Checklist

Locomotive Pre-Departure Checklist

Generate a locomotive pre-departure checklist online. Perform brake test, lighting check, wheel check, cab instruments, and general items before departure.

Start with this template

View All Templates

Checklist

Document Preview

Review the structure, sections, and fields before proceeding to fill out the document.

Locomotive Pre-Departure Checklist

No.LPD-2026-0714

1. General Information

Inspection date7/14/2026 Time7:00 AM — 7:20 AM
Basis for inspectionPre-departure check for service 09:15 to London Kings Cross

2. Object of Inspection

Object name89012 Mileage, km250000

3. Pre-Departure Checks

Brake Test ResultPass Air Brake Leak TestLeak Detected
HeadlightsFunctional TaillightsFunctional
Marker LightsFunctional Cab LightsFunctional
Wheel ConditionGood Wheel Flat SpotsNone
Instrument CheckOperational Control CheckResponsive
Warning LightsFunctional Fuel LevelAdequate
Sand LevelAdequate Safety EquipmentPresent

4. Failed Checks

No.Damage descriptionPhotos
1- 1not filled in

5. Additional Information

Identification was carried outLocomotive ID: 89012
There are remarksAll checks passed. Locomotive cleared for departure.

6. Inspection Participants

No.Full namePosition / statusComment
1Paul WilsonDriverPerformed pre-departure checks
2Claire AdamsOperations RepresentativeConfirmed readiness

Signatures

______________________________
Paul Wilson, Driver
______________________________
Paul Wilson
______________________________
Claire Adams

Checklist

Purpose and Procedure for Drafting the Document

What Is a Locomotive Pre-Departure Checklist?

This checklist ensures that a locomotive is ready for departure by verifying critical systems: brake test, lighting, wheels, cab instruments, fuel, sand, and safety equipment. Each item is marked as pass or fail.

Why Use an Online Template?

An online template provides a standardized pre-departure process. It ensures no step is missed and creates a digital record that can be reviewed by operations and maintenance teams.

Who Uses This Checklist?

Locomotive drivers and inspectors use this checklist before each departure. Operations managers review the records to ensure locomotives are dispatched safely.

Daily Departures

Before every departure, the driver or inspector completes this checklist to confirm the locomotive is safe to operate.

Shift Handovers

The checklist can be used during shift handovers to communicate the locomotive's status to the incoming crew.

Fleet Dispatch

Fleet dispatchers use the completed checklists to verify that locomotives are ready for service and to identify any that require maintenance.

Safety Compliance

Railway operators must perform pre-departure checks. This checklist provides documented evidence of compliance.

  1. 1

    Pre-Departure Preparation

    The driver records the locomotive ID, check date, departure time, and driver name. The checklist is then worked through systematically.

  2. 2

    Systematic Checks

    The driver performs the brake test, checks all lights, inspects wheels, verifies cab instruments and controls, and checks fuel, sand, and safety equipment.

  3. 3

    Sign-Off

    After completing all checks, the driver signs the checklist. An operations representative may also sign to confirm readiness. The checklist is then saved.

Photo Report Generator

Use the photo report generator to attach photos of any failed items, such as a defective light or wheel issue. Visual evidence helps maintenance teams understand the problem.

Create Photo Report

Mobile Photo Documentation App

Capture photos of check items on-site with the mobile app. The app syncs with the online editor, making it easy to document pre-departure checks in the locomotive cab.

Mobile App

Document Sections

Click a section to jump to it in the sample document.

General Information

Record the check date, departure time, and basis for the check.

Object of Inspection

Identify the locomotive by its ID and record its mileage.

Pre-Departure Checks

Perform and record results of brake test, lighting, wheels, cab instruments, and general items.

Failed Checks

List any check items that failed, including component, defect, description, and photo.

Additional Information

Add any additional notes or remarks about the pre-departure check.

Inspection Participants

List the driver and operations representative involved.

Signatures

Collect signatures from the driver and operations representative.

Document Fields and Columns

General Information

Inspection date
Date of the pre-departure check.
Time
Scheduled departure time.
Basis for inspection
Reason for the check, e.g., pre-departure.

Object of Inspection

Object name
Unique identifier of the locomotive.
Mileage (km)
Accumulated mileage of the locomotive.

Failed Checks

No.
Sequential number of the failed check.
Element
Component that failed the check.
Defect
Type of defect or failure.
Damage description
Detailed description of the failure.
Photos
Photographic evidence of the failure.

Inspection Participants

No.
Sequential number of the participant.
Full name
Full name of the participant.
Position / status
Role or position of the participant.
Comment
Any comments from the participant.

Frequently Asked Questions about Photo Reports and Photo Tables

What is included in the brake test?

The brake test includes checking the brake test result (pass/fail) and an air brake leak test to ensure the system holds pressure without leaks.

Which lights are checked?

Headlights, taillights, marker lights, and cab lights are checked to ensure they are functional.

What wheel checks are performed?

The wheels are checked for visible defects (good/defect found) and for flat spots (none/present).

What general items are verified?

Fuel level, sand level (for traction), and safety equipment presence are checked. There is also a general notes field for additional remarks.

How do I start using this checklist?

Click 'Use this template' to open it in the online editor. Fill in the locomotive ID, date, and driver name. Then go through each check item and generate the completed checklist.

Create Your Document Online

Enter inspection details and generate a ready-to-download document.