The Benefits of Pre-Use Inspections

Did you know a simple pre-use inspection can make an enormous difference in workplace safety? Here at Global Power Technologies, our team is diligent in ensuring machinery, equipment, and vehicles are always inspected before use and any concerns are immediately brought to the attention of the appropriate party. 

Pre-use inspections provide a unique opportunity to proactively check and look for any mechanical concerns before regular use. Identifying items such as faulty brakes or a hydraulic fluid leak can directly prevent a workplace incident. 

Pre-use inspections are not just a “best practice,” they are a legal requirement in many jurisdictions. Here in Alberta where our head office and manufacturing facility are located, pre-use inspections are a legislated requirement for powered mobile equipment such as forklifts.

Pre-use inspections consist of two major parts; a visual inspection, and an operational inspection. Visual inspections are conducted to check the overall condition of a piece of equipment and its components. These inspections are conducted before an operational inspection and look for items such as fluid leaks, visible damage, fluid levels, battery or propane connections, seatbelts, warning labels, signaling devices, lights/indicators, and verifying the area around the piece of equipment is free of hazards. 

Operational inspections are performed to ensure that a piece of equipment operates correctly and safely under actual working conditions. These inspections should be carried out immediately after completing the visual inspection. During an operational inspection, directional travel and steering, any lifting/lowering/side shift/tilt functions, breaks, and actual controls/buttons/switches are all checked for functionality.

Lastly, pre-use inspections also help to keep a workplace running smoothly. Identifying and addressing minor maintenance issues before they compound ensures equipment is available when needed and helps to reduce maintenance costs.