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Free roller / compactor pre-start checklist
Free roller compactor pre-start checklist (PDF-ready). Covers cab, ROPS, drums, vibration system, brakes, steering and safety devices. Download free.
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30 checks · 5 sections · Sign-off
30 checks
The fields in the printable form, in a view that fits your screen.
- Make / model
- Serial / plant #
- Fleet / asset #
- Hour meter
- Roller type
- Site / project
- Operator name
- Date
- Competency / ticket #
- Shift
A - Cab & ROPS
B - Engine & Fluids
C - Drums & Vibration System
D - Brakes & Steering
E - Lights & Safety Devices
Defects & Action Required
- Item #
- Defect Description
- Action Taken / Reported to
- Rectified by / Date
Declaration
I declare that I have completed this pre-start inspection of the above roller compactor. I have reported all defects and will not operate the roller if any defect affects safe operation. I confirm I hold the required competencies to operate this plant.
Operator Sign-off
Signature · Print name · Date & time
Supervisor Acknowledgement
Signature · Print name · Date
The MapTrack roller / compactor pre-start checklist contains 30 checks across 5 sections.
General guidance only. Check the form against your equipment manual, site procedures and local requirements before using it.
Short answer
A roller compactor pre-start checklist records the operator's shift-start check of a roller: walk-around, fluids and water spray tank, drums and scrapers, cab and ROPS/FOPS, seatbelt, horn, backup alarm, brakes, articulated steering and the vibration system. Operators complete it before first use each shift, as site and manufacturer practice. Regulation 213 of the model WHS Regulations sets no daily interval; it requires competent-person inspection following manufacturer or competent-person 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 roller / compactor pre-start checklist contains 30 checks across 5 sections. Sections covered: A - Cab & ROPS, B - Engine & Fluids, C - Drums & Vibration System, D - Brakes & Steering, E - Lights & Safety Devices.
- Reg 213 of the model WHS Regulations sets no daily interval; inspect and maintain to the manufacturer's recommendations, or a competent person's if there are none.
- Test the parking brake, service brake and articulated steering at slow speed in a safe area before starting work.
- Engage vibration at low speed and listen for drum bearing or eccentric shaft noise; record abnormal noise as a defect.
- On asphalt work, check the water spray system and drum scrapers at the start of each paving session.
- In NSW, sections 214 and 215 of the WHS Regulation 2025 set powered mobile plant controls, including operator protective devices.
What is a roller / compactor pre-start checklist?
A roller compactor pre-start check is a documented inspection completed by the operator before the machine is started or moved each shift. It systematically checks mechanical condition, fluid levels, safety systems, and structural integrity to confirm the roller is fit for operation. Pre-start inspections help meet the plant inspection duty in the Australian Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations (regulation 213), and most site safety management plans specify that no plant is to be operated without a completed daily pre-start. Roller compactors operate in dynamic environments, compacting asphalt, aggregate base, and earthworks where drum faults, brake issues, or vibration system failures can cause serious incidents. A thorough pre-start is the first line of defence. AS 4024 (Safety of machinery) provides additional guidance on guarding, safety systems and inspection requirements, and ISO 6165 (Earth-moving machinery) sets out the basic machine types, identification and vocabulary. During asphalt paving operations, the water spray system and drum scrapers require particular attention as hardened asphalt residue can damage drum surfaces and affect compaction quality.
Under the WHS Act 2011 and WHS Regulation 2025 (NSW), Part 5.1 (Plant), a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) has a duty to ensure that plant capable of causing injury is inspected and maintained so it remains safe for use. Roller compactors present specific hazards including whole-body vibration, rollover on sloping ground, and entrapment between the drum and fixed objects. The documented pre-start checklist provides contemporaneous evidence that the duty holder has taken reasonably practicable steps to manage these risks. On civil and road construction projects, principal contractors routinely require completed pre-start records before any roller is permitted to operate on site, and insurers increasingly expect a verifiable digital inspection trail.
Learn more about pre-start inspections in MapTrack.
Doing pre-starts on rollers every shift? See civil site and plant tracking for pre-starts on phones and defects on each roller.
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Benefits of using this roller / compactor pre-start checklist
- Identify faults before operation: catch drum damage, hydraulic leaks, or brake faults early before they cause breakdowns or injuries.
- WHS compliance: demonstrate duty of care and meet work health and safety obligations under Australian legislation.
- Reduced downtime: prevent costly breakdowns and unplanned maintenance by catching issues before they escalate.
- Insurance and warranty protection: documented pre-starts support insurance claims and manufacturer warranty requirements.
- Operator accountability: signed records confirm who inspected and operated the roller each shift.
- Maintenance planning: trend data from pre-starts helps schedule servicing before failures occur, particularly for vibration systems and drum scrapers.
What to include in a roller / compactor pre-start checklist
- Cab & ROPS: ROPS/FOPS structure, seatbelt and operator restraint, mirrors, horn, backup alarm, gauges and instruments, fire extinguisher.
- Engine & Fluids: engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuel level, DEF/AdBlue where applicable, air filter restriction indicator, battery, leaks and hoses.
- Drums & Vibration System: drum surface condition, scraper blade condition and adjustment, vibration system engagement (amplitude/frequency selector), drum bearing condition, water spray system (asphalt rollers).
- Brakes & Steering: parking brake function, service brake response, steering operation (articulated joint, cylinder, linkages), hydraulic steering pressure.
- Lights & Safety Devices: headlights, work lights, rotating beacon, reverse alarm, emergency stop, seat-activated safety interlock, walk-around for fluid leaks or ground hazards.
How to use this roller / compactor pre-start checklist
Walk-around inspection
Before starting, walk around the roller checking underneath for fluid leaks, inspecting drum surfaces for damage or flat spots, and confirming there are no objects or personnel near the machine.
Check fluid levels
With the engine off, check engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuel and the water spray tank level if fitted. Top up any low fluids and record the levels on the checklist form.
Inspect cab and controls
Check ROPS/FOPS structural integrity for cracks or deformation, fasten the seatbelt and tug to test the retractor, position mirrors correctly and test the horn and dashboard gauges before starting.
Start engine and check instruments
Observe that all warning lights illuminate during self-test then extinguish at startup. Confirm oil pressure and coolant temperature gauges read within normal range and verify the backup alarm sounds correctly.
Test brakes and steering
At slow speed in a safe area, apply the parking brake and confirm the roller holds stationary. Test the service brake for firm pedal response and check articulated steering for smooth operation without play.
Test vibration system
Engage the vibration system at low speed and confirm both amplitude and frequency selectors respond correctly. Listen carefully for abnormal noise from drum bearings or the eccentric shaft that may indicate wear.
Complete the form
Mark Pass, Fail or N/A for every item and record detailed notes for any failed item. Sign, print your name and date the form. Do not operate the roller until all failed items are rectified or escalated.
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How often should you complete this checklist?
A roller compactor pre-start check must be completed before first use at the start of each shift or each working day. If the roller is used across multiple shifts, each operator must complete their own pre-start before taking control of the machine. For hired or shared plant, additional end-of-shift handover walkarounds are recommended. In addition to daily checks, follow the manufacturer's scheduled maintenance intervals (typically at 250, 500, 1000 hours) and any requirements set by your site safety management plan or principal contractor. During asphalt paving works, the water spray system and drum scrapers should also be checked at the start of each paving session.
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Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.
A roller compactor pre-start should cover: cab and ROPS/FOPS condition, seatbelt and operator restraint, horn and backup alarm, engine oil, coolant and fuel levels, hydraulic oil level, drum condition (cracks, flat spots, scrapers), vibration system operation, brake function, steering response, lights and safety devices, and a walk-around for leaks or damage. Any fluid leaks, drum damage or brake defects must be reported before operation.
Link to this answerA pre-start check should be completed at the start of every shift or before first use each day. If multiple operators use the same roller across shifts, each operator should complete their own check. High-use or hired plant may also require end-of-shift walkarounds documented separately.
Link to this answerIn Australia, operators of roller compactors (including self-propelled rollers) must hold the relevant competency or statement of attainment for the unit of competency (e.g. RIIMPO317F Conduct roller operations). Site-specific inductions and any applicable high-risk work licence requirements should also be verified before operation.
Link to this answerYes. Download and use the template for free. It downloads as a ready-to-print PDF. No MapTrack account required. If you later want digital pre-starts linked to each roller with automatic fault alerts and a full inspection history, MapTrack can help.
Link to this answerRoller compactor inspections are governed by the WHS Regulation 2025 (NSW) Part 5.1 for plant and equipment, with AS 4024 (Safety of machinery) and ISO 6165 (Earth-moving machinery, basic types and vocabulary) as supporting references. The WHS Act requires the PCBU to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the provision and maintenance of safe plant (section 19), and section 213 of the Regulation requires plant to be inspected and maintained by a competent person. During asphalt paving operations, additional checks on the water spray system and drum scrapers may be required by the project specification or site safety management plan.
Link to this answerYes, this roller compactor pre-start checklist is completely free to download as a PDF. No account or signup is required. For teams wanting to move beyond paper forms, MapTrack offers a digital version that schedules each inspection, emails the assigned person in the week before it falls due, and stores completed records in the cloud for instant retrieval during audits.
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 RegulationsPlant inspection and maintenance by a competent person following manufacturer recommendations, and the plant risk duty. | 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) |
| Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 (NSW)NSW: plant maintenance and inspection, and powered mobile plant risks and controls such as operator protective devices. | Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 (NSW), commenced 22 August 2025, text as at 21 January 2026 |
| NSW Parliamentary Counsel's Office (NSW Legislation) |
| Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplaceModel Code guidance on inspecting plant and on maintenance and repair when a check finds a fault. | November 2024 version (reviewed May 2018; amended 2021, 2023 and 2024) |
| Safe Work Australia |
| Model Work Health and Safety Act (Model Work Health and Safety Bill)The primary duty of care, including providing and maintaining safe plant. | 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 Work Health and Safety Regulations
Edition: Model WHS Regulations as at 5 December 2025 (cited within as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011)
Plant inspection and maintenance by a competent person following manufacturer recommendations, and the plant risk duty.
- 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.
Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee)
Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 (NSW)
Edition: Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 (NSW), commenced 22 August 2025, text as at 21 January 2026
NSW: plant maintenance and inspection, and powered mobile plant risks and controls such as operator protective devices.
- s 213: Requires competent-person maintenance, inspection and necessary testing of plant, following the manufacturer's recommendations, else a competent person's, or annual inspection if neither is reasonably practicable.
- s 214: Requires management of powered mobile plant risks such as overturning, falling objects, ejection and collisions.
- s 215: Powered mobile plant controls, so far as reasonably practicable: operator protective devices and no riders without equivalent protection; plus preventing collisions and fitting warning devices.
Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace
Edition: November 2024 version (reviewed May 2018; amended 2021, 2023 and 2024)
Model Code guidance on inspecting plant and on maintenance and repair when a check finds a fault.
- 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.
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 primary duty of care, including providing and maintaining safe plant.
- 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)
Each source was read at its publisher and the page checked on 26 October 2026. The publisher's current text is the authority.
- Model WHS Regulations (Safe Work Australia)
- ISO 6165:2022, Earth-moving machinery types and vocabulary (ISO catalogue)
- AS 4024 series, Safety of machinery (Standards Australia listing)
MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.
The numbers behind this roller / compactor pre-start checklist
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The MapTrack roller / compactor pre-start checklist contains 30 checks across 5 sections.
- Short attribution
- MapTrack Roller / compactor pre-start checklist, https://www.maptrack.com/templates/roller-compactor-pre-start-checklist
- Reference list
- MapTrack. (2026). Roller / compactor pre-start checklist [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/roller-compactor-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;">Roller / compactor 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;">Cab & ROPS: ROPS/FOPS structure, seatbelt and operator restraint, mirrors, horn, backup alarm, gauges and instruments, fire extinguisher.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Engine & Fluids: engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuel level, DEF/AdBlue where applicable, air filter restriction indicator, battery, leaks and hoses.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Drums & Vibration System: drum surface condition, scraper blade condition and adjustment, vibration system engagement (amplitude/frequency selector), drum bearing condition, water spray system (asphalt rollers).</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Brakes & Steering: parking brake function, service brake response, steering operation (articulated joint, cylinder, linkages), hydraulic steering pressure.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Lights & Safety Devices: headlights, work lights, rotating beacon, reverse alarm, emergency stop, seat-activated safety interlock, walk-around for fluid leaks or ground hazards.</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/roller-compactor-pre-start-checklist" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">Roller / compactor pre-start checklist</a> by MapTrack</p>
</div>Free to reuse, including commercially. This template is published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. Copy it, adapt it, put it on your own site or in your own docs. All we ask is that you credit MapTrack with a link back to this page. The snippet above already includes that credit, so if you use it as-is you’re covered.
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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