Before each shift, safety regulations require checking equipment for all of the following except:

In the context of safety regulations for equipment checks before a shift, it is essential to focus on the operational safety functions that are critical for the safe operation of machinery. While checking fuel and oil levels is indeed important for the overall maintenance and performance of the equipment, it is not typically considered a safety critical check that must be performed before each shift.

Operational controls, emergency brakes, and the horn are directly related to the safe operation of the equipment. Operational controls ensure that the operator can effectively manage the equipment, the emergency brake is vital for stopping machinery in case of a malfunction, and the horn is a critical safety feature that alerts others in the vicinity of the equipment's presence or movements. These checks help prevent accidents and enhance safety on the job site.

On the other hand, checking fuel and oil levels, while important for ensuring the machine operates efficiently and without interruption, can often be scheduled for a different maintenance routine, such as end-of-day checks or after a certain number of operating hours. Thus, while all aspects of equipment maintenance are crucial, the focus of immediate safety checks emphasizes those elements that have a direct impact on operational safety during shifts.