Safety checklist — Excavator inspection
Daily pre-operation inspection of excavator. Based on Québec's Construction Safety Code (CSTC) and CNESST standards.
Exterior walk-around
18 items- ✓
Check tracks or tires — tension, wear, cuts
- ✓
Inspect hydraulic hoses — no leaks, cracks or visible wear
- ✓
Check hydraulic cylinders — no seal leaks
- ✓
Inspect boom, stick and bucket — cracks, welds, pins
- ✓
Check fluid levels: hydraulic oil, engine oil, coolant, fuel
- ✓
Inspect headlights, backup lights and beacon — all functional
- ✓
Check backup alarm — audible at safe distanceCritical
ℹ️ CSTC 3.10.12: automatic-reset backup alarm on earth-moving machinery and listed vehicles.
- ✓
Check ROPS/FOPS protective structure — no deformationCritical
ℹ️ CSTC 3.10.3: rollover / falling-object frame on listed machines (ISO 3471 / 3449).
- ✓
Fire extinguisher present, accessible and charge verified
- ✓
Check mirrors and cleanliness of cab windows
- ✓
Seat belt present and functional
- ✓
Start engine — check gauges: oil pressure, temperature, alternator charge
- ✓
Test all movements: boom, stick, bucket, swing, travel
- ✓
Check horn and swing alarm operation
- ✓
Test parking and service brakes
- ✓
Check emergency stop operation
- ✓
Test windshield wipers and defroster
- ✓
Check cab heating / air conditioning controls
Report / Sign-off
5 items- ✓
Record hourmeter reading
- ✓
Log any deficiency in the inspection register
- ✓
Report any major deficiency to supervisor immediatelyCritical
- ✓
Apply lockout tag if equipment is unsafeCritical
ℹ️ Defective equipment must be removed from service and tagged per lockout procedure
- ✓
Sign the inspection form
23 verification items — use this checklist on-site with the app
Use on-site — freePDF reports, history and team management in the app
For information only — this is not legal advice. OK Sécurité is an independent company with no affiliation to the CNESST: we are not mandated, endorsed or certified by it. Completing a checklist here does not by itself establish your compliance — your exact obligations depend on your job site and your prevention program. Where there is any discrepancy, the official text published by Légis Québec or the CNESST prevails.
More checklists — Equipment Inspections
More safety checklists
Related official rule
Why daily inspection — Excavator
A defective excavator can cause rollovers, hydraulic hose failures (high-pressure injection), and contact with ground workers. CSTC 3.10.12 requires a backup alarm on listed machines. A pre-shift inspection is good practice, not a universal documented Code duty.
Critical checkpoints include: fluid levels, hydraulic hose and fitting condition, control and safety device function, track or tire condition, and clean windows and mirrors for operator visibility.
Record the daily walk-around with photos of defects and keep the PDF report as an internal record. It is not proof of compliance. A critical finding (leak, silent backup alarm, blocked visibility) grounds the machine until repaired.
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