What should a cherry picker pre-start check cover?

A cherry picker pre-start check should cover the base and chassis (tyres, outriggers, levelling), boom sections (telescopic or articulated, pivot pins, cylinders), basket or platform (guardrails, toe boards, gate, harness anchor points), controls at both ground and basket level (drive, boom functions, emergency stop), hydraulic system (hoses, fittings, fluid level), emergency descent system (manual lowering valve, auxiliary power unit), safety markings (SWL plate, capacity diagram, warning decals) and engine or power source. Complete the check before each use.

How often should cherry pickers be inspected?

Cherry pickers should receive a pre-start inspection before each use or at the start of each shift. In addition, manufacturers typically recommend periodic inspections by a competent person (quarterly, annually) and a major inspection every 10 years or as specified. In Australia, WHS regulations require that plant is inspected at intervals specified by the manufacturer or a risk assessment. Always follow the most stringent requirement from the manufacturer, regulator or site policy.

Do I need a licence to operate a cherry picker in Australia?

In Australia, operators of boom-type elevated work platforms with a boom length of 11 metres or more require a High Risk Work Licence (EWP class WP). For boom-type EWPs under 11 metres, a licence may not be required by law, but operators must still be trained and deemed competent by their employer. Scissor lifts and other non-boom EWPs generally do not require a licence, though training is still mandatory. Requirements vary by state and territory, so check your local WHS regulations and always verify operator competency before allowing use.

What is the difference between a cherry picker and a boom lift?

A cherry picker and a boom lift are essentially the same type of machine, both being boom-type elevated work platforms (EWPs). The term "cherry picker" originated from fruit harvesting and is commonly used in Australia, the UK and New Zealand. "Boom lift" is the more common term in the United States. Both refer to a mobile platform with an extendable boom (telescopic, articulated or both) that lifts a basket or platform to provide access at height. The pre-start inspection requirements are the same regardless of which term is used.

Is this cherry picker pre-start checklist free to download?

Yes, this cherry picker pre-start checklist is completely free to download as a PDF. No account or signup is required. For teams wanting to move beyond paper forms, MapTrack offers a digital version that automates scheduling, sends overdue alerts, and stores completed records in the cloud for instant retrieval during audits.

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Free cherry picker / EWP pre-start checklist (PDF-ready). Covers boom, basket, controls, hydraulics, outriggers and emergency descent. Download free.

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 3 May 2026

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What is a cherry picker pre-start checklist?

A cherry picker pre-start checklist is a daily inspection form used to verify that a cherry picker, also known as a boom-type elevated work platform (EWP), is safe and operational before workers are elevated. Cherry pickers are used across construction, maintenance, telecommunications, arboriculture and events to provide temporary access at height. The pre-start checklist prompts the operator to systematically inspect the base and chassis (tyres, wheel nuts, outriggers or stabilisers, levelling indicators), the boom (telescopic or articulated sections, pivot pins, boom cylinder condition), the basket or platform (floor condition, guardrails, toe boards, gate or chain, tool trays), controls at both ground and basket level (drive, boom slew, boom extend/retract, boom raise/lower, emergency stop), the hydraulic system (hoses, fittings, cylinders, fluid level, no leaks), the emergency descent system (manual lowering valve, auxiliary power unit), and safety markings (SWL plate legible, rated capacity and reach diagram, warning decals). Completing this checklist before each use ensures that potential faults, such as hydraulic leaks, faulty emergency descent, damaged guardrails or non-functional controls, are identified before workers are elevated, reducing the risk of falls from height, mechanical failure and non-compliance with WHS regulations.

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Benefits of using this cherry picker pre-start checklist

Fall prevention: identify faults in guardrails, harness anchor points, controls and emergency descent before workers are elevated in the basket.
Emergency descent verification: confirm the manual lowering system and auxiliary power unit are functional before elevated work begins.
WHS compliance: meet workplace health and safety obligations for daily pre-use inspections of elevated work platforms.
Defect detection: catch hydraulic leaks, boom section damage, outrigger faults and control malfunctions before they cause an incident.
Operator accountability: the signed checklist confirms the operator has personally inspected the cherry picker and deemed it safe for use.
Audit trail: completed checklists provide documented evidence for safety audits, incident investigations and insurer requirements.

Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack

When you digitise cherry picker / ewp checklists in MapTrack, you get:

Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
Ability to share forms digitally.
Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
Electronic signatures.
Edit forms later without reprinting.
Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
Auto-schedule pre-start forms so operators are prompted before every shift.
Flag overdue pre-starts on the dashboard so nothing leaves the yard unchecked.
Link each pre-start to the asset record for a complete inspection history.

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What to include in a cherry picker pre-start checklist

This cherry picker pre-start checklist covers 12 key areas:

Machine details: asset ID, make/model, serial number, type (telescopic boom, articulated boom, trailer-mounted), hour meter reading.
Operator details: name, licence or competency number (EWP class WP if applicable), date, site/location.
Base and chassis: tyres (condition, inflation), wheel nuts, outriggers or stabilisers (pads, pins, cylinders), levelling indicators, chassis for cracks or damage.
Boom: telescopic or articulated boom sections (cracks, dents, corrosion), pivot pins (wear, lubrication), boom cylinders (leaks, condition), boom rest.
Basket / platform: floor condition, guardrails and mid-rails, toe boards, entry gate or chain, tool tray attachment points, harness anchor points.
Controls - ground level: ground control station, drive controls, boom slew/raise/lower/extend/retract, emergency stop, function labels legible.
Controls - basket level: platform control station, all functions operational, emergency stop, override key (if applicable).
Hydraulics: hoses, fittings, cylinders, hydraulic fluid level, no leaks under the machine.
Emergency descent: manual lowering valve operation, auxiliary power unit (if fitted), emergency descent procedure card present.
Safety markings: SWL plate legible, rated capacity and reach diagram displayed, warning decals intact.
Engine or power source: oil, coolant, fuel (diesel) or battery charge (electric), belts, air filter.
Overall result, defect table, operator and supervisor sign-off.

How to use this cherry picker pre-start checklist

Record the machine and operator details at the top of the checklist, including the hour meter reading and EWP type.: Enter the machine asset ID, make, model, serial number, current hour meter reading, EWP type (telescopic boom, articulated boom or trailer-mounted) and the site location. Record the operator name, EWP licence or competency number (WP class if boom length is 11 metres or more) and the date. This information links the inspection to a specific machine and operator for audit traceability and incident investigation records.
Walk around the cherry picker and inspect the base, chassis, outriggers, boom sections, basket, guardrails and all external components. Check underneath for hydraulic leaks.: Start at the base and work upward. Check tyres for condition, inflation and wheel nut tightness. Inspect outrigger or stabiliser legs, pads and pins for cracks, deformation or missing retaining clips. Check each boom section for dents, corrosion, cracks or paint blistering that could indicate structural fatigue. Inspect pivot pins for wear and adequate lubrication. Check the basket floor for corrosion, guardrails and mid-rails for secure mounting, toe boards for presence and the entry gate or chain for proper closure. Look underneath for fresh hydraulic fluid pools.
Test ground-level controls: drive, boom slew, raise, lower, extend, retract and emergency stop. Then test basket-level controls for the same functions.: At the ground control station, test each function individually: drive forward and reverse, boom slew left and right, boom raise and lower, boom extend and retract. Confirm smooth, proportional response with no jerking, hesitation or unusual noise. Press the emergency stop and confirm all functions cease immediately. Release the emergency stop and verify the machine resumes normal operation. Then enter the basket and test all the same functions from the basket-level control station. Verify the emergency stop at basket level also works correctly.
Test the emergency descent system: operate the manual lowering valve and confirm the basket can be lowered from ground level in an emergency.: With the basket elevated to a moderate height, operate the manual lowering valve from the ground-level station. Confirm the basket lowers smoothly at a controlled rate. This is a critical safety check, as the manual lowering system is the rescue method if the primary controls fail while workers are elevated. If an auxiliary power unit is fitted, test that it starts and powers the boom. Check that the emergency descent procedure card is displayed at the ground control station and is legible.
If any item fails, tag the machine out of service and do not elevate workers until the defect is rectified. Report per your site procedures.: Attach an out-of-service tag to the ground control station and the basket controls. Record the failed item in the defect section of the checklist with a clear description. Notify the site supervisor and maintenance team immediately. The cherry picker must not be used to elevate workers until the defect is repaired, reinspected and cleared by a competent person. Failed emergency descent systems, guardrail damage and hydraulic leaks are particularly critical and must not be operated under any circumstances.
Sign and date the checklist. Ensure the SWL plate and rated capacity diagram are legible before commencing work.: The operator signs to confirm they have completed the inspection and are satisfied the machine is safe. Verify the SWL (safe working load) plate is legible and correctly displayed. Check the rated capacity and reach diagram is present and matches the machine configuration. If a supervisor countersignature is required, obtain it before elevating workers. File the form in the machine logbook or submit digitally through MapTrack for automatic attachment to the asset record.

In MapTrack, you can run digital pre-starts attached to each asset. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.

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How often should you complete this checklist?

Complete a cherry picker pre-start inspection before each use or at the start of each shift. If the machine has been moved to a new site, has had repairs, or was used by a different operator, perform a fresh check. Many sites require a daily pre-start for all EWPs on site. In addition to daily checks, manufacturers and regulators typically require periodic inspections (e.g. quarterly, annually and major inspections at set intervals such as every 10 years). Your company policy, site rules or contract may specify frequency. When in doubt, complete the checklist each time the cherry picker is used.

Frequently asked questions

What should a cherry picker pre-start check cover?: A cherry picker pre-start check should cover the base and chassis (tyres, outriggers, levelling), boom sections (telescopic or articulated, pivot pins, cylinders), basket or platform (guardrails, toe boards, gate, harness anchor points), controls at both ground and basket level (drive, boom functions, emergency stop), hydraulic system (hoses, fittings, fluid level), emergency descent system (manual lowering valve, auxiliary power unit), safety markings (SWL plate, capacity diagram, warning decals) and engine or power source. Complete the check before each use.
How often should cherry pickers be inspected?: Cherry pickers should receive a pre-start inspection before each use or at the start of each shift. In addition, manufacturers typically recommend periodic inspections by a competent person (quarterly, annually) and a major inspection every 10 years or as specified. In Australia, WHS regulations require that plant is inspected at intervals specified by the manufacturer or a risk assessment. Always follow the most stringent requirement from the manufacturer, regulator or site policy.
Do I need a licence to operate a cherry picker in Australia?: In Australia, operators of boom-type elevated work platforms with a boom length of 11 metres or more require a High Risk Work Licence (EWP class WP). For boom-type EWPs under 11 metres, a licence may not be required by law, but operators must still be trained and deemed competent by their employer. Scissor lifts and other non-boom EWPs generally do not require a licence, though training is still mandatory. Requirements vary by state and territory, so check your local WHS regulations and always verify operator competency before allowing use.
What is the difference between a cherry picker and a boom lift?: A cherry picker and a boom lift are essentially the same type of machine, both being boom-type elevated work platforms (EWPs). The term "cherry picker" originated from fruit harvesting and is commonly used in Australia, the UK and New Zealand. "Boom lift" is the more common term in the United States. Both refer to a mobile platform with an extendable boom (telescopic, articulated or both) that lifts a basket or platform to provide access at height. The pre-start inspection requirements are the same regardless of which term is used.
Is this cherry picker pre-start checklist free to download?: Yes, this cherry picker pre-start checklist is completely free to download as a PDF. No account or signup is required. For teams wanting to move beyond paper forms, MapTrack offers a digital version that automates scheduling, sends overdue alerts, and stores completed records in the cloud for instant retrieval during audits.

Applicable regulatory standards

This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:

WHS Act 2011 (Section 19 - Primary duty of care)
WHS Regulations 2011 (Part 5.1, Division 6 - Plant that lifts or suspends persons)
AS 1418.10 (Elevating work platforms)
AS/NZS 1891.4 (Industrial fall-arrest systems)

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