Oilfield Vehicle and Transportation Safety Inspection Checklist

Transportation fatalities are a leading cause of oil and gas industry deaths. This daily pre-trip vehicle safety inspection verifies vehicle condition, driver fitness, and journey management controls per FMCSA and OSHA requirements.

  • Industry: Oil & Gas / Energy
  • Frequency: Daily (Pre-Trip)
  • Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Role: Driver / Equipment Operator
  • Total Items: 31
  • Compliance: FMCSA 49 CFR Part 392 - Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles, FMCSA 49 CFR Part 396 - Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance, DOT 49 CFR Part 171-180 - Hazardous Materials Transportation, OSHA 29 CFR 1926.601 - Motor Vehicles (Construction)

Exterior and Tires

Inspect exterior and tires.

  • All tires inflated correctly with adequate tread depth and no sidewall damage?
  • All lights functional including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse?
  • Mirrors clean, properly adjusted, and unbroken?
  • Windshield free of cracks impairing driver vision?
  • No new body damage since last inspection?

Engine and Fluids

Check engine and fluid levels.

  • Engine oil level adequate?
  • Coolant level adequate?
  • Fuel level adequate for planned journey?
  • No fluid leaks visible under vehicle?
  • Battery connections tight with no corrosion?

Brakes and Steering

Verify brakes and steering.

  • Service brakes effective with no sponginess, pulling, or grinding?
  • Parking brake holds vehicle on grade?
  • Steering responsive with no excessive play?
  • Air brake system builds to correct pressure and holds?
  • Fifth wheel coupling locked and kingpin properly seated (if trailer)?

Safety Equipment

Verify vehicle safety equipment.

  • Seatbelts functional for all seating positions?
  • Fire extinguisher mounted, charged, and within inspection date?
  • Emergency warning triangles or flares on board (FMCSA 393.95)?
  • First aid kit present and stocked?
  • Personal H2S monitor in vehicle for oilfield sites?

Driver Fitness and Compliance

Verify driver fitness and documents.

  • Valid CDL or appropriate driver's license for vehicle class?
  • Driver within HOS limits per 49 CFR Part 395?
  • Driver medically fit with current DOT medical certificate?
  • Driver not impaired by fatigue, illness, medication, or substance?
  • Journey management plan completed for remote or hazardous routes?

Load Securement and HazMat

Verify load and hazmat compliance.

  • Load secured per DOT 49 CFR Part 393.100-393.136?
  • Hazmat placards correctly displayed for transported materials?
  • Hazmat shipping papers in cab in required location?
  • Vehicle within gross vehicle weight limits for route?
  • ELD or driver log updated before departure?
  • DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report) completed?

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Why Use This Oilfield Vehicle and Transportation Safety Inspection Checklist?

This oilfield vehicle and transportation safety inspection checklist helps oil & gas / energy teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for driver / equipment operator professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily (pre-trip).

Ensures compliance with FMCSA 49 CFR Part 392 - Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles, FMCSA 49 CFR Part 396 - Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance, DOT 49 CFR Part 171-180 - Hazardous Materials Transportation, OSHA 29 CFR 1926.601 - Motor Vehicles (Construction). Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Oilfield Vehicle and Transportation Safety Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 6 sections: Exterior and Tires, Engine and Fluids, Brakes and Steering, Safety Equipment, Driver Fitness and Compliance, Load Securement and HazMat. It is designed for oil & gas / energy operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily (pre-trip). Each completion takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Who should use this Oilfield Vehicle and Transportation Safety Inspection Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Driver / Equipment Operator professionals in the oil & gas / energy industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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