Free underground vehicle inspection checklist

What is a underground vehicle inspection checklist?

An underground vehicle inspection checklist is a structured pre-shift form used to verify the safe operating condition of vehicles and mobile equipment before they enter or operate in an underground mine. It covers braking systems, steering, lights and reflectors, audible warning devices, fire suppression, methane monitors (where required), rollover protective structures (ROPS), seatbelts, tires, hydraulic systems, electrical systems and all operator controls. Each item is marked Pass, Fail or N/A with space for defect notes and corrective actions.

Under MSHA 30 CFR 75.1725, mobile equipment used in underground coal mines must be maintained in safe operating condition and examined by a competent person before being placed in operation. Underground mining environments present unique hazards including limited visibility, confined roadways, steep grades, explosive atmospheres and roof fall risks. A daily pre-shift inspection using a standardised checklist helps operators identify brake failures, steering defects, inoperative lights, missing fire suppression components and faulty methane monitors before the vehicle is taken underground. It also creates the documented examination record required by MSHA during inspections and audits, helping the operator demonstrate compliance and reduce the risk of citations and enforcement actions.

Learn more about pre-start inspections in MapTrack.

Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack

When you digitise underground vehicle checklists in MapTrack, you get:

• Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
• Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
• Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
• Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
• Ability to share forms digitally.
• 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.
• Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
• Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
• Auto-schedule pre-start forms so operators are prompted before every shift.
• Flag overdue pre-starts on the dashboard so nothing leaves the yard unchecked.
• Link each pre-start to the asset record for a complete inspection history.

Book a demo to see how MapTrack handles underground vehicle checklists.

What to include in a underground vehicle inspection checklist

This underground vehicle inspection checklist covers 10 key areas:

• Vehicle and operator details: vehicle number, type (scoop, shuttle car, roof bolter, mantrip, supply truck), make, model, serial number, operator name, MSHA certification number, date, shift and mine section.
• Braking system: service brakes, parking brake, emergency brake, brake fluid level, air pressure (if air brakes), brake lines and fittings, brake pedal travel and response.
• Steering and tires: steering response, power steering fluid, tie rods, wheel bearings, tire condition, inflation, lug nuts and rim condition.
• Lights and reflectors: headlights (high and low beam), tail lights, clearance lights, turn signals (if fitted), reflectors and backup alarm.
• Fire suppression system: system pressure or charge gauge, automatic and manual activation, nozzle coverage, inspection tags and expiration dates.
• Methane monitor (diesel equipment): calibration date, alarm function test, sensor condition, display readout and automatic engine shutdown function.
• ROPS and seatbelt: rollover protective structure integrity, mounting bolts, seatbelt condition and latch function.
• Hydraulic and electrical systems: hydraulic fluid level, hoses, fittings, cylinders, battery, wiring, connectors and permissibility components (where applicable).
• Controls and instruments: throttle, transmission, gauges (oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltmeter), horn, windshield wipers (if fitted) and parking brake indicator.
• Defect register and sign-off: item, description, corrective action, operator signature and date.

How often should you complete this checklist?

Under MSHA 30 CFR 75.1725, mobile equipment in underground coal mines must be examined by a competent person before being placed in operation. In practice this means a pre-shift examination at the start of every shift for every vehicle that will be used. If a vehicle is used across multiple shifts, each oncoming operator must complete their own pre-shift examination.

Beyond the daily pre-shift check, MSHA expects a more detailed periodic examination at regular intervals. Fire suppression systems should be inspected according to the manufacturer schedule, typically semi-annually with monthly visual checks. Methane monitors must be calibrated per manufacturer specifications and mine ventilation plan requirements. After any vehicle collision, fire, brake failure or other significant event, a targeted examination must be completed and documented before the vehicle is returned to service. In MapTrack you can schedule pre-shift, monthly and semi-annual inspection intervals per vehicle and track examination compliance across your underground fleet.

Applicable regulatory standards

This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:

• MSHA 30 CFR 75.1725 (Machinery and equipment, maintenance and operation)
• MSHA 30 CFR 75.1909 (Non-permissible diesel-powered equipment, safety requirements)
• MSHA 30 CFR 75.342 (Methane monitors)
• MSHA 30 CFR Part 48 (Training and retraining of miners)

Related resources

More pre-start templates and guides:

• Vehicle pre-start checklist
• Light vehicle pre-start checklist
• Heavy vehicle pre-start checklist
• Equipment pre-start checklist
• Pre-start inspections
• Compliance tracking
• Pricing