Safety checklist — Mini excavator inspection
Pre-operation inspection of mini excavator or compact excavator. Compliant with 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
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 CSTC requires the same pre-operation inspection as larger excavators.
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.

Scan to access OK Sécurité
Open the app directly on your phone to complete your safety checklists on-site.
ok-securite.com