Equipment inspection checklist examples, item by item

Before use and periodic inspection

Most equipment is checked at two levels. The person about to use it looks it over every time, which catches obvious damage. A nominated or competent person inspects it at set intervals and records the result against its ID, which catches the slow failures: webbing faded by the sun, a stile bent a few millimetres, a battery date creeping closer. The standards behind these checklists, such as AS/NZS 1891 for harnesses, AS 4084 for racking, AS 3775 for chain slings and AS/NZS 3760 for test and tag, describe that second layer. These forms record it, with the interval stated in each one and the dates that make a lapse visible.

Ten checklists by kind of equipment

Height safety covers the ladder inspection with its rated load and red tag question, the scaffold inspection built on the four triggers in the model WHS Regulations, and the harness inspection with its bend test and fall indicator. Lifting and storage covers pallet racking with green, amber and red damage ratings and a repair table, and chain slings with measured link wear in millimetres. Electrical covers the user's power tool check, which records the tag dates, and the test and tag register entry with earth continuity and insulation readings. Emergency and personal covers the monthly AED check with its pad expiry threshold, the PPE inspection signed by the worker and the leading hand, and the electrician's hand tool inspection with its insulated tools grid.

Measured, dated and traceable

An inspection is only as useful as its record. Every checklist asks for the equipment's ID, serial or location first, so submissions build a register when exported. Where a measurement decides the result, such as sling wear or insulation resistance, the form asks for the number rather than a tick. Where a date matters, such as a harness manufacture date or a battery expiry, it is a required date field. Photos record damage, and a removal or tag out question records what happened to failed equipment. Tables on these forms show a fixed number of rows, so each form sets enough for one item or location. Every business, serial and reading in these examples is invented.

Every page in this collection

• AED inspection checklist for the monthly check

  An AED inspection checklist confirms the status indicator shows ready, the pads are sealed and in date, the battery is in date, and the cabinet, sign and rescue kit are where people expect them. This leisure centre version also photographs the status screen each month.

• Chain sling inspection checklist with measured link wear

  A chain sling inspection checklist confirms the tag and its working load limit, then checks every link for stretch, wear, nicks, bends and heat damage, and every hook, latch, master link and shortener. This fabrication shop version also records the measured wear on the worst link of each leg.

• Hand tool inspection checklist for an electrician's bag

  A hand tool inspection checklist works through striking tools, cutting and gripping tools and insulated tools, looking for the damage patterns that cause injuries, and lists anything taken out of service. This version is set up for an electrical contractor, so insulated tools get their own grid.

• Ladder inspection checklist with load rating and tag out

  A ladder inspection checklist records the ladder's ID, type and rated load, then checks the stiles, rungs, feet, spreaders, labels and, on extension ladders, the guides, rope and locks. This shopfitter version ends with a red tag question so a failed ladder leaves the van the same day.

• Pallet racking inspection checklist with damage ratings

  A pallet racking inspection checklist looks at load signs, uprights, beams, beam locks, base plates, guards and bracing, then rates the worst damage green, amber or red. This distribution centre version also counts bays offloaded and lists the repairs with due dates.

• Power tool inspection checklist for building sites

  A power tool inspection checklist looks at the guard, lead and plug, switch, body, blade or disc rating, handle and battery before a tool is used, and records the dates from its test tag. This builder version also asks whether the tool runs through an RCD.

• PPE inspection checklist for a construction crew

  A PPE inspection checklist goes item by item through a worker's hard hat, glasses, hearing protection, hi vis, gloves, boots, respirator and sun protection, and records what was replaced. This formwork crew version also tracks the respirator fit test and the hard hat date, with both the worker and the leading hand signing.

• Safety harness inspection checklist

  A harness inspection checklist works along the webbing and stitching, then the D rings, buckles, adjusters, fall indicator and labels, and records whether the harness stays in service. This version for an access hire company also records the serial, manufacture date and the last six monthly inspection.

• Scaffold inspection checklist with the four triggers

  A scaffold inspection checklist records why the inspection is happening, checks the base, standards, ledgers, bracing, ties, decks and edge protection, and updates the scaffold tag. This builder version also takes elevation photos and the inspector's licence number.

• Test and tag checklist and register entry

  A test and tag checklist records the site, environment, appliance and class, a visual inspection of the cord, plug and casing, the earth continuity and insulation resistance readings, and the next due date. Submitted once per appliance, the entries become the register a client asks for.