Who should perform pre-operational checks on equipment prior to putting into operation?

• A. The safety officer
• B. The mechanic
• C. The supervisor
• D. The person operating the equipment

Answer: (D)

Pre-operational checks are done by the operator because they are the person who will use the equipment and must confirm it is safe to start. The operator is most familiar with how the machine should feel and respond, so they can quickly spot anything that isn’t right—like the function of controls, safety devices, warning alarms, brakes, lights, guards, and critical fluid levels. Catching issues before starting prevents stalls or accidents underground and helps avoid costly downtime. While others such as mechanics, safety personnel, or supervisors play important roles in maintenance and oversight, the immediate validation of readiness is the operator’s responsibility, ensuring safety is built into every start of a shift. If something isn’t right, it should be reported and repaired before use.