Equipment and Pre-Task Planning: Important Questions to Ask

Pre-Task Planning (PTP) is the process of identifying three main things:

1. The task to be completed.
2. The potential hazards that could be associated with the completion of the task.
3. The corrective measures that need to be put in to place to eliminate or minimize the hazard.

Most PTP discussions tend to revolve around the actual job site, but it’s important to remember that PTP should also be applied to tools, machinery, and personal protection equipment (PPE). Identifying the potential hazards related to equipment and verifying that corrective measures are in place is an essential part of ensuring safety, productivity, and morale.

Here are a few examples of questions that operators should ask themselves during their PTP process to validate that the equipment is in good condition and functioning properly before it gets to a customer’s location or job site.

Flat Saw:

• Does the engine have oil?
• What is the hydra drive fluid level? Is that sufficient?
• Does it lift and lower smoothly?
• Are the blade guards in place?

Small Gas Powered Equipment:

• Is the oil level sufficient?
• Is the On/Off switch working properly?
• Is the battery and connections functioning properly?

Hydra Pack:

• Is the engine oil level ok?
• Are the remote and override switches ok?
• Are there any leaks?
• Is the GPM flow adjusted to match the tool?
• Is the PSI adjusted to match the tool?

Core Drilling:

• Is the carriage tight on the mast?
• Does the carriage have all the handles and rack gear? Are they ok?
• Are the base adjusters in place?

Trailers:

• Is the tire pressure adequate?
• Are the tires in good condition? What about the rims?
• Do the springs have defects?
• Is the pintle eye in good condition?
• Is the ball/pintle hitch attached and locked?
• Is the coupler in place?
• Are the lights working?

Wall Saws:

• Is the carriage tight on the track?
• Are the output/blade shaft threads ok?
• Are the factory guards in place and ok?
• Are the blade flanges and keyway ok?
• What is the condition of the hoses? Is it sufficient?
• What is the condition of the electric cables and plugs?
• Are there any cracked swivels?

Hand Saw/Chop Saw:

• Are the factory blade guards in place?
• Is the output/blade shaft ok?
• Is the trigger clean and operating freely?

Diamond Tools:

• Is the proper blade guard installed?
• Is the blade/core free of cracks?
• Is the blade flat and positioned to run at the selected RPM?
• Does the saw/shaft speed match the blade specified RPM?
• Is the blade rotation correct?
• Is the core bit RPM set to match the diameter and application?

These are just a few of the questions that need to be asked, depending on the type of equipment or tool being used for the job. What’s important is that each team member should be responsible for inspecting their equipment during their Pre-Task Plan and ensuring that it’s safe and reliable to use.