Tow Tractor Inspection Books - 25 Checklists

Tow tractors are powerful industrial vehicles capable of pulling substantial loads, often weighing several tonnes. This makes it essential that pre-use inspections are carried out to check key components such as brakes, tyres, steering, lights, and load security. Regular pre-use checks not only help protect the operator but also safeguard other staff, equipment, and warehouse stock from accidents and damage.

Industrial trucks, including tow tractors, are involved in a significant proportion of warehouse accidents. While operator error, often linked to inadequate training, is a leading cause, other factors also contribute. Poorly designed operating areas, restricted space, obstructions, inadequate traffic management, and neglected vehicle maintenance all increase the likelihood of incidents. Employers must therefore implement robust systems of work, including proper training programs, clear traffic and pedestrian flow procedures, and a comprehensive maintenance regime for all tow tractors.

Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), all work equipment, including tow tractors, must be maintained in a safe condition and inspected regularly. Employers are legally responsible for ensuring that tow tractors are safe to use, and pre-use inspections form an essential part of meeting these requirements.

The Good to Go Safety tow tractor inspection system is designed to make these checks simple, systematic, and effective. It allows operators to carry out pre-use inspections, identify potential faults early, and address issues before they escalate into serious or costly defects. By using these safety checklists, workplaces can improve operational safety, reduce maintenance costs, and maintain compliance with legal duties. At the start of each shift, operators should thoroughly check their tow tractor, document the results, and report any defects that could compromise safe operation to a supervisor for immediate rectification. Reference: HSE ACOP L117.

Each check book contains 25 individual inspection checklists covering mechanical, electrical, and structural components of the tow tractor, as well as checks for trailers, cages, or other loads being towed. The checklists are suitable for both stand-on tugs and sit-in cab tow tractors, ensuring that all types of industrial tow vehicles are accounted for. Duplicate carbon copies of each completed checklist are retained in the book, creating a clear audit trail for management and regulatory compliance. Additionally, the book includes detailed guidance notes to remind operators exactly what to inspect, helping to standardize safety procedures and reduce the risk of oversights.

By incorporating the Good to Go Safety checklist into daily operations, workplaces can foster a proactive safety culture, protect employees, and maintain reliable, efficient tow tractor operations.