An elevating work platform (EWP) puts people at height on hired or owned plant that often moves between sites and operators. A few minutes of pre-start checks catch the faults that cause the worst outcomes, from a hydraulic leak or cracked weld to an emergency-lowering system that will not bring someone down. The pre-start is a legal expectation, not a formality.
This guide is for operators, site supervisors and hire-fleet coordinators running boom lifts, scissor lifts, vertical masts and trailer-mounted EWPs. It covers the full pre-start sequence, the function and emergency tests that matter most, the difference between boom and scissor checks, the Australian standards that apply, and how to make the record stick.
Before you start
Have your EWP pre-start checklist, the machine's operating manual and the operator log book ready. Check the unit's asset record for the last service and any outstanding defects. Confirm the ground is firm and level, overhead hazards such as power lines are identified, and a rescue plan is in place before anyone goes aloft. Wear a harness and lanyard where the machine and task require fall protection.
Step-by-step pre-start inspection
1. Confirm operator competency and paperwork
Check the operator holds the correct licence or training for the machine. A boom-type EWP with a boom length of 11 metres or more requires a high risk work (WP) licence. Confirm the machine has a current inspection record and that the log book is in the cabinet. Review the site rescue plan before going aloft.
2. Walk around and inspect the chassis and base
With the machine off, walk the full perimeter. Check tyres or tracks, wheel nuts, outriggers and the levelling system. Look underneath for hydraulic leaks, damaged hoses and loose fittings. Inspect the chassis, welds and pins for cracks or distortion. Confirm the data plate and rated capacity decals are legible.
3. Check fluids, battery and guarding
Check engine oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid and fuel or battery charge depending on the power source. Inspect the battery terminals on electric units. Confirm all covers, guards and the chassis tilt alarm are in place. See our guide to checking engine oil level for dipstick detail on diesel units.
4. Inspect the platform, controls and fall protection
Examine the basket or platform for damage, the gate latch operation and the toe boards. Check that anchor points for harnesses are sound and that a travel-restraint or fall-arrest harness and lanyard are available. Inspect upper and lower control panels, decals, the emergency stop and the deadman or enable switch.
5. Run function tests from the lower controls
Start the machine and test all functions slowly from the ground controls first: raise, lower, slew, extend and drive. Watch for unusual noise, drift or jerky movement. Confirm the load and tilt sensors respond and that alarms and beacons work.
6. Test the emergency lowering and overrides
Test the emergency lowering or auxiliary power system so you know it works before anyone is at height. Confirm the ground rescue procedure can bring the platform down with the operator incapacitated. Never operate a machine where the emergency lowering does not function.
7. Record the inspection and tag any defect
Complete the pre-start checklist and sign the log book. Record meter hours and any defects found. If a defect affects safe operation, tag the machine out of service and raise it through your maintenance process. Attach photos of any damage to the record so the next operator and the workshop have the full picture.
Function and emergency tests
| Test | What good looks like | Fail action |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency stop | Cuts all powered movement immediately when pressed | Do not operate; tag out of service |
| Emergency lowering / auxiliary power | Lowers the platform smoothly with main power off | Do not operate; tag out of service |
| Tilt and load sensors | Alarm and movement cut-out activate on overload or out of level | Remove from service until repaired |
| Deadman / enable switch | Function only operates while held; stops when released | Remove from service until repaired |
| Alarms, horn and beacon | Audible and visible warnings work | Repair before site use where required |
Common faults
| Finding | Action |
|---|---|
| Hydraulic leak at hose, ram or fitting | Tag out of service; do not operate until repaired and tested |
| Cracked weld or distorted pin on boom or chassis | Remove from service; refer to a competent person for assessment |
| Platform drifts down under load | Investigate holding valves and rams before further use |
| Flat battery or low charge (electric units) | Charge fully; load-test the battery if it will not hold charge |
| Worn or perished tyres, loose wheel nuts | Replace or re-torque before moving the machine |
| Missing or illegible capacity decals | Replace decals; operator must know the rated capacity |
Boom lift vs scissor lift checks
| Aspect | Boom lift (knuckle / telescopic) | Scissor lift |
|---|---|---|
| Licence | WP high risk work licence if boom is 11 m or more | No HRW licence; training and VOC still required |
| Fall protection | Harness and lanyard to an approved anchor point | Guardrails primary; harness per risk assessment and manual |
| Stability focus | Reach, slew radius, ground bearing and outriggers | Level ground, pothole protection and travel-height limits |
| Key extra checks | Boom welds, pins, rotation and jib functions | Scissor pack pins, pothole bars, guardrail integrity |
| Pre-start template | Boom lift checklist | Scissor lift checklist |
Regulatory requirements
In Australia, AS 2550.10 covers the safe use of elevating work platforms and AS 1418.10 covers their design. EWP operation also sits under the model WHS Regulations and the relevant Code of Practice for managing the risks of plant in the workplace. A boom-type EWP with a boom length of 11 metres or more requires a high risk work (WP) licence; below that, and for scissor lifts, the operator must still be trained and competent with records kept.
Where the EWP is used for high risk construction work, such as work where a person could fall more than two metres, a safe work method statement is required. Most EWPs also require a 10-yearly major inspection under AS 2550.10. Always follow the manufacturer service schedule for your specific machine.
Going digital with MapTrack
Paper pre-start books get left in the cabinet, water-damaged or never completed. With MapTrack, every EWP carries a QR code that the operator scans to open the correct pre-start form on their phone. Completed checks are timestamped, geotagged and stored against the machine, so a hire fleet coordinator can see at a glance which units were checked today.
The pre-start inspection module blocks use until the check is done and routes any defect straight to maintenance with automated alerts. For mixed plant fleets this gives you one auditable record across every boom and scissor lift, owned or hired. See how it works for plant compliance.
