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