Plant Pre-Start Records in NZ: From Checks to Follow-Up

A plant pre-start record captures what an operator checked and reported before using a machine. A useful record identifies the equipment, the person, the date, the responses and any defects that need follow-up.

Plant checks and site briefings are different

The machine record concerns a particular plant item. A site pre-start or briefing concerns the work, crew and site conditions. Keep those contexts clear so the office can retrieve the right information.

Choose checks for the machine

Use your company process and the relevant manufacturer information to set the checks. Generic examples might include fluids, tyres or tracks, attachments, restraint systems, visibility equipment, alarms and visible damage. This is not an operating instruction or a complete inspection standard.

Keep defects and follow-up together

Record the observed issue and supporting information, then follow your company process for escalation and decisions about use. A checked box, photo or signature is a record; it is not an independent assessment that a machine is safe.

How Fieldlink stores the record

The operator selects the machine and completes the company checklist with notes, photos, the applicable meter reading and a signature. Submitted records can be reviewed in the office. Failed items designated as mechanical create damage reports against that machine.

An overall unsafe response sets the fleet record to maintenance pending office review. This software status is not physical isolation or automatic authorisation to return the machine to service. Plan for connectivity and confirm that the record has saved.

See the software workflow: plant pre-start records in Fieldlink.

For a printable starting point: plant inspection template.

For job-linked forms and site records: Health & Safety workspace.