Vehicle Inspections and Pre-Start Checks Risk Assessment

Product Overview

This risk assessment covers vehicle inspections and pre-start checks, including access, condition checks, start-up testing and defect reporting. It supports planning and risk management by addressing vehicle movement, stored energy, hazardous substances, equipment defects and work-area conditions.

Activities & Risks Covered

This assessment addresses activities and risks including:

• Prepare a safe inspection area and consider traffic, access, lighting and ground conditions
• Approach, access and move around the vehicle safely
• Secure the vehicle against unintended movement before checks
• Complete external walk-around and condition checks
• Check under-bonnet components, batteries and stored energy sources
• Manage exposure to fuel, oils, coolant, grease and leaks
• Undertake cab checks, start-up and functional testing
• Inspect reversing aids, attachments, guards and safety devices
• Report defects, isolate unsafe vehicles and escalate maintenance needs
• Prepare for emergencies and maintain worker readiness during checks

Who is this for?

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

Activities & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template records model guidance used to inform the documented controls. Applicable WHS/OHS laws and adopted Codes vary by state or territory, so confirm the current local requirements when tailoring the assessment:

• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace — Plant hazard identification — Traffic movements in the workplace; p. 17.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of fatigue at work — Provide sufficient breaks while at work; p. 30.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities — 2. The work environment; p. 13.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace — 3. First aid equipment, facilities and training; p. 12.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work — 5. Controlling the risks; p. 29.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace — 2.1 How to identify which chemicals are hazardous; p. 15.

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Standard Risk Assessment Features (Click to Expand)

• Activity-specific hazard identification and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each activity
• Risk matrix and assessment classification
• Review, monitoring and sign-off fields
• Site-specific customisation before use