Purpose & Regulatory Context
Reminder: Always consult your site-specific procedures and applicable regulations when defining equipment exam requirements.
Equipment exams verify that machinery is safe and fit for purpose before operation and on a recurring basis. They support compliance obligations, hazard control, and mechanical reliability across mobile and fixed assets.
Typical programs include pre-operational checks, periodic inspections, and operator competency assessments, administered under site procedures aligned to regulatory expectations.
Exam Types & Scope
Pre-Operational Checks
Conducted before each use or shift to verify brakes, lights, steering, fluids, tires/tracks, guards, and safety systems.
Periodic Inspections
Scheduled weekly, monthly, or quarterly exams focusing on wear, calibration, structural integrity, and maintenance needs.
Post-Maintenance Verification
Performed after repairs or component changes to validate proper function before returning equipment to service.
Operator Competency
Assessment of operator qualifications, including practical skills, awareness of hazards, and site rules for specific equipment.
Frequency & Timing
- Pre-Use: Before each shift or changeover
- Periodic: Weekly / Monthly / Quarterly schedules
- Post-Repair: After maintenance, before service return
Documentation & Evidence
- Digital checklists tailored to equipment type and site standards
- Defect logging with severity, location, and component details
- Photos/videos as evidence; comments for context and steps taken
- Corrective action tracking with due dates and assignees
- Electronic signatures and sign-off for accountability
- Retention per company policy and applicable regulations
Roles & Responsibilities
Operators
Perform pre-use checks, report hazards/defects, and do not operate unsafe equipment.
Maintenance
Diagnose faults, execute repairs, and complete post-maintenance verification steps.
Supervisors
Assign tasks, validate sign-off, and ensure timely corrective actions.
Safety / Compliance
Audit records, analyze trends, and keep procedures aligned to regulations.
Common Equipment Categories
- Haul trucks, loaders, dozers, graders, and excavators
- Crushers, screens, feeders, and conveyors
- Drills and blasting support equipment
- Fuel, lube, and service vehicles
- Electrical rooms, MCCs, and portable generators
- Fixed plant components and guarding systems
Defects, Follow-Up & Sign-Off
Critical Defects: Immediately remove from service, apply lockout/tagout as required, and initiate repair workflow.
- Track defect status from identification to closure
- Notify stakeholders automatically for overdue actions
- Require electronic sign-off to return equipment to service
Best Practices
- Tailor checklists to each equipment class and operating environment
- Use photos/videos to clarify issues and reduce ambiguity
- Trend defects to spot recurring problems and root causes
- Train operators on common hazards and stop-work criteria
- Audit records regularly to confirm consistency and completeness
How Mining Sentry Helps: Schedule exams, assign responsible teams, complete digital checklists with rich evidence, and track corrective actions to closure—backed by audit-ready records and automated notifications.