Pre-Start Checklists

    Free Pre-Start Checklist (Wrap Machine) Template

    Download our free Pre-Start Checklist (Wrap Machine) Template (DOCX & PDF). This resource helps formalise daily equipment checks and supports WHS management.

    September 13, 20263 min read3 viewsLast reviewed September 2026Licensing terms (PDF)

    Free Pre-Start Checklist (Wrap Machine) Template

    DOCX • 125 KB + PDF

    Updated Sep 2026

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    Free Pre-Start Checklist (Wrap Machine) Template — document preview

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

    Improve workplace safety and operational efficiency with our free Pre-Start Checklist (Wrap Machine) Template. This downloadable DOCX and PDF resource provides a structured framework for conducting essential daily checks on your wrapping equipment, helping to identify potential faults before they lead to incidents, downtime, or costly repairs.

    Systematically inspecting your wrap machine is a fundamental part of managing risks associated with plant and machinery in Australian workplaces.

    Integrating this checklist into your daily routine helps your organisation meet its primary duty of care under WHS legislation. It encourages a proactive safety culture by empowering operators to take ownership of their equipment's condition.

    For other types of industrial machinery, you might find our Free Pre-Start Checklist (Granulator) Template equally useful in formalising your inspection processes.

    Video walkthrough

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

    This template is designed for immediate use and customisation. After downloading the DOCX or PDF file, you can print it for manual completion or adapt the Word document to create a digital form.

    The checklist guides operators through critical inspection points, including emergency stops, guards, rollers, film carriage, and turntable operation.

    IMPORTANT: This document is a template. We have designed it to be a comprehensive starting point, but it must be customised to reflect the specific make, model, and configuration of your wrap machine, as well as your site-specific operational risks and procedures.

    It is a tool to support your safety processes, not a complete system in itself. Integrating this checklist is a key activity within broader WHS management systems that govern how your organisation operates safely.

    What the Pre-Start Checklist Covers

    • General Condition: Checking for leaks, damage, and cleanliness.
    • Safety Features: Verifying that emergency stops, safety interlocks, and physical guards are functional and in place.
    • Operational Controls: Inspecting control panels, foot pedals, and automatic sensors for correct operation.
    • Mechanical Components: Examining the turntable, film carriage, rollers, and mast for signs of wear, damage, or misalignment.
    • Work Area: Ensuring the area around the machine is clear of obstructions, slip hazards, and unauthorised personnel.

    When to use it

    A wrap machine pre-start check should be conducted at the beginning of every shift or before the first use of the day. It should also be performed if a new operator takes over during a shift.

    This frequency ensures that any issues that may have developed overnight or during previous use are identified before the machine is put into operation, minimising the risk of incidents.

    Regularly completing and archiving these checklists creates a valuable historical record of the equipment's condition. This documentation can be invaluable during safety investigations, maintenance planning, and formal WHS compliance auditing.

    Who should use it

    The pre-start checklist should be completed by a person who is trained, competent, and authorised to operate the specific wrap machine. This is typically the machine operator assigned to the task for that shift.

    Supervisors should also be familiar with the checklist to verify its completion and address any reported faults.

    It is crucial that operators not only know how to fill out the form but also understand the function of each item they are inspecting and the potential hazards if a fault exists. If your team requires broader safety support, consider engaging professional WHS consulting to enhance your organisation's safety framework.

    This template serves as a robust starting point for one piece of equipment. For a wider selection of safety documentation, you can browse our complete free WHS resources library, which contains checklists and templates for various tasks and machinery.

    Common mistakes

    Common mistakes to avoid

    • Using a generic checklist without customising it for the specific machine model and workplace risks.
    • Operators 'pencil-whipping' the form without performing the actual physical and visual checks.
    • Failing to implement and enforce a clear 'tag out' and 'do not operate' procedure for faulty equipment.
    • Not providing adequate operator training on what to check, why it's important, and what to do if a fault is found.

    Legal references

    Legal considerations

    The following legal requirements may be relevant to this type of work.

    • Work Health and Safety Act (Harmonised) — Provides the primary duties for protecting workers and other people from work health and safety risks.
    • Work Health and Safety Regulations (Harmonised) — Sets out requirements supporting the management of workplace hazards and risks.

    The following codes may be relevant to this type of work.

    • Managing WHS Risks Code of Practice — Provides practical guidance on identifying hazards, assessing risks and applying effective controls.
    • Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination Code of Practice — Provides practical guidance on consulting workers and coordinating with other duty holders.
    • Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice — Provides practical guidance on safe work environments, workplace facilities and related controls.

    Did you know

    Entanglement Hazard

    Entanglement in rotating parts is one of the most severe risks associated with wrap machines. The force generated by the rotating arm or turntable can cause serious injuries like amputations, fractures, or crush injuries in a fraction of a second.

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions

    01Is a pre-start checklist for a wrap machine legally required in Australia?
    While no law specifically mandates a 'checklist', the model WHS Act requires a PCBU to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that plant is without risks to health and safety. A pre-start checklist is a widely accepted method for fulfilling this duty by systematically identifying and managing these risks.
    02What happens if a fault is found during the check?
    If a fault is identified, the machine should not be used. The operator must immediately report the fault to their supervisor and follow the site's 'tag out, lock out' procedure to prevent accidental use until the machine is repaired by a qualified person.
    03How often should our wrap machine checklist be reviewed and updated?
    The checklist should be reviewed periodically (e.g., annually), after any incident involving the machine, when the machine is modified, or when new information about its risks becomes available. This ensures it remains relevant and effective.
    04Can this template be used for both pallet wrappers and stretch wrappers?
    Yes, the principles are the same. However, you must customise the template to include the specific components, controls, and safety features of your particular machine, whether it's a turntable, rotary arm, or orbital stretch wrapper.

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    How To Use It

    1. 1Download and open in Word or PDF.
    2. 2Replace the placeholders with your business details.
    3. 3Get it reviewed by a WHS specialist before rollout.
    Get a document review

    Need it customised?

    Our WHS consultants can adapt this template to your site, run a gap analysis, or audit what you already have in place.

    Book a Free Consultation Explore Consultancy

    or call 1300 156 382