The forklift was checked this morning. Now it's 2pm, a different driver's jumped on, and someone's asking if they need to do it again. They do, and it takes five minutes.
The short answer
Do a pre-start check:
- at the start of each shift, before the machine's first use
- whenever the operator changes
- after any damage, a near miss or a repair
- whenever the manufacturer's manual says to
WorkSafe Victoria says forklift pre-operation checks should be done at the start of each shift, before first daily use and when the operator changes, following the manufacturer's recommendations. WorkSafe Queensland says the same daily check applies to elevating work platforms (EWPs).
Why the operator change matters
A pre-start isn't just about the machine. It's the operator confirming they've looked it over, they know the controls and they're happy it's safe. The next person can't rely on someone else's tick from six hours ago, especially if the machine has been used hard since.
Pre-starts aren't the only inspection
A daily pre-start catches the obvious stuff. It doesn't replace the deeper inspections:
- EWPs: WorkSafe Queensland describes routine inspections at intervals no longer than three months, an annual inspection by an independent tradesperson, and a major inspection at the end of the machine's design life. Follow the manufacturer and AS 2550.10:2025.
- Forklifts: WorkSafe Victoria says forklifts and attachments must be regularly inspected and maintained by a competent technician, with records of what was inspected and fixed.
- Machine guarding: Safe Work Australia's plant code says guards must be regularly inspected and tested. How often depends on the machine and how it's used.
What happens when something fails
Don't use it. WorkSafe Victoria says defects must be reported, and you need a way to lock the machine out of service if a defect makes it unsafe. SafeWork SA's forklift guide says to isolate and tag it so nobody else jumps on. Then get it checked by someone qualified before it goes back into use.
How long to keep the records
WorkSafe Queensland says to keep EWP pre-operational checklists for one year, and maintenance and inspection records for the life of the machine. Even where it isn't spelled out, a signed pre-start is your proof the check happened if something goes wrong.
Why it's worth the five minutes
Most pre-start failures are boring: a flat tyre, a leaking hose, a horn that doesn't work. That's the point. Catch them in the yard at 7am, not halfway through a lift.
Our free boom lift, EWP and forklift pre-start checklists and the machine guarding inspection checklist are on the pre-start checklists page.
Where digital forms help
Paper pre-starts get filled in on the bonnet, then live in the ute or a folder until someone needs one and can't find it. On Shadow Forms the operator does it on their phone before they start, with photos of anything that fails. Each one is stamped with the date, time and who did it. With signal it lands on the office dashboard straight away. Without signal, it's saved on the phone and sends when they're back in range.
We build forms software, not safety advice. The above is a plain-English summary of what the regulators publish, and the links go to them. For your own site and your own job, check with your state regulator or someone qualified.
Want your own pre-starts on your crew's phones? Start a 14-day free trial, no credit card needed, and we'll set it up with you.
