Pre-Shift Inspection & Daily Walkthrough
2 hours
Learning Objectives
- •Conduct a systematic 360° pre-shift inspection of excavators, loaders, and backhoes
- •Identify conditions that require immediate removal from service
- •Explain the OSHA basis for pre-shift and post-relocation inspections
- •Apply boom-truck-specific inspection items (ATB, wire rope, outriggers) for 1C equipment
Topics Covered
- •OSHA basis: 29 CFR 1926.20 and 1926.600 — frequent and regular inspections by a competent person
- •Timing: before each shift AND after each machine relocation
- •360° walk-around: start at a fixed point and work around the entire machine in one direction
- •Structural cracks: boom, stick, bucket mounting ears, weld seams, boom-to-turntable welds
- •Hydraulic hose condition: abrasion, kinks, bulges, weeping fittings
- •Track tension and undercarriage (excavators); tire condition and pressure (loaders/backhoes)
- •Bucket and attachment security: pins, retaining clips, quick-attach mechanism
- •Boom truck items: anti-two-block (ATB) function test, LMI function, wire rope discard criteria, outrigger floats
- •Cab safety items: seat belt, mirrors, horn, backup alarm, fire extinguisher charge
- •Removal-from-service conditions and the "Do Not Operate" tag-out procedure
Resources
Self-Check Questions
Question 1: During a pre-shift inspection you notice a hydraulic hose has a small bulge but no visible leak. What should you do?
- A. Continue operating — it is just cosmetic
- B. Document the defect and tag the machine "Do Not Operate"(correct)
- C. Apply sealant and continue operating
- D. Monitor it and replace at the end of the week
Show Explanation
Explanation:
A bulge indicates the hose's inner reinforcement has delaminated and the outer cover is temporarily holding the pressure. Failure is imminent. The hose must be replaced before operation to prevent a sudden loss of hydraulic power or high-pressure fluid spray.
Question 2: When must a pre-shift inspection be performed after moving an excavator to a new location on the same day?
- A. Only at the start of the shift; no additional inspection needed
- B. After each machine relocation, before resuming work(correct)
- C. At the end of the day to document the condition
- D. Only if the move involved traveling more than one mile
Show Explanation
Explanation:
OSHA requires inspections before each shift AND after each machine move. New ground conditions, travel damage, and changed environmental factors all create new hazards that must be assessed before resuming work.
Question 3: During a pre-shift inspection of a loader-backhoe you find the seat belt latch is broken. The job is urgent. What is the correct action?
- A. Use the machine at reduced speed until the part arrives
- B. Tie the belt in a knot as a temporary fix
- C. Tag the machine out of service and notify your supervisor(correct)
- D. Operate only in low-risk areas until repairs are made
Show Explanation
Explanation:
A non-functional seat belt is a removal-from-service condition with no exceptions. ROPS protection only works if the operator is restrained inside the cab during a rollover. Operating without a working seat belt violates OSHA 1926.602 and 230 CMR 6.00.
Question 4: On a 1C boom truck pre-shift inspection, you find the anti-two-block (ATB) device is not functioning. What must you do?
- A. Operate carefully and watch the load block closely
- B. Tag the machine "Do Not Operate" — ATB must be functional before any crane use(correct)
- C. Operate at reduced height to prevent two-blocking
- D. Continue operating until a replacement arrives
Show Explanation
Explanation:
A non-functional ATB device is a go/no-go item under OSHA 1926 Subpart CC. Two-blocking can snap the wire rope or destroy the boom. The machine must not be used for crane lifts until the ATB is repaired and tested.
Question 5: You find a crack at the weld connecting an excavator bucket to its mounting ears. What is the correct response?
- A. Monitor the crack throughout the shift
- B. Weld the crack yourself before operating
- C. Remove the machine from service immediately(correct)
- D. Reduce dig depth to lower stress on the bucket
Show Explanation
Explanation:
Cracks at bucket mounting ears indicate imminent catastrophic failure — small cracks expand rapidly under load stress. The machine must be removed from service and repaired by qualified personnel before resuming operation.
Question 6: The fire extinguisher mounted on a wheel loader has a gauge reading in the red zone. What action is required?
- A. Continue operating — extinguishers are supplemental safety items
- B. Note it in the log and replace it at the next scheduled service
- C. Remove the machine from service — a discharged or low-pressure extinguisher is a removal-from-service condition(correct)
- D. Operate at reduced speed near potential ignition sources
Show Explanation
Explanation:
A fire extinguisher in the red zone is discharged or low-pressure and will not work in an emergency. A working, accessible fire extinguisher must be present on the machine at all times — its absence or failure is a removal-from-service condition.
A deeper, regulation-by-regulation companion page for this lesson.