key to preventing complacency. To reinforce this habit across all types of equipment, you can use our Pre-Start Checks and Plant Maintenance Toolbox Talk Template.

Who should use it

The pre-start checklist should be completed by a worker who is competent and authorised to operate the paint shaker. This is typically the operator assigned to use the machine for the shift.

Their familiarity with the equipment makes them the ideal person to notice subtle changes or developing faults. Supervisors should also be familiar with the checklist so they can review completed forms and ensure the process is being followed correctly. Discussing the findings from these checks can be a valuable part of daily safety briefings; you can formalise these discussions using our free Pre-Start Meeting Template.

While this template is for a paint shaker, the principles apply to similar vibrating or rotating equipment. For instance, you might also find value in our free Pre-Start Checklist for an Agitator for other mixing processes. Periodically, an independent party, such as a maintenance manager or safety officer, should observe the pre-start process or conduct a spot check to verify its effectiveness, which can be part of broader WHS compliance auditing.