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Generator pre-start checklist

Before running a portable generator. Get it in Reldro to edit it and use it on a phone, even without signal.

  • 6 items
  • 2 critical
  • When the work happens
  • Editable in Reldro
A tradesperson in work gloves fitting a fixture to a tiled wall

When to use this checklist

Use it each time you start a generator, and when you move it.

How often
When the work happens
Critical items
2 of the 6 items are marked critical. If a critical item fails, stop and fix it, or keep people away, before the work goes ahead.

Tips for using it

  • Check the position first. Exhaust must go away from people and buildings.
  • Let it cool before you refuel.
  • Write down what failed and who will fix it by when. A failed item with no owner often comes back.
  • Edit the list to match your site and your procedures before you use it with a crew.

Common questions

What's on a generator pre-start checklist?

It has 6 checks: Generator is outdoors and away from doors, windows, and vents; Grounding and GFCI protection are in place; Fuel is stored in approved containers away from the unit; Cords are rated for the load; Unit is level and out of water; A carbon monoxide alarm is available near occupied areas. 2 of them are critical.

How often should you do a generator pre-start checklist?

When the work happens. Use it each time you start a generator, and when you move it.

What do you do when a check fails?

Write down what failed, who will fix it, and by when. If a critical check fails, stop and fix it, or keep people away from the hazard, before the work goes ahead. In Reldro, a failed check can become a corrective action with an owner and a due date.

Can you use this generator pre-start checklist for free?

You can read it here for free. To use it, get it in Reldro. It arrives ready for you to edit to fit your site and procedures, your crew can complete it on a phone even without signal, and Reldro keeps each completed checklist with the site, the date, and who did it.

Does this checklist make a site safe or compliant?

No. It's a starting point for your own inspection. Adapt it to your procedures and the rules where you work. Reldro doesn't certify that a site or job is safe or compliant.

Last updated .

Use this checklist in Reldro

  • It arrives ready to edit, and your crew uses it on their phone, even without signal.
  • Failed items become corrective actions with an owner and a due date.
  • Every completed one is kept with the site, the date and who did it.

Goes with

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