Before using this template
- Check your jurisdiction: Relevant sources may include OSHA rules in the US, PUWER and LOLER in Great Britain, or national work-equipment rules elsewhere.
- Follow the machine instructions: Use the manufacturer's inspection procedure and limits for the specific model on site.
- Apply site procedures: Record the check, defect, and corrective action when required by your employer, equipment instructions, or local rules.
Why a MEWP Pre-Use Inspection Matters
Operating a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP)—including scissor lifts, boom lifts, and cherry pickers—can expose workers to falls, entrapment, overturning, and electrical hazards. A pre-use check helps identify visible defects such as hydraulic leaks, damaged tires, or malfunctioning safety devices before the platform is elevated.
Inspection and recordkeeping requirements vary by jurisdiction, equipment type, and work site. Use this template alongside the manufacturer instructions, your employer's procedure, and the rules that apply where the equipment is operated.
MEWP Inspection Zones
A proper daily inspection covers three distinct zones. Use this table as a high-level guide to structure your walkthrough.
| Inspection Zone | Key Components to Check | Primary Defect to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1: Ground / Visual | Base, tires, hydraulics, chassis, welds | Puddles under the lift (hydraulic leaks), chunked tires, cracked welds. |
| Zone 2: Lower Controls | Emergency stop, base control panel, emergency lowering | Non-functioning switches, illegible warning decals. |
| Zone 3: Upper Controls | Platform, guardrails, anchor points, console | Missing mid-rails, damaged lanyard anchor points, faulty tilt alarm. |
5-Point Hydraulic and Mechanical Inspection
Before powering on the machine, you must complete a visual walk-around of the base and chassis.
- Hydraulic Systems: Inspected cylinders, hoses, and fittings. Look for active leaks, weeping fluid, or bulging hoses.
- Tires and Wheels: Check for missing lug nuts, chunking (missing pieces of rubber), or inadequate pressure on pneumatic tires.
- Structural Welds: Examine the scissor arms or boom sections for cracked welds, rust, or noticeable deflection.
- Fluid Levels: Verify engine oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant, and battery water levels meet manufacturer specifications.
- Decals and Manuals: Ensure the operator's manual is present in the weather-resistant box and all capacity charts are legible.
Functional Tests for Safety Devices
Once the visual check is complete, you must test the operating controls from both the ground and the platform.
- Emergency Pull Cords and Stops: Test all emergency stop buttons to ensure they cut power instantly.
- Emergency Lowering System: Operate the auxiliary or manual descent valve to verify the platform can be lowered without main engine power.
- Tilt Alarm: Test the alarm only by following the manufacturer's specified test procedure for the model.
- Limit Switches: Test pothole guards (on scissor lifts) and boom extension limits to ensure the machine restricts unsafe movements.
- Horn and Beacons: Verify all warning lights flash and the horn sounds clearly.
Action Upon Finding a Defect
If you identify a defect during the MEWP pre-use inspection, follow the manufacturer's instructions and your site's equipment-isolation procedure.
- Stop Operation: Do not use the machine, even if the defect seems minor.
- Isolate the Equipment: Remove the key from the lower control panel.
- Tag It Out: Place an "Out of Service" tag clearly on the control box.
- Report to Management: Inform the site supervisor and log the defect in your inspection report.
InspectionReport lets you document findings with photos and export a PDF or Word report for your site records.
Prefer to complete each item directly in your browser? Use the interactive boom lift daily inspection checklist and carry unchecked items into an editable report.
Downloadable MEWP Inspection Checklist
For teams that prefer a printed or fillable PDF checklist, here is a complete daily MEWP pre-use inspection checklist:
Daily Pre-Use Inspection Checklist
- Visual Walk-Around: Check tires, hydraulics, chassis, welds, and fluid levels.
- Lower Controls: Test emergency stop, ground controls, and emergency lowering system.
- Upper Controls: Test platform controls, guardrails, lanyard anchor points, and tilt alarm.
- Safety Devices: Verify horn, beacon, pothole guards (scissor lifts), and limit switches.
- Decals and Manuals: Confirm the operator manual is present and all decals are legible.
- Operational Test: Raise and lower the platform, drive forward/back, and steer in both directions.
Use InspectionReport.app to build this checklist digitally, attach photos, and export a professional PDF or Word report.