Tow Truck Pre-Operation Audit

Pre-operation inspection template for tow trucks covering boom, winch, dollies, safety chains, lights, and ground conditions before service use.

Inspection Setup and Scene Safety

• Vehicle parked on stable, level ground with adequate clearance
  Tow truck is positioned on firm, level ground with enough space to inspect boom, winch, dollies, and rear equipment safely.
• Parking brake set and transmission in safe position
  Parking brake engaged and transmission placed in park or neutral per equipment procedure before inspection begins.
• Ground conditions free of slip, trip, and sink hazards
  Area around the truck is free of oil, debris, ice, soft ground, holes, or other conditions that could affect safe operation or stabilization.
• Required PPE available and worn
  Appropriate PPE is in use for the inspection task, such as high-visibility apparel, gloves, and safety footwear as required by site conditions.

Boom and Lifting Components

• Boom structure free of cracks, bends, deformation, or visible damage
  Inspect the boom, welds, and attachment points for structural damage, corrosion, or missing hardware.
• Boom pins, locks, and retaining devices secure
  Pins, latches, and retaining hardware are present, seated, and secured according to manufacturer requirements.
• Boom controls operate smoothly without abnormal noise or hesitation
  Control movement is responsive and does not show binding, sticking, delayed response, or unusual noise during functional check.
• Boom hydraulic leaks or fluid seepage absent
  No active leaks, drips, or excessive seepage are visible on hoses, fittings, cylinders, or around the boom assembly.

Winch, Cable, and Recovery Hardware

• Winch drum, housing, and mounting secure
  Winch assembly is firmly mounted and shows no missing fasteners, cracks, or visible structural damage.
• Winch cable or synthetic line free of frays, kinks, cuts, or broken strands
  Inspect the entire accessible length of the line for wear, flattening, abrasion, corrosion, or other damage.
• Winch hook, latch, and safety catch functional
  Hook is not bent or cracked and the latch closes properly to help prevent accidental disengagement.
• Winch operation tested in both directions
  Winch spools and pays out smoothly without slipping, grinding, or abnormal vibration during a brief functional test.

Dollies, Safety Chains, and Tow Connections

• Dollies present, serviceable, and free of visible damage
  Dollies are available when required and show no cracked frames, damaged wheels, missing parts, or binding components.
• Safety chains present and free of excessive wear or deformation
  Chains are intact, properly sized for the task, and show no stretched links, cracks, severe rust, or damaged hooks.
• Tow straps, slings, or tie-downs inspected before use
  Any webbing or tie-down equipment to be used is free of cuts, burns, broken stitching, or damaged hardware.
• Connection points and attachment hardware secure
  Hooks, pins, shackles, and attachment points are properly seated and show no visible damage or looseness.

Lights, Visibility, and Documentation

• Headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals operational
  All required exterior lights function correctly and lenses are intact and visible.
• Warning lights, beacons, and reflectors visible and functional
  Amber or emergency warning devices, if equipped, are operational and not obstructed by dirt, damage, or missing lenses.
• Any deficiencies documented and unit placed out of service if required
  Record all defects, non-conformances, and corrective actions. Remove the truck from service when a critical item fails or when company policy requires it.
• Inspector signature completed
  Inspector confirms the audit is complete and accurate.