Industrial Equipment Shaft Alignment Record

Inspection template for documenting rotating equipment shaft alignment, including soft-foot checks, laser alignment readings, final alignment values, and corrective actions in accordance with API 686 practices.

Inspection Identification and Equipment Details

• Inspection date and time recorded
• Equipment tag, asset ID, and location documented
• Driver and driven equipment identified
• Alignment standard or work order reference recorded
• Inspector and technician names recorded
• Equipment status verified as safe to align
  Verify the machine is isolated, secured, and ready for alignment work.

Safety, Isolation, and Pre-Alignment Conditions

• Lockout-tagout applied and verified
• Stored energy relieved and zero-energy state confirmed
• Required PPE worn for alignment task
• Guards removed and area controlled for alignment access
• Base, hold-down bolts, and mounting surfaces inspected for looseness or damage

Soft-Foot Check and Foundation Condition

• Soft-foot check performed on each machine foot
  Record whether each foot was checked before alignment adjustments.
• Soft-foot readings recorded by foot position
  Enter the highest measured soft-foot value for the machine or use comments to list each foot reading.
• Shims installed, clean, and properly stacked
• Baseplate, feet, and shim surfaces free of debris and burrs
• Soft-foot corrected before final alignment

Initial Laser Alignment Readings

• Initial offset reading recorded
• Initial angular reading recorded
• Coupling gap or rim readings recorded
• Initial alignment condition documented
• Measurement method and laser tool ID recorded
  Document the alignment system used and any setup notes.

Final Alignment Readings and Acceptance

• Final offset reading recorded
• Final angular reading recorded
• Final alignment within tolerance
  Confirm final readings meet site acceptance criteria and API 686-based tolerances.
• Coupling or shaft rotation verified after adjustment
• Final readings and acceptance notes documented

Observations, Deficiencies, and Sign-Off

• Deficiencies or non-conformances noted
  Record any remaining issues such as excessive soft foot, damaged shims, base distortion, or repeat adjustment required.
• Corrective actions completed or assigned
• Inspector signature