Plant & Equipment Inspections
Chainsaw Pre-Use Inspection Checklist
Pre-use inspection for petrol and battery chainsaws covering the chain brake, chain catcher, throttle lockout, chain and bar condition, plus the operator's PPE. Completed by the operator before each day of use.
37 checklist items
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Checklist Items
| Item | Pass / Yes | Fail / No |
|---|---|---|
| CHAINSAW DETAILS | ||
| Date | ___________________________ | |
| Chainsaw ID / Serial Number | ___________________________ | |
| Make, Model & Bar Length | ___________________________ | |
| Operator Name | ___________________________ | |
| Operator Training / Competency Reference | ___________________________ | |
| SAFETY FEATURES | ||
| Chain brake engages by front hand guard and stops chain | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Inertia chain brake functions (where fitted and testable) | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Throttle trigger lockout prevents accidental acceleration | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Chain catcher present and undamaged | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Rear hand guard intact | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Stop switch / on-off control stops engine or motor | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Anti-vibration mounts intact | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Muffler and spark arrestor secure, no damage | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| CHAIN & BAR | ||
| Chain sharp, correct tension, no cracked or missing links | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Depth gauges filed correctly | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Guide bar straight, rails not worn, nose sprocket turns freely | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Drive sprocket not excessively worn | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Chain oil reservoir filled; bar oils during operation | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Chain stops at idle (petrol saws) | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| ENGINE / POWER | ||
| Fuel cap and oil cap seal, no leaks | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Air filter clean | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Starter cord and recoil serviceable | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Battery charged and terminals clean (battery saws) | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Housing and handles undamaged | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| OPERATOR PPE | ||
| Chainsaw chaps / trousers in good condition | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Safety helmet with face screen and hearing protection | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Safety glasses worn under face screen | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Chainsaw protective boots | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| Gloves suitable for chainsaw use | Pass ☐ | Fail ☐ |
| WORK AREA | ||
| Bystanders kept clear (minimum two tree lengths for felling) | Yes ☐ | No ☐ |
| Overhead powerlines and hazards checked | Yes ☐ | No ☐ |
| Escape route planned for felling or cross-cutting | Yes ☐ | No ☐ |
| First aid kit, including trauma dressing, available | Yes ☐ | No ☐ |
| DEFECTS & SIGN-OFF | ||
| Defects found (describe or write "None") | ___________________________ | |
| Chainsaw tagged out of service (if unsafe) | Yes ☐ | No ☐ |
| Chainsaw fit for use | Yes ☐ | No ☐ |
| Operator Signature | ___________________________ | |