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Free air compressor inspection checklist

Free air compressor inspection checklist (PDF-ready). Covers tank, pressure gauge, safety valve, drain, belts, hoses, oil and electrical. Download now.

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Updated 26 Oct 2026

Air Compressor Inspection Checklist

Pre-use & periodic inspection record: complete before each operation

Live form
0 of 35 checks

Tank & Pressure System

1Receiver tank: no visible corrosion, dents, cracks or damage
2Pressure rating plate: legible and attached to tank
3Pressure gauge: readable, needle at zero when depressurised, no cracked glass
4Safety / relief valve: not blocked, sealed or tampered with; operates when tested
5Condensate drain: functional, no blockage; tank drained of moisture
6Tank drain valve: opens and closes freely, no leaks when closed
7Pressure switch / unloader: cycles correctly, compressor loads and unloads

Mechanical & Drive

8Drive belts: correct tension, no fraying, cracking or glazing
9Belt alignment: pulleys aligned, no excessive wear on belt edges
10Motor mounting: secure, no loose bolts, anti-vibration mounts intact
11Vibration: no unusual vibration during operation
12Coupling / shaft: condition acceptable, no excessive play

Air System

13Air filter / intake filter: clean, seated correctly, housing secure
14Hoses: no cracks, cuts, bulges or deterioration
15Fittings and clamps: tight, no air leaks at connections
16Regulator: adjusts smoothly, holds set pressure
17Outlets / quick-connect fittings: undamaged, couplings lock and release correctly

Lubrication

18Oil level: within correct range on sight glass or dipstick
19Oil condition: not discoloured, contaminated or overdue for change
20No oil leaks: no visible oil under or around compressor

Electrical

21Power lead / cord: no cuts, abrasion, exposed conductors or damage
22Plug: no cracks, pins straight, earth pin intact
23Isolator / switch: operates correctly, clearly labelled
24RCD / safety switch: present and tested (push test button)
25Motor: runs smoothly, no overheating, no unusual noise
26Wiring and connections: secure, no loose terminals or exposed wires
27Earthing: earth connection intact and secure
28Test and tag: electrical tag current (if required by site/jurisdiction)

Guards, Frame & Wheels

29Belt guard: in place, secure, not cracked or bent
30Moving-part guards: all guards fitted and secure
31Wheels / tyres (portable): condition acceptable, secure, inflated correctly
32Frame / mounting: no cracks, welds intact, stable on level surface
33Handle / tow bar (portable): secure, no bending or damage
34Labels and warning signs: legible, in place (pressure rating, hazard warnings)
35General cleanliness: no excessive oil, debris or combustible material near unit

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Jarrod Milford

Jarrod Milford

Co-Founder & Commercial Director

Updated 26 October 2026
Also see:Maintenance and work orders →Best CMMS software →MapTrack vs MaintainX →

Short answer

An air compressor inspection checklist records checks on the receiver tank, pressure gauge, safety valve, drain, belts, hoses, filter, oil and electrical connections. Operators check it before each use on site; workshop compressors are typically checked daily or weekly with a monthly inspection, or as the manufacturer recommends. Regulation 224 of the model WHS Regulations requires pressure equipment to be inspected regularly by a competent person.

Checked against Model WHS Regulations as at 5 December 2025 (cited within as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011) on by the MapTrack templates team. How we check templates

Key takeaways

  • The MapTrack air compressor inspection checklist contains 35 checks across 6 sections. Sections covered: Tank & Pressure System, Mechanical & Drive, Air System, Lubrication, Electrical, Guards, Frame & Wheels.
  • Regulation 224 of the model WHS Regulations: pressure equipment, such as a compressor receiver, is inspected regularly by a competent person.
  • AS/NZS 3788:2024 clause 4.4 sets time-based intervals between pressure equipment inspections, and clause 4.6 covers relief device inspection.
  • Keep a maintenance history for each receiver: serial number, inspection dates, findings and safety valve tests.
  • In US workplaces, 29 CFR 1910.169 covers drains, pressure gauges and safety valves on compressed air receivers.
  • In Great Britain, PSSR regulation 8 bars operating a pressure system without a written scheme of examination, unless the system is exempt.

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Used by construction, mining and field service teams

Saunders InternationalMineral ResourcesSupagasHacer GroupMetro TunnelUltrabuilt

What is an air compressor inspection checklist?

An air compressor inspection checklist is a systematic list of checks performed on an air compressor to confirm it is safe, mechanically sound and fit for use. It is also called an air compressor checklist, a compressor inspection form or, for the tank on its own, an air receiver inspection checklist. It covers the receiver tank and pressure system, mechanical components (belts, hoses, filter, oil), electrical connections, safety devices (relief valve, pressure gauge) and the frame or mounting. The checklist is completed before each use or at scheduled intervals and provides documented evidence that the compressor has been inspected.

Air compressor receiver tanks are pressure equipment and carry risks from stored energy. Model WHS Regulation 224 requires pressure equipment at a workplace to be inspected on a regular basis by a competent person. AS 1210-2010 covers pressure-vessel design and construction, while the current AS/NZS 3788:2024 edition covers in-service inspection, including how the inspection strategy, scope and interval are determined. Registration and inspection duties vary by equipment and jurisdiction, so confirm the applicable state or territory requirements, manufacturer instructions and approved inspection plan. For electric compressors, check the current electrical in-service inspection requirements that apply to the equipment and work environment.

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Benefits of using this air compressor inspection checklist

  • Pressure vessel safety: identify tank corrosion, faulty safety valves or incorrect pressure gauge readings before a catastrophic failure.
  • Prevent breakdowns: catch low oil, worn belts or blocked filters before they cause equipment failure mid-shift.
  • Electrical safety: verify leads, plugs, isolators and RCDs are intact and tested before connecting to power.
  • Compliance: meet WHS, AS 1210, AS 3788 and principal contractor requirements with documented inspections.
  • Consistency: a standardised checklist ensures every operator checks the same items every time, regardless of experience.
  • Maintenance planning: build a history of inspection results to inform service intervals and replacement decisions.

Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack

When you digitise air compressor checklists in MapTrack, you get:

  • Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
  • Email the right people when a form is submitted, with an automation you set up.
  • File every completed form against the asset, location or person it covers.
  • Download any completed form as a PDF, with failed answers listed at the top.
  • Fill in forms offline; they upload when the device is back online.
  • Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
  • Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
  • Electronic signatures.
  • Edit forms later without reprinting.
  • Set who can view, fill in or edit forms with user roles.
  • Upload a paper form (PDF, Word, Excel or a photo) and MapTrack's AI builds a digital version for you to check.
  • Raise a work order from a submitted form with an automation you set up.
  • Track service intervals by hours, kilometres or calendar date in one place.
  • Attach supplier invoices and parts receipts to each maintenance record.

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Steve McAllister

Asset Coordinator, Saunders International

What to include in an air compressor inspection checklist

This air compressor inspection checklist covers 9 key areas:

  • Compressor details: asset ID, make/model, serial number, site/location, date, inspector name, type (portable/fixed) and current hours.
  • Tank and pressure system: receiver tank condition (corrosion, dents, damage), pressure rating plate legible, pressure gauge accuracy, safety/relief valve operation, condensate drain function and tank drain valve.
  • Mechanical and drive: drive belts (tension, wear, alignment), pulleys, motor mounting, vibration, coupling/shaft condition and belt guard in place.
  • Air system: air filter (clean, seated), hoses and fittings (cracks, leaks, clamps), regulators, outlets and quick-connect fittings.
  • Lubrication: oil level and condition, no leaks, oil type correct for compressor.
  • Electrical: power lead, plug, isolator, RCD test, motor condition, wiring and earthing.
  • Guards, frame and wheels: belt guard secure, wheel condition (portable units), frame/mounting, handle/tow bar, general cleanliness.
  • Overall result: Pass/Fail with a defect register for failed items.
  • Declaration and signatures: inspector sign-off and supervisor acknowledgement.

How to use this air compressor inspection checklist

  1. Record compressor details (asset ID, make/model, serial number, site, date, hours) at the top of the form.: Locate the data plate on the compressor to verify make, model and serial number. Read the hour meter and record the current reading. Note the site name or location code used in your asset register.
  2. Ensure the compressor is isolated and depressurised before starting the physical inspection (unless a check specifically requires the unit to be running).: Switch off the engine or motor and disconnect the power supply for electric units. Open the manual drain valve and confirm the receiver gauge reads zero. For portable units, chock the wheels to prevent movement during inspection.
  3. Work through each section in order - tank and pressure system, mechanical, air system, lubrication, electrical, then guards and frame. Mark Pass, Fail or N/A for each item.: Inspect the receiver tank for dents, corrosion or paint bubbling. Verify the pressure rating plate is legible. Test the safety relief valve by lifting the lever. Check belt tension by pressing the belt midpoint and confirming 10-15 mm deflection. Test the RCD by pressing the test button.
  4. For any Fail item, add a note describing the fault. Do not use the compressor until the fault has been assessed and rectified.: Describe the fault location, severity and any immediate risk. Attach a "Do Not Use" tag or lockout device to the compressor if a critical safety item fails. Escalate pressure vessel defects to a competent person for assessment under AS 3788.
  5. Drain the condensate from the receiver tank after the inspection (or confirm it was drained).: Open the drain valve at the lowest point of the receiver tank and allow all water and oil condensate to discharge into a suitable container. Dispose of condensate according to your site environmental management plan, as it may contain oil residue.
  6. Complete the overall result (Pass/Fail) and record all failed items in the defects register.: Mark the checklist as Pass only if every critical item passes. Transfer all failed items to the defect register with a unique reference number, assigned owner and due date for rectification.
  7. Sign and date the declaration. The supervisor or reviewer signs the acknowledgement section.: The inspector signs to confirm the inspection was performed thoroughly and accurately. The supervisor reviews the findings, approves or escalates defect actions, and countersigns within 24 hours of the inspection.

In MapTrack, you can schedule and track maintenance digitally, by date or meter reading. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.

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How often should you complete this checklist?

Portable air compressors used on construction sites should be inspected before each use or at the start of each shift. Fixed workshop compressors are typically checked daily or weekly, with more thorough inspections monthly. Condensate should be drained from the receiver tank after every use session or at least daily.

Beyond routine pre-use checks, pressure vessels are subject to in-service inspection requirements under AS/NZS 3788 and state/territory WHS regulations, including external visual inspections, internal inspections and hydrostatic testing at intervals determined by the equipment's hazard level. Safety/relief valves should be tested or replaced at intervals specified by the manufacturer. Follow the most stringent applicable requirement.

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Frequently asked questions

An air compressor inspection checklist should cover: receiver tank condition (corrosion, damage, pressure rating plate), pressure gauge accuracy, safety/relief valve operation, condensate drain function, drive belts (tension, wear, alignment), hoses and fittings (cracks, leaks, clamps), air filter (clean, seated correctly), oil level and condition, electrical connections (leads, plug, isolator, RCD), guards and covers (belt guard, moving parts), and wheels/frame/mounting (secure, no cracks, stable). Include space for overall result, defects and sign-off.

Portable compressors on construction sites are usually checked before each use or at the start of each shift, and fixed workshop compressors daily or weekly with a more thorough monthly check. Where the model WHS Regulations apply, which is every state and territory except Victoria, regulation 213 requires plant to be inspected by a competent person, following the manufacturer's recommendations, or a competent person's recommendations if there are none, and annually if neither is reasonably practicable. Regulation 224 adds that pressure equipment must be inspected on a regular basis by a competent person.

In every state and territory except Victoria, where the model WHS laws have not been implemented, yes. The receiver tank is a pressure vessel, which the model WHS Regulations treat as pressure equipment, and regulation 224 requires pressure equipment at a workplace to be inspected on a regular basis by a competent person. Regulation 213 also requires the maintenance, inspection and, if necessary, testing of plant to be carried out by a competent person. Whether the receiver must be registered depends on its hazard level and the exceptions in Schedule 5, and AS 3788:2024 covers in-service inspection.

Common faults include: moisture build-up in the receiver tank (not draining condensate regularly), worn or slipping belts, blocked air filters reducing efficiency, oil leaks or low oil levels, faulty pressure gauges giving inaccurate readings, seized or leaking safety/relief valves, damaged hoses or fittings, and electrical faults (damaged leads, tripped RCDs). Catching these early prevents breakdowns, reduces fire risk and avoids pressure vessel incidents.

Yes. Download and use the air compressor inspection checklist for free. It downloads as a ready-to-print PDF. No MapTrack account is required. If you want to schedule compressor inspections digitally, track inspection history per asset and receive automatic reminders when inspections are due, MapTrack can do that. Book a demo to see how.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.169 covers compressed air receivers. Each receiver needs a drain pipe and valve at its lowest point, and the drain must be opened and the receiver completely drained often enough to stop excessive amounts of liquid building up. Every receiver needs a readable pressure gauge and one or more spring-loaded safety valves, with no valve of any type between the receiver and its safety valves, and all safety valves must be tested frequently and at regular intervals. Drains, handholes and manholes must be easy to reach.

Often enough to stop excessive water and oil building up in the receiver. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.169 requires the drain valve to be opened and the receiver completely drained frequently, at intervals that prevent excessive liquid accumulating, and it allows automatic traps in addition to the drain valve. This checklist treats draining as an after-use or at least daily task. The condensate can contain oil residue, so collect it and dispose of it under your site environmental plan.

It depends on the size of the receiver. In Great Britain, regulation 8 of the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 stops the user of an installed system, or the owner of a mobile one, from operating it without a written scheme for periodic examination by a competent person of its protective devices and of any pressure vessel or pipework where a defect could cause danger. Compressed air above 0.5 bar is a relevant fluid, and for it Schedule 1 lifts that duty where each vessel's pressure in bar multiplied by its internal volume in litres is less than 250. Northern Ireland has its own 2004 regulations.

Applicable regulatory standards

This template is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The template alone does not establish compliance.

  • Model Work Health and Safety Regulations

    Edition: Model WHS Regulations as at 5 December 2025 (cited within as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011)

    Sets regular inspection of pressure equipment and plant by a competent person; Schedule 5 lists plant that needs registration.

    • reg 224: Pressure equipment must be inspected regularly by a competent person; inspected gas cylinders carry a current inspection mark.
    • reg 213: Plant must be maintained, inspected and, if necessary, tested by a competent person, following manufacturer or competent person recommendations; annual inspection applies only if neither is practicable.
    • Schedule 5: Plant requiring registration: plant designs (Part 1) and items of plant (Part 2), such as boilers and tower cranes.

    Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee)

  • Pressure equipment - In-service inspection

    Edition: AS/NZS 3788:2024 (incl. Amd 1:2025)

    Covers the in-service inspection process for pressure equipment, time-based inspection intervals and inspection of pressure-relief devices.

    • 2.3: The in-service inspection process for pressure equipment
    • 4.4: Time-based intervals between pressure equipment inspections
    • 4.6: Inspection of pressure-relief devices

    Standards Australia and Standards New ZealandSold by the publisher

  • 29 CFR Part 1910, Occupational Safety and Health Standards

    Edition: Current eCFR text, up to date as of 2026-10-22 (read 2026-10-26)

    For US workplaces: compressed air receiver drains, gauges and safety valves, and their condition and testing.

    • 1910.169: Compressed air receivers: installation, drains, gauges and safety valves, and their condition and testing.

    US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (text via eCFR)

  • The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000

    Edition: Current revised version as at 2026-10-26 (legislation.gov.uk)

    For Great Britain: the written scheme of examination, examination by a competent person, and keeping the records.

    • reg 8: A system must not be operated without a written scheme for periodic examination by a competent person, drawn up, or confirmed as suitable, by a competent person.
    • reg 9: Requires examination by a competent person in accordance with the written scheme, with a written report.
    • reg 14: Requires keeping the last examination report and other records for the pressure system.

    legislation.gov.uk (The National Archives)

  • Pressure vessels

    Edition: AS 1210-2010 (incl. Amd 1 and Amd 2:2015)

    Design and construction standard for pressure vessels such as compressor receivers.

    Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher

  • In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment and RCDs

    Edition: AS/NZS 3760:2022 (incl. Amd 1:2022)

    Sets in-service test intervals for plug-in electric compressors.

    • 2.2: Frequency of inspection and tests of electrical equipment and RCDs

    Standards Australia and Standards New ZealandSold by the publisher

Each source was read at its publisher and the page checked on 26 October 2026. The publisher's current text is the authority.

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  <p style="font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.05em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#071D49;margin:0;">Free template</p>
  <p style="font-size:18px;font-weight:700;color:#071D49;margin:6px 0 0;">Air compressor inspection checklist</p>
  <ul style="margin:12px 0 0;padding-left:18px;color:#374151;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;">
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Compressor details: asset ID, make/model, serial number, site/location, date, inspector name, type (portable/fixed) and current hours.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Tank and pressure system: receiver tank condition (corrosion, dents, damage), pressure rating plate legible, pressure gauge accuracy, safety/relief valve operation, condensate drain function and tank drain valve.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Mechanical and drive: drive belts (tension, wear, alignment), pulleys, motor mounting, vibration, coupling/shaft condition and belt guard in place.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Air system: air filter (clean, seated), hoses and fittings (cracks, leaks, clamps), regulators, outlets and quick-connect fittings.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Lubrication: oil level and condition, no leaks, oil type correct for compressor.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Electrical: power lead, plug, isolator, RCD test, motor condition, wiring and earthing.</li>
  </ul>
  <p style="font-size:13px;color:#6B7280;margin:14px 0 0;padding-top:12px;border-top:1px solid #E5E7EB;">Free <a href="https://www.maptrack.com/templates/air-compressor-inspection-checklist" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">Air compressor inspection checklist</a> by MapTrack</p>
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The MapTrack air compressor inspection checklist contains 35 checks across 6 sections.

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