Vehicle Inspections and Pre-Start Checks SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers vehicle inspections and pre-start checks from planning the inspection area through vehicle checks, defect reporting, travel and post-trip inspection. It supports planning and risk management for vehicle movement, defects, pedestrian interaction, load condition, fatigue and changing road conditions.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan a suitable vehicle inspection area
• Confirm vehicle authorisation and intended use
• Conduct an exterior walk-around
• Inspect the engine compartment
• Enter the cab safely and check cabin condition
• Check dashboard instruments, lights and warning systems
• Test driving controls
• Complete the pre-departure checklist
• Document vehicle damage and defects
• Depart and enter traffic with relevant checks completed
• Conduct journey safety checks
• Complete a post-trip inspection

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out vehicle inspections and pre-start checks.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (or corresponding state/territory WHS Act): ss 19, 28 and 47-49 — primary duty of care, worker duties and consultation.
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (or corresponding state/territory WHS Regulations): rr 34-38 — identification, control, maintenance and review of risks.
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (or corresponding state/territory WHS Regulations): rr 203-213 — management, proper use, warning devices, maintenance and inspection of plant.
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (or corresponding state/territory WHS Regulations): r 299 — SWMS requirement where vehicle movement forms high risk construction work.
• Safe Work Australia, Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice — safe plant, operator information, inspection, maintenance and defect management.
• Safe Work Australia, Moving Plant on Construction Sites Code of Practice — vehicle-management planning, separation of pedestrians and mobile plant, and SWMS controls.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections