Safety checklist — Mini excavator inspection
Pre-operation inspection of mini excavator or compact excavator. Based on Québec's Construction Safety Code (CSTC) and CNESST standards.
Exterior walk-around
16 items- ✓
Check tracks — tension, shoe wear, rollers
- ✓
Inspect hydraulic hoses — no leaks, cracks or wear
- ✓
Inspect boom, stick and bucket — cracks, pins, wear
- ✓
Check front backfill blade — cylinder, pins
- ✓
Check fluid levels: hydraulic oil, engine oil, coolant
- ✓
Check headlights and beacon
- ✓
Backup alarm functional
- ✓
ROPS / FOPS structure intact (if enclosed cab)Critical
- ✓
Check tail swing clearance (reduced or zero tail swing model)
ℹ️ On a reduced tail swing mini excavator, the tail barely extends past the tracks — check pinch points
- ✓
Start engine — check gauges and warning lights
- ✓
Test all movements: boom, stick, bucket, swing, travel
- ✓
Test backfill blade — raise and lower
- ✓
Test parking brakes
- ✓
Check horn
- ✓
Seat belt functional (if enclosed cab)
- ✓
Test dual travel speeds if available
Report / Sign-off
5 items- ✓
Record hourmeter reading
- ✓
Log any deficiency in the inspection register
- ✓
Report any major deficiency to supervisorCritical
- ✓
Apply lockout tag if unsafeCritical
- ✓
Sign the inspection form
21 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
Why daily inspection — Mini excavator
Mini excavators often operate in tight spaces with close worker proximity. Their small size does not reduce risks: rollover, crushing, and utility strikes remain major hazards. The same 3.10.12 backup-alarm duty as other listed machines. A pre-shift walk-around remains good practice, not a documented “same as larger excavators” duty.
Stability on slopes and soft ground must be closely monitored. The anchor blade must be properly deployed during digging. Shallow utilities are particularly vulnerable to mini-excavator damage given their limited working depth.

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