Safety first, always, whether you are working on something big or small. Pre-use checks might not be the most exciting part of the day but they might be the most important. A few minutes before you start can prevent an accident, avoid a costly breakdown, and keep your project on track.
That’s why we put this guide together. Whether you’re at the depot getting equipment ready, or on site about to start work, it’s designed to be simple, practical, and straight to the point.
Because keeping your team safe shouldn’t be complicated.
Why Pre-Use Inspections Matter
Equipment failure rarely just ‘happens’. In most cases, there are warning signs beforehand a fluid leak, unusual wear, a missing guard, a tyre that’s looking a bit soft. A proper pre-use check catches these things before they become serious.
Here’s what regular inspections protect against:
- Operator injuries from equipment failure or unexpected movement.
- Third-party incidents on shared sites in places like Leicester city centre or busy industrial estates in Hinckley.
- Costly mid-project breakdowns that delay your work and damage your reputation.
- Legal liability under PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations), operators and employers have a duty to ensure equipment is safe.
- Damage to hired equipment that can result in additional charges.
At JB Tool Hire, we carry out thorough checks on every piece of equipment before it leaves our depots. But once it’s on your site, you’re responsible for daily checks. Think of it as a shared commitment to keeping everyone safe.
The Depot Team: Pre-Dispatch Checklist
Before any piece of plant or equipment leaves the depot whether it’s an excavator heading to a site in Derby or a generator going to an event in Loughborough your depot team should run through the following:
- 1. Visual Condition Check
- 2. Fluid Levels
- 3. Tyres and Tracks
- 4. Controls and Safety Systems
- 5. Documentation
The Operator: Pre-Use Check on Site
When equipment arrives on site or at the start of each working day the operator should carry out their own check before starting work. This doesn’t need to take long. A well-trained operator can work through this in a few minutes.
Walk Around
- Check the machine for damage, leaks, or loose parts.
- Look around for hazards: soft ground, slopes, overhead lines, and people.
- Make sure all guards are in place.
Before Starting
- Check oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant, and fuel.
- Adjust seat, mirrors, and controls.
- Fasten seatbelt and clear the cab.
After Starting
- Warning lights should go out.
- Test brakes, steering, and controls slowly.
- Listen for unusual sounds.
- Check gauges and test extra functions (lift, rotate, extend).
If Something’s Wrong
- Before leaving depot: Tag ‘Do Not Use’, report it, log it, arrange replacement.
- On site: Stop, secure the machine, call the depot, document and tell your manager.
Make It a Habit, Not a Chore
The best operators we know treat pre-use checks as just part of how they work like checking your mirrors before you pull out of a driveway. It becomes second nature pretty quickly.
If you manage a team across sites in the East Midlands, it’s worth creating a simple checklist card for each type of equipment, something laminated that can live in the cab. It takes the guesswork out of it and makes sure everyone’s checking the same things.
Need help putting together a checklist for the specific plant you hire? Please contact our professional team.
Any Questions? We’re Always Here
Safety is something we take really seriously at JB Tool Hire. Our fleet is well-maintained, our team is knowledgeable, and we’re always happy to talk through best practices with our customers whether you’re a seasoned contractor or just getting started.
If you have questions about equipment, inspections, compliance, or anything else, give us a call or visit one of our three Leicestershire depots.