Rented equipment is only as safe as the crew running it. A few minutes of checks before each shift prevents the incidents that hurt people and blow up schedules. Use this checklist whenever you put a rented machine to work on your Inland Empire jobsite. It complements — never replaces — the manufacturer's manual and OSHA requirements.
Before you start: training and paperwork
- Only trained, authorized operators run the equipment. Forklifts and aerial lifts have specific training requirements.
- Read the operator's manual for any machine that's new to you — ask for a quick orientation at delivery.
- Know the machine's rated capacity and never exceed it.
- Confirm a plan for fueling, shut-off, and emergency stop.
Daily walk-around inspection
- Fluids: check fuel, oil, hydraulic, and coolant levels; look for leaks underneath.
- Tires/tracks: inspect for damage, wear, and proper inflation or tension.
- Controls: test drive, lift, steering, horn, lights, and alarms before working.
- Safety devices: confirm guards, rails, seatbelts, and emergency stops are present and functional.
- Structure: look for cracks, bent components, or loose hardware. Tag out and call us at (909) 966-4430 if anything's wrong — don't run a damaged machine.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Hard hat, safety glasses, and steel-toe boots as a baseline.
- High-visibility vest around traffic and other equipment.
- Hearing protection for compactors, breakers, and other loud gear.
- Fall protection on boom lifts and where site rules require it.
Set up the work area
- Survey for overhead hazards — power lines, branches, structures — before raising any lift.
- Call 811 for underground utility locates before any digging with a mini excavator.
- Set up on firm, level ground; deploy outriggers and stabilizers fully.
- Keep pedestrians and ground crew clear of the work zone and pinch points.
- Mind the weather — wind affects lifts and light towers; heat affects your crew.
While operating
- Travel with loads low and within capacity; take slopes as directed by the manual.
- Keep three points of contact mounting and dismounting; never jump off.
- Stay aware of your surroundings and maintain clear communication with spotters.
- Shut down, lower, and secure the machine before leaving it unattended.
End of shift
Park on level ground, lower attachments, engage brakes, remove the key, and secure the machine. Note any issues so they're addressed before the next shift. Planning multiple machines or a night operation? Our equipment selection guide and light tower guide can help you set up safely.
Heat and weather on Inland Empire jobsites
Summer in Upland and the wider Inland Empire brings real heat, and it's a safety factor, not just a comfort one. Build in water, rest, and shade for your crew, watch for the early signs of heat illness, and schedule the hardest work for the cooler morning hours when you can. Heat also affects equipment — engines and hydraulics work harder, so keep an eye on temperatures and fluid levels through the day. Wind matters too: lower the mast on light towers and use extra caution on aerial lifts when it kicks up, since a raised platform or tower acts like a sail. A quick weather check at the start of each shift helps you plan around the conditions instead of fighting them.
Keep this checklist handy
Print this list or save it on your phone and run through it before each shift and each new operator. It only takes a few minutes, and it's the cheapest insurance on the jobsite. The machines we deliver are serviced and inspected before they leave our yard — pairing that with a disciplined pre-use routine on your end is how jobs finish safely and on time.
Questions about safe operation? We're happy to walk you through any rental. Call (909) 966-4430 or request a quote — safe crews and serviced machines are how we do business across the Inland Empire.