Pre Start Checklist (UPDATED JUNE 2022)

Pre Start Checklist Overview. Learn what they are, and why electronic is better, with this in-depth post.

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Overview

Pre start checklists are lists of activities required before using equipment. They help you manage complex industrial assets such as trucks, or other equipment. These checklists helps the operator ensure equipment is fit for use. Operators record that they have completed the check, and record any issues found.

Benefits of Pre Start Checklists

Ensures operators share in accountability of their equipment
Helps ensure safety of the equipment and the operator prior to operation
Fix problems quickly and more cost-effectively if they are known early
Comply with Chain of Responsibility requirements
Limit liability in the case of an accident
Helps extend the life of the equipment

Paper-Based Pre Start Checklists

Many organizations still use traditional paper based checklists. The advantages of this type of checklist are –

Operators are familiar with them
They are simple, cheap and easy to use
They provide a clear audit trail and are fit for purpose

The disadvantages –

Possibility of losing the checklist results
Not so easy to customize for different equipment
Operator must remember to do it
No barcoding of assets increases the chance of errors
Slower to use
Cannot capture pictures of defective parts
Cannot automatically record GPS location and time of inspections to ensure they are done as required
People tend to take paper-based data less seriously as it’s almost never checked

Electronic Pre Start Checklists

Electronic checklists are available in two formats. There are standalone phone apps that link back to a website. They can come as a bundle with a fleet management or other asset management system.

Items on the list are often categorised by equipment type. Inspections or other actions are triggered based on time, meter or condition. Email or other alerts are generated for items that do not pass the pre start check.

Advantages of Electronic Pre Start Checklists

Easier to customize for different equipment
Phone application can remind operator when to do the checks
Results can be submitted in real time to ensure follow up work orders are arranged promptly
No possibility of losing the results – in fact they can be acted on immediately
Barcoding of assets minimises the chance of errors
Electronic checklists are faster to use
Can capture all types of information including pictures of defective parts
Record GPS location and time of inspections to ensure they are done as required
ISO 55000 compliance