Introduction

Whether you are operating a big rig, a delivery van or a sedan pre-trip inspections are an important and effective component of a vehicle maintenance program along with regular servicing. Pre-Trip Inspections are completed by the vehicle driver at the beginning of their work shift and prior to entering the road network. Pre-Trip inspection checklists can be completed on paper or digitally on a smart device. A pre-trip inspection is designed to identify faults or defects and help ensure the vehicle’s roadworthiness and safety.

In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of conducting a pre-trip inspection and provide an example of a heavy vehicle and pre-trip inspection checklist.

Pre-Trip Inspections: What The Pros Know

Daily pre-trip inspections help improve vehicle and equipment safety and compliance and reduce operating costs.

The benefits of using a pre-trip inspection checklist include:

  • Reduced operating costs
  • minor issues identified prior to becoming major issues
  • Increased vehicle and equipment safety
  • Decreased vehicle and equipment downtime
  • Improved organisational efficiencies
  • Reduction in towing and callout fees
  • Reduction in shipping costs (parts sent to remote areas for repairs)
  • Improved vehicle and equipment compliance
  • Decreased likelihood of catastrophic equipment failure.

Prime Mover and Trailer Pre-Trip Inspection

Below we have provided an example of a Prime Mover and Trailer Pre-Start inspection. This checklist can be found in the DIGI CLIP mobile forms Form Libary and was designed to be completed on a phone or tablet by answering OK, Not OK or N/A for each list item. When Not OK is selected a comment field and image field is displayed for the list item to add further details of the fault or defect. If you would like to know more about digital checklists and how they can help your business visit DIGI CLIP mobile forms.

Checklist Details

Date:

Time:

Name of Driver:

Prime Mover ID:

A Trailer ID:

B Trailer ID:

Prime Mover

Odometer Reading:

Fuel Level:

Steering – no excessive movement:

Pressure/Vacuum Gauges – operational:

Speed Limiter – operational:

Horn – operational:

Cabin – clean, free of rubbish and no loose items:

Adblue Level:

Vehicle Registration Label – current and in place:

Brakes – operational:

Oil & Coolant Level:

Engine & Drive Line – leaks:

Tyres & Wheels – tread, pressure & security (wheel nuts):

Air tank Drain Valves – operational:

Reverse Lights & Beeper – operational:

Mirrors – no damage & correctly set:

Lights, Indicators & Reflectors – operational & serviceable:

Windscreen, Wipers & Washers – serviceable & no damage:

Warning Gauges, Lights & Alarms:

Damage to Vehicle – none:

Suzi Coils – intact & operational:

Guards & Mudflap’s – serviceable & intact:

Jaws & Turntable – serviceable & close correctly:

Warning Triangles – in the toolbox:

Are there any safety issues or faults not identified in this checklist (if ‘Yes’ please describe below):

Trailer(s)

King Pin – checked & locked into turntable:

Tyres & Wheels – tread, pressure & security (wheel nuts):

Registration Label(s) – current and in place:

Damage to Trailer(s):

Landing Legs – serviceable:

Curtains, Tracks, Buckles & Poles – serviceable:

Airlines & Electrical Connections:

Lights, Indicators & Reflectors – operational & serviceable:

Guards & Mudflap’s – serviceable & intact:

Are there any safety issues or faults not identified in this checklist (if ‘Yes’ please describe below):

Is this vehicle and associated equipment roadworthy and safe to enter the road network?

Are you fit for work? By selecting ‘Yes’, you are declaring that you are ‘NOT’ under the effects of illegal drugs, alcohol, and/or prescription medication; You are not overtired and suffering the effects of fatigue, and you are fit to complete your regular work duties. If you select ‘No’

By signing below, I am declaring that this checklist has been completed accurately and to the limits of the inspection.

Driver’s Signature:

When developing a pre-trip inspection checklist for a vehicle or piece of equipment refer to the operator’s manual and/or base the pre-trip inspection checklist on a risk assessment to identify specific items to check for a particular vehicle. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) provide a daily safety check guide.

Conclusion

Pre-trip inspections are an important and effective component of a vehicle maintenance program along with regular servicing. Daily pre-trip inspections help improve vehicle and equipment safety and compliance. They also reduce operating costs by identifying faults and defects before they become major issues and reduce unexpected breakdowns.