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Free piling rig pre-start checklist
Free piling rig daily pre-start checklist (PDF-ready). Covers mast, leaders, hammer, hydraulics, tracks, cab and safety checks. Download free.
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33 checks · 6 sections · Sign-off
33 checks
The fields in the printable form, in a view that fits your screen.
- Make / model
- Serial number
- Inspection date
- Operator name
Mast & Structure
Drill Head & Auger
Hydraulics & Engine
Tracks & Undercarriage
Winch & Ropes
Safety
(list any item marked F: reference item # from checklist)
Defects & Action Required
- Item #
- Defect description
- Action taken / reported to
- Rectified by / date
Declaration
I declare that I have completed this piling rig pre-start inspection before using this piling rig. I have reported any defects or non-compliant items to my supervisor and will not use this piling rig until any defects that affect safety have been rectified. I understand that failure to complete a pre-start check or to report defects may breach company policy and WHS obligations.
Operator Sign-off
Signature · Print name · Date & time
Supervisor / Reviewer Acknowledgement
Signature · Print name · Date
The MapTrack piling rig pre-start checklist contains 33 checks across 6 sections.
General guidance only. Check the form against your equipment manual, site procedures and local requirements before using it.
Short answer
A piling rig pre-start checklist records the operator's check before each shift: walk-around and ground conditions, cab and controls, fluids, tracks, mast and leaders, pins, winch and wire ropes, hammer or auger, hydraulics, emergency stops, guards and any crane functions. The daily interval is site practice. Regulation 213 of the model WHS Regulations requires plant to be maintained and inspected following the manufacturer's recommendations.
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 piling rig pre-start checklist contains 33 checks across 6 sections. Sections covered: Mast & Structure, Drill Head & Auger, Hydraulics & Engine, Tracks & Undercarriage, Winch & Ropes, Safety.
- Wire rope discard criteria are in AS 2759 Section 14; AS 3569 is the steel wire rope product specification.
- Model WHS reg 213: a competent person maintains and inspects the rig to the manufacturer's or a competent person's recommendations.
- Do not operate the rig with a failed emergency stop, damaged rope or loose mast pins; tag it out until repaired and re-inspected.
- Check ground conditions and the working platform before tracking or raising the mast, and record what was checked.
- Repeat the pre-start after relocation, repairs or a change of operator, as well as at each shift start.
What is a piling rig pre-start checklist?
A piling rig daily pre-start checklist is a structured form used to inspect a piling rig before it is operated each day or shift. Piling rigs are used to install deep foundation piles for buildings, bridges, retaining walls and other structures. They include bored piling rigs, driven piling rigs and continuous flight auger (CFA) rigs, each with unique components that must be checked. Because piling rigs involve significant forces, heavy suspended loads, rotating equipment and often crane functions, a thorough pre-start inspection is essential. The checklist helps operators and supervisors confirm the piling rig is safe and fit for use, reducing the risk of mechanical failures, accidents and non-compliance. It covers everything from the tracks and undercarriage to the mast, leaders, hammer or auger, hydraulics, cab controls, crane functions and safety devices, catching problems such as worn wire ropes, leader guide wear or faulty emergency stops before they lead to costly downtime or incidents. Under the WHS Act 2011 (Section 19), the PCBU holds a primary duty of care to ensure that plant is safe and without risks to health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable. The WHS Regulations 2011 (Chapter 5, Plant and Structures) require that piling rigs are maintained, inspected and, where necessary, tested by a competent person, following the manufacturer recommendations or, where there are none, those of a competent person (regulation 213). Piling rigs present equipment-specific risks including mast collapse from structural fatigue or loose pins, struck-by injuries from suspended hammers and auger flights, wire rope failure under load, and ground collapse or instability during deep foundation operations.
Learn more about pre-start inspections in MapTrack.
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Benefits of using this piling rig pre-start checklist
- Fewer breakdowns: catch mast, leader and hydraulic issues early before they become costly repairs or unplanned downtime on site.
- Operator safety: verify guards, emergency stops, handrails, crane limiters and safety devices are in place before the piling rig is used.
- WHS compliance: meet Work Health and Safety requirements for piling rig and crane operation, and demonstrate due diligence for plant inspection.
- Preventive maintenance: extend the life of your piling rig by identifying wear on wire ropes, leader guides, hydraulic hoses and undercarriage components before they fail.
- Consistency across piling crews: a standardised checklist ensures critical checks are not missed regardless of which operator or crew is running the rig.
- Recordkeeping for audits: maintain a verifiable history of pre-start inspections for audits, insurance claims and incident investigations.
What to include in a piling rig pre-start checklist
- Piling rig details: asset ID, make/model, serial number, hours reading.
- Operator details: name, licence/ticket number, date, site/location.
- Walk-around: general condition, visible leaks, ground conditions.
- Cab and visibility: cabin access and housekeeping, seatbelt, horn, mirrors and camera, windscreen and wipers, sunroof and windows, gauges and displays.
- Engine and fluids: engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuel, batteries.
- Tracks and undercarriage: track tension, pads and shoes, rollers and idlers, guards and covers, no debris.
- Mast and leaders: mast pins and bolts, leader guides and rails, winch and wire ropes, hammer or auger attachment, kelly bar or auger flights, crowd system.
- Hydraulics: rams and cylinders, hoses secure, connections and couplings, gauges.
- Safety devices: fire extinguisher, first aid kit, emergency stops, guards and handrails, beacon, strobe and track alarm.
- Electrical: headlights and work lights, indicators, beacon.
- Crane functions (if fitted): slew operation, boom operation, LMI/RCI operational.
- Overall result, defects table, operator and supervisor sign-off.
How to use this piling rig pre-start checklist
Complete piling rig and operator details at the top of the checklist, including the hours reading.
Record the rig asset ID, make and model, serial number and current hour meter. Enter your name, competency or HRWL details, site location and the date and time of the inspection.
Perform a walk-around inspection before entering the cab. Check for leaks, damage, debris and ground conditions around the rig.
Circle the rig looking for hydraulic oil leaks at cylinders and hoses, cracked welds on the mast or chassis, and debris around the tracks. Confirm the ground can support the rig during piling loads and vibrations.
Go through each checklist item and inspect the corresponding component. Mark Pass or Fail (and add notes if needed).
Inspect mast pins and bolts for tightness, check leader guide rails for wear, examine wire ropes for broken strands or kinks, and test the crowd system hydraulic response. If a crane function is fitted, test slew, boom and LMI/RCI.
If any item fails, note it and do not operate the piling rig until it is rectified or approved. Report defects per your procedures.
Tag the rig out of service for critical defects such as mast structural damage, failed crane limiters, broken wire ropes or non-functional emergency stops. Notify the supervisor and maintenance team immediately.
Sign and date when the check is complete. Keep the form for your records.
Confirm all items are marked Pass, Fail or N/A. Print your name, sign and date the form. In MapTrack, submit the inspection to automatically link it to the piling rig asset record.
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How often should you complete this checklist?
Complete a piling rig pre-start inspection before each use or at the start of each shift. If the piling rig has been relocated to a new site, has had repairs, or was used by another operator, perform a fresh check. Many construction sites require a daily pre-start for all plant and equipment on site. In addition to daily pre-starts, follow the manufacturer scheduled service intervals for deeper mechanical, hydraulic and structural inspections. Wire ropes should be inspected at the frequency specified in the manufacturer manual and replaced when discard criteria in AS 2759 are met. Your company policy, site rules or contract may specify additional frequency. When in doubt, complete the checklist each time the piling rig is used.
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Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.
A piling rig pre-start inspection should cover a walk-around (general condition, leaks, ground conditions), cab and visibility (cabin access, seatbelt, horn, mirrors, windscreen, gauges), engine and fluids (oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuel, batteries), tracks and undercarriage (tension, pads, rollers, guards, debris), mast and leaders (mast pins and bolts, leader guides and rails, winch and wire ropes, hammer or auger attachment, kelly bar or auger flights, crowd system), hydraulics (rams and cylinders, hoses, connections, gauges), safety devices (fire extinguisher, first aid kit, emergency stops, guards and handrails, beacon and track alarm), electrical (headlights, work lights, indicators, beacon), and crane functions if fitted (slew, boom, LMI/RCI).
Link to this answerA piling rig should receive a pre-start inspection before each use or at the start of each shift. If the rig has been relocated to a new site, has had repairs, or was used by another operator, perform a fresh check. Your company policy, site rules or contract may specify additional frequency. Always follow the most stringent requirement.
Link to this answerIn Australia, piling rig operators generally require a Statement of Attainment for the relevant unit of competency (the unit depends on the rig type, so check training.gov.au for the current piling unit). If the piling rig has crane functions (slew, boom, lifting), the operator may also need a High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) for the relevant crane class. Requirements vary by state and territory. Check your local WHS regulations and always verify operator competency before allowing use.
Link to this answerPiling rig inspections sit under the WHS Regulations for plant and equipment, with AS 4024 (Safety of machinery) for machine safeguarding. AS 2159 (Piling - Design and installation) covers the piles themselves. If the rig has crane functions, AS 2550 (Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use) also applies. The person with management or control of the rig must ensure it is maintained and inspected by a competent person in line with the manufacturer recommendations (regulation 213). Wire rope inspections should follow AS 2759 criteria for discard.
Link to this answerYes. This piling rig pre-start checklist is completely free to download and use. Enter your email on this page and it downloads straight away as a ready-to-print PDF, with no MapTrack account needed. It is designed for immediate use on site.
Link to this answerApplicable regulatory standards
This form is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The form alone does not establish compliance.
| Standard | Edition | Clauses this template relies on | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model Work Health and Safety RegulationsMaintenance and inspection by a competent person to the manufacturer's recommendations, plant risk management and guarding. | Model WHS Regulations as at 5 December 2025 (cited within as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011) |
| Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee) |
| Model Work Health and Safety Act (Model Work Health and Safety Bill)The general duty to provide and maintain safe plant, so far as is reasonably practicable. | Model WHS Bill as at 5 December 2025 (includes the Model WHS Legislation Amendment (Incident Notification) 2025) |
| Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee) |
| Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplaceGuidance on how and when plant is inspected and maintained by competent people. | November 2024 version (reviewed May 2018; amended 2021, 2023 and 2024) |
| Safe Work Australia |
| Steel wire rope - Use, operation and maintenanceIn-service inspection of steel wire ropes and the criteria for discarding them. | AS 2759-2004 |
| Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher |
| Safety of machinery (AS 4024 and AS/NZS 4024 series)Safety of machinery series covering guards, interlocks and emergency stops; cite the current edition of each part. | Multi-part series; each part has its own edition (for example AS 4024.1100:2019, AS/NZS 4024.1601:2024, AS/NZS 4024.1603:2019) | Whole instrument | Standards Australia and Standards New ZealandSold by the publisher |
| Piling - Design and installationDesign and installation of piles. It does not set a rig pre-start check. | AS 2159-2009 (incl. Amd 1) | Whole instrument | Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher |
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)
Maintenance and inspection by a competent person to the manufacturer's recommendations, plant risk management and guarding.
- 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.
- reg 203: A person managing or controlling plant must manage its risks in line with Part 3.1.
- reg 208: Where guarding is used on plant, sets the order of guard types by access need and practicability: fixed or interlocked barriers, then tool-removable barriers, then presence-sensing systems.
Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee)
Model Work Health and Safety Act (Model Work Health and Safety Bill)
Edition: Model WHS Bill as at 5 December 2025 (includes the Model WHS Legislation Amendment (Incident Notification) 2025)
The general duty to provide and maintain safe plant, so far as is reasonably practicable.
- s 19: Primary duty of care: a PCBU must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and others, including safe plant, systems, training and supervision.
Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee)
Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace
Edition: November 2024 version (reviewed May 2018; amended 2021, 2023 and 2024)
Guidance on how and when plant is inspected and maintained by competent people.
- Section 3.5: Inspecting plant: how and when plant should be inspected by a competent person, reflecting reg 213.
- Section 3.6: Maintenance, repair and cleaning of plant, following manufacturer instructions and by competent people.
Steel wire rope - Use, operation and maintenance
Edition: AS 2759-2004
In-service inspection of steel wire ropes and the criteria for discarding them.
- Section 13: Inspection of steel wire ropes in service.
- Section 14: Criteria for discarding steel wire ropes.
Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher
Safety of machinery (AS 4024 and AS/NZS 4024 series)
Edition: Multi-part series; each part has its own edition (for example AS 4024.1100:2019, AS/NZS 4024.1601:2024, AS/NZS 4024.1603:2019)
Safety of machinery series covering guards, interlocks and emergency stops; cite the current edition of each part.
Standards Australia and Standards New ZealandSold by the publisher
Piling - Design and installation
Edition: AS 2159-2009 (incl. Amd 1)
Design and installation of piles. It does not set a rig pre-start check.
Standards AustraliaSold 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.
MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.
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The MapTrack piling rig pre-start checklist contains 33 checks across 6 sections.
- Short attribution
- MapTrack Piling rig pre-start checklist, https://www.maptrack.com/templates/piling-rig-pre-start-checklist
- Reference list
- MapTrack. (2026). Piling rig pre-start checklist [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/piling-rig-pre-start-checklist
Free to reuse with credit under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. If you’d rather link straight to it, the page is https://www.maptrack.com/templates/piling-rig-pre-start-checklist.
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<div style="max-width:480px;font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,'Segoe UI',Roboto,sans-serif;border:1px solid #E5E7EB;border-radius:12px;padding:20px;background:#ffffff;">
<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;">Piling rig pre-start 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;">Piling rig details: asset ID, make/model, serial number, hours reading.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Operator details: name, licence/ticket number, date, site/location.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Walk-around: general condition, visible leaks, ground conditions.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Cab and visibility: cabin access and housekeeping, seatbelt, horn, mirrors and camera, windscreen and wipers, sunroof and windows, gauges and displays.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Engine and fluids: engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuel, batteries.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Tracks and undercarriage: track tension, pads and shoes, rollers and idlers, guards and covers, no debris.</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/piling-rig-pre-start-checklist" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">Piling rig pre-start checklist</a> by MapTrack</p>
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About the author
Co-Founder & Commercial Director
Jarrod has spent over a decade in technology consulting and asset management, including roles at Accenture (mining and heavy industry) and CGI as an Asset Management Consultant. He co-founded MapTrack and built and scaled its original platform, then rebuilt it with Lachlan and Alex from thousands of customer conversations and 300+ user research sessions with field teams. His consulting background gives him deep insight into the operational and compliance challenges facing asset-intensive Australian businesses.
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