This Pre-Start Plant & Equipment Inspection SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out the general pre-start inspection process for powered plant and equipment. It covers checking for tags and outstanding faults, a walk-around visual check, guards and interlocks, controls and emergency stops, fluid levels and tyres or tracks, function testing with the area clear, lockout and danger tags, and how to record, report and tag out any defect found. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
 
Who it's for
Manufacturers and workshops
Construction and civil contractors
Farms and agricultural businesses
Warehouses and logistics operators
Councils and maintenance crews
Plant operators and supervisors
 
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
 
What this SOP covers
Contact with belts, chains, blades and rotating parts
Electric shock from damaged leads, plugs, switches or wiring
Crush, entanglement or impact from unexpected start-up
Missing, damaged, bypassed or poorly refitted guards
Burns from hot surfaces, exhaust, hydraulic fluid or steam
Slips, trips and falls from leaks, grease or clutter
Noise while function testing running plant
Undetected or unreported defects putting faulty plant into service
 
What's included
5 pre-operational checks, from training and the right checklist or logbook to existing tags and faults, a clear area and PPE
An 8-step operating procedure covering the walk-around, guards and interlocks, controls and signage, fluids, tyres or tracks, function testing and recording the outcome
Isolation and energy control for identifying isolation points, applying a lock and danger tag, and out-of-service tagging of defective plant
5 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for unexpected start-up, fire, electric shock, fluid release and injuries
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
 
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
 
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
 
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Agriculture & Farming SOP Bundle, Ultimate Air Conditioning & Refrigeration SOP Bundle, Ultimate Audio Visual SOP Bundle, Ultimate Automotive & Mechanical SOP Bundle, Ultimate Bricklaying & Masonry SOP Bundle, Ultimate Building & Construction SOP Bundle, Ultimate Carpentry SOP Bundle, Ultimate Civil & Earthworks SOP Bundle, Ultimate Cleaning SOP Bundle, Ultimate Concreting SOP Bundle, Ultimate Electrical, HVAC & Solar SOP Bundle, Ultimate Fencing SOP Bundle, Ultimate Fire Services SOP Bundle, Ultimate Gardening & Landscaping SOP Bundle, Ultimate Hire Services SOP Bundle, Ultimate Hospitality & Events SOP Bundle, Ultimate Internal Fit-out SOP Bundle, Ultimate Joinery & Cabinet Making SOP Bundle, Ultimate Manufacturing & Industrial SOP Bundle, Ultimate Painting SOP Bundle, Ultimate Pest Control SOP Bundle, Ultimate Plumbing SOP Bundle, Ultimate Professional & Business Services SOP Bundle, Ultimate Property Maintenance SOP Bundle, Ultimate Retail & Wholesale SOP Bundle, Ultimate Roofing SOP Bundle, Ultimate Security Services SOP Bundle, Ultimate Shopfitting SOP Bundle, Ultimate Steel & Metal Fabrication SOP Bundle, Ultimate Tiling & Waterproofing SOP Bundle and Ultimate Transport & Warehousing SOP Bundle. Each bundle is $197, which works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
 
Common questions
Does it cover forklifts and vehicles?
No. Forklift operation and the daily pre-start check for road-registered vehicles have their own dedicated SOPs.
Does it replace the operating instructions for each machine?
No. It sets out the general pre-start process for powered plant. The specific operating instructions for a particular item still apply.
Who can remove an out-of-service tag?
Only a competent person, once the defect has been repaired or the plant has been assessed as safe to return to service.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.