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Free Pre-Start Checklists
for plant, vehicles and equipment
Daily checks for forklifts, EWPs, excavators, trucks and more.
Each checklist is a free, editable Word document. Add your logo and plant details, check the items match the manufacturer's instructions, and your operators can print it or fill it in before each shift.
Free to download and use
100% editable Word documents
Plant, vehicles and equipment
Download link sent by email
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BROWSE THE CHECKLISTS
Find the pre-start checklist for your machine
Click a checklist to see what it covers. Not sure which one fits? The vehicle and truck checklists are a good starting point for most light and heavy vehicles.
WHY PRE-START CHECKS
Catch the fault before the shift, not during it
Plant and vehicles are involved in many serious workplace injuries. A two-minute check at the start of the shift picks up the faults behind them: worn tyres, hydraulic leaks, faulty brakes, missing guards and warning devices that don't work.
Under WHS laws, a business must make sure its plant is safe to use and is maintained, inspected and tested as the manufacturer recommends. A signed pre-start checklist is a simple record that the machine was checked and any faults were reported.
Catch faults early
Faults are picked up before anyone starts work, not halfway through the job.
Keep a simple record
A signed checklist shows the machine was checked, who checked it, and what faults were reported.
Tag out unsafe plant
If a fault affects safe use, the machine is tagged out and not used until it's fixed.
HOW IT WORKS
Three steps to your free checklist
Before you use a checklist: these are general templates. Check each item suits your machine and the manufacturer's instructions, and talk to your operators before you start using it.
1. Choose your checklist
Pick the machine above and click it to see what the checklist includes.
2. Check out free
Add it to your cart and check out. The order total is $0, so there is nothing to pay.
3. Download and edit
We email you the download link. Add your logo and plant details, then print a pad or fill it in on a tablet.
WHEN YOU NEED MORE
Pre-start checks are step one. Safe operation is the rest.
A checklist confirms the machine is fit to use. Our Safe Operating Procedures cover how to use it safely, with the steps, hazards and controls already written, so operators are trained and signed off on the same document.
Step-by-step procedures for plant and equipment, with pre-start checks, safe operation and worker sign-off already written.
Five-minute safety talks with the hazards, team questions and a meeting record already written.
Task risk assessments with the hazards, controls and risk ratings written for everyday work.
The job steps, hazards, controls and risk ratings already written, for high risk construction work and much more.
Your manual, SWMS, SOPs, toolbox talks and induction handbook, all in one package.
THE COMPLETE PACKAGE
Want your whole safety system set up in one go?
The WHS Management System for your industry gives you your WHS manual, SWMS, safe operating procedures, toolbox talks and induction handbook, all written in the same format.
WHS Management Systems
Your WHS manual plus the SWMS, SOPs, toolbox talks and induction handbook for your industry, all written in the same format.
The full SWMS bundle for your industry
Your industry WHS manual and Victorian OHS edition
SOPs, toolbox talks and induction handbook
Free personalisation with your logo and business details
Pay once. No subscription and no ongoing fees.
FAQS
Pre-start checklists: common questions
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What Our Clients Are Saying
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Delivered exceptional service for our WHS document needs. The documents were highly professional, delivered promptly, and their customer service was excellent.
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Urban Demolition
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With a busy builder and trying to stay on top of all safety requirements. Everything OHS was well within budget and quick and easy to fit our business.
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Would highly recommend Everything OHS for your business needs. We reached out and received a reply straight away. The service was quick and helpful and very happy to help.
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Fergs Haulage
These free resources are general templates written by WHS specialists. Edit each one to suit your workplace, check it meets the legal requirements that apply to you, and consult your workers before use. By downloading a template you agree to our Terms and Conditions. Last updated November 2026.