Free Pre-Start Checklist (Tray Sealer) Template

Purpose of the Free Pre-Start Checklist (Tray Sealer) Template

Using a formalised inspection process before operating machinery is a fundamental aspect of workplace safety. This free Pre-Start Checklist (Tray Sealer) Template provides a structured framework for operators to conduct routine safety inspections, identify potential hazards, and verify that the equipment is safe to use.

Tray sealers combine heat, moving parts, and electrical systems, creating a specific risk profile that includes burns, crushing injuries, and electrical shock. Systematically checking these components helps prevent incidents and ensures the machine operates as intended by the manufacturer.

Regular checks are a proactive measure to manage risks associated with plant and equipment. They help identify wear and tear, damage, or system malfunctions before they lead to a breakdown or an injury.

Integrating this process into your daily routine helps build a stronger safety culture and demonstrates a commitment to due diligence. You can reinforce these principles with workers by using resources like our Pre-Start Checks and Plant Maintenance Toolbox Talk.

How to use the Free Pre-Start Checklist (Tray Sealer) Template

This resource is available as a DOCX file for easy customisation and a PDF for straightforward printing and use. The checklist provides a solid foundation aligned with Australian WHS practice, but it must be adapted to fit the specific make, model, and configuration of the tray sealer in your workplace.

It should be used as part of your broader WHS management systems to ensure a holistic approach to safety.

Customisation is Key

Before implementing this checklist, a competent person should review and modify it to include all relevant safety features, guards, emergency stops, and operational controls specific to your machine. We have designed this template to be a starting point; you must ensure it comprehensively covers the risks present in your unique operational environment.

Consider adding sections for different film types, tooling changeovers, or specific cleaning requirements if these tasks introduce additional hazards.

When to use it

A pre-start check should be conducted by the operator at the beginning of each shift or before using the tray sealer for the first time that day. If multiple operators use the same machine during a shift, a handover check is also good practice to ensure no issues have arisen. The goal is to make these checks a consistent, non-negotiable part of the daily workflow, just like pre-start checks for other machinery in a production environment, such as those covered in our pre-start checklist for an agitator.

Completed checklists should be filed and retained as part of your safety records. These documents provide valuable data on the equipment's condition over time and can highlight recurring issues that may require more significant maintenance or a review of operator training.

This documentation is also crucial for demonstrating procedural compliance.

Who should use it

Only trained and competent workers authorised to operate the tray sealer should complete the pre-start checklist. The person performing the check must understand what each item means and how to properly inspect it.

For example, they need to know not just that an interlock guard exists, but how to test that it functions correctly without putting themselves at risk. This level of detail is also important for other automated equipment, as seen in our checklist for a CNC router.

Supervisors or team leaders should periodically review completed checklists to verify they are being filled out correctly and that any reported faults are being addressed promptly. This oversight is a key component of effective safety management and is often reviewed during a WHS compliance auditing process.

These records provide tangible proof that the organisation is actively monitoring and maintaining its plant and equipment. Explore our complete free WHS resources library for more templates to support your safety systems.