Free cherry picker pre-start checklist

• The MapTrack cherry picker pre-start checklist contains 25 checks across 7 sections. Sections covered: Boom and Knuckle, Basket / Platform, Hydraulic System, Outriggers / Stabilisers, Controls (Ground and Platform), Safety Devices, Emergency Descent.
• 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.

Learn more about pre-start inspections in MapTrack.

• 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.

• 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.

This form is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The form alone does not establish compliance.

• 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)

• Model WHS Regulations (Safe Work Australia)
• Model Work Health and Safety Act (Safe Work Australia)
• AS/NZS 1418.10:2025, Cranes, hoists and winches, elevating work platforms (Standards Australia)

MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.

• EWP / boom lift pre-start checklist
• Scissor lift pre-start checklist
• Working at heights permit
• Harness and lanyard inspection checklist
• Pre-start inspections (MapTrack)
• Plant compliance
• Pricing