The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires a front end loader operator to be certified by a qualified trainer or third-party training organization. During this certification training, the front end loader operator is trained in the daily operational inspection, which is done with a checklist that must be signed by the operator and filed in the maintenance department.

Basic Information Requirement

Every front end loader operator checklist must have the basic information recorded at the top of the checklist. This includes the operator's name, date of the inspection, equipment number to identify the front end loader and time of the inspection. Most checklists record the type of machine as well as the model number.

Checklist Sections

Most front end loader checklists are broken up into sections, such as a section on what to inspect on the outside, inside the cab and inside the engine, as well as a section on the safety devices that are required to be on the machinery. Each section is broken up into categories or lists of what to check under that particular section. The sections have places for the operator to record comments about the part -- whether it is in good shape or needs attention and whether the operator needed to do anything to the part such as add oil or grease or replace a minor part. This record keeping helps the maintenance department keep a proper preventive maintenance program and lets employees know what needs to be repaired when the operator finds defects or damage.

Outside the Front End Loader

An outside inspection is done on the front end loader by the operator and recorded on the checklist. The operator checks for any damage to the front end loader, any fluid leaks that can be seen on the ground under the equipment, tire condition and inspection of the bucket assembly. The operator also records the condition of the handrails, mirrors and outside safety devices.

Inside the Cab

The operator of a front end loader uses the checklist to document the condition of the cab. Most of the checklist concerns what is inside the cab, and the conditions of each item must be recorded. The operator checks to ensure all the gauges are working properly, including the oil gauge and temperature gauge. The cleanliness of the cab needs to be recorded, and all the safety equipment inside the cab needs to be inspected to make sure it is operational and undamaged. The checklist must document the condition of the parking brake and service brakes.

Operational Inspection

As part of the daily checklist, the operator is required to check the operation of the front end loader. The operator turns on the engine to conduct this inspection. The controls of the front end loader must be operated and run through their cycles. The lights and safety horns must be checked to ensure they are working properly. The movement of the bucket must be operated through its cycle. The operator records the findings of this inspection on the daily checklist and keeps the checklist in the cab while operating the equipment so any problems can be recorded.