Purpose

This article establishes the required daily pre-trip inspection process for all ValueBrands trucks, trailers, and equipment before operation.

The purpose of inspections is to:

• Identify safety concerns before use
• Prevent equipment failures
• Reduce downtime
• Protect employees, customers, and the public
• Maintain compliance with company safety requirements

All operators are responsible for ensuring equipment is safe before use.

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Policy Statement

No employee may operate a company vehicle, trailer, or piece of equipment unless they have completed the required pre-trip inspection.

Any defect that may affect safe operation must be reported immediately and corrected before the equipment is used.

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When Inspections Are Required

A pre-trip inspection must be completed:

✅ Before the first use each workday
✅ Before leaving the shop/yard
✅ Before towing a trailer
✅ After equipment has been unattended for an extended period
✅ After repairs or maintenance have been completed

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Inspection Responsibilities

Operator Responsibilities

The operator must:

• Complete inspection before operation
• Report defects immediately
• Document required information
• Operate equipment safely
• Never ignore safety concerns

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Supervisor Responsibilities

Supervisors must:

• Review reported issues
• Arrange repairs when required
• Remove unsafe equipment from service
• Maintain inspection records

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Section 1 — Truck Inspection

Inspect the following:

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Exterior Walkaround

☐ Vehicle damage checked
☐ Mirrors secure and adjusted
☐ Windows clean and unobstructed
☐ Doors close properly
☐ License plates visible
☐ No leaks underneath vehicle

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Tires & Wheels

☐ Tire condition checked
☐ Tire pressure appears correct
☐ No visible damage or excessive wear
☐ Lug nuts appear secure

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Lights & Signals

Check operation of:

☐ Headlights
☐ Brake lights
☐ Signal lights
☐ Four-way flashers
☐ Reverse lights

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Fluids & Engine Area

☐ Engine oil level checked
☐ Coolant level checked
☐ Windshield washer fluid checked
☐ Visible leaks checked
☐ Battery condition checked

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Cab Inspection

☐ Seat adjusted properly
☐ Seatbelt working
☐ Mirrors adjusted
☐ Warning lights checked
☐ Horn working
☐ Emergency equipment present

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Section 2 — Trailer Inspection

Before towing any trailer:

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Hitch & Connection

☐ Correct hitch installed
☐ Hitch securely attached
☐ Safety chains connected
☐ Breakaway cable connected
☐ Trailer plug connected
☐ Coupler locked properly

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Trailer Structure

☐ Frame inspected
☐ Floor condition checked
☐ Doors secured
☐ Ramp/hatch secured
☐ No loose components

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Trailer Tires & Axles

☐ Tires inspected
☐ Wheels appear secure
☐ Bearings maintained
☐ Suspension appears normal

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Trailer Lights & Brakes

☐ Brake lights working
☐ Signal lights working
☐ Marker lights working
☐ Electric brakes operating properly

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Section 3 — Equipment Inspection

Applies to:

• Lawn mowers
• Zero-turn mowers
• Snow equipment
• Small engines
• Power equipment
• Specialized tools

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General Condition

☐ Equipment appears safe
☐ Guards/shields installed
☐ No loose parts
☐ No visible damage

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Engine & Mechanical

☐ Oil level checked
☐ Fuel system inspected
☐ Leaks checked
☐ Belts inspected
☐ Blades/cutting components inspected
☐ Controls operating properly

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Safety Features

☐ Emergency shutoff working
☐ Operator controls functioning
☐ Protective guards installed
☐ Warning labels visible

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Defect Reporting Procedure

If a problem is found:

1. Stop operation if the issue affects safety.
2. Notify the supervisor/office.
3. Record the issue.
4. Tag equipment out of service if required.
5. Do not operate until repaired.

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Examples of Equipment That Must Not Be Operated

Do not operate equipment with:

• Failed brakes
• Unsafe tires
• Missing safety guards
• Damaged steering components
• Fuel leaks
• Electrical hazards
• Unsafe trailer connections
• Major mechanical failures

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Daily Inspection Record Requirements

Inspection records should include:

☐ Date
☐ Employee name
☐ Vehicle/equipment identified
☐ Inspection completed
☐ Defects reported
☐ Corrective action taken

Records must be retained according to company policy and applicable regulations.

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End-of-Day Responsibility

At the end of each shift:

Employees should:

• Remove debris from equipment
• Report damage
• Secure vehicles and trailers
• Park equipment safely
• Plug in/charge equipment when required
• Return tools to assigned locations

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Safety Reminder

A pre-trip inspection takes only a few minutes but can prevent injuries, breakdowns, customer delays, and costly repairs.

If equipment is not safe, it does not operate.