Free EWP / boom lift pre-start checklist
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An EWP / boom lift pre-start checklist is a form used to inspect and document an elevated work platform's condition before use. This page explains what to include in an EWP pre-start inspection, how to use the template, and offers a free PDF-ready EWP / boom lift pre-start checklist you can download and use straight away. No sign-up required to use the form.
Last updated: 2026-02-21 · MapTrack
Commercial Director
How to use: Fill EWP and operator details → mark Pass/Fail for each item → add notes where needed → sign and date → save as PDF (Print → Save as PDF in your browser).
- ✓ PDF-ready. Open and print to PDF
- ✓ Covers controls, emergency descent, harness points, outriggers and structural checks
- ✓ Free to use with or without MapTrack
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See the first part of the checklist below. Enter your email above to download the full EWP / boom lift pre-start inspection form (PDF-ready).
What is an EWP / boom lift pre-start checklist?
An EWP / boom lift pre-start checklist (or EWP daily inspection) is a structured form used to inspect an elevated work platform, such as a boom lift, scissor lift or spider lift - before it is operated. It helps operators and supervisors confirm the EWP is safe and fit for use, reducing the risk of falls, mechanical failures and non-compliance. The checklist should be completed before each use or at the start of each shift and is a preventive measure to catch problems, such as faulty emergency descent, damaged guardrails or hydraulic leaks - before they put workers at risk.
Benefits of using an EWP pre-start checklist
- Worker safety at height: identify faults in harness points, guardrails, controls and emergency descent before workers are elevated.
- Defects before use: uncover structural, hydraulic or electrical problems that could cause an incident.
- Compliance: meet WHS obligations and demonstrate due diligence for EWP operation.
- Preventive maintenance: keep EWPs in good working order and reduce unexpected breakdowns.
- Consistency and accountability: a standardised approach so critical safety checks aren't missed.
- Recordkeeping: maintain a verifiable history of pre-start inspections for audits and investigations.
Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack
When you move from paper or static PDFs to digital forms 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).
Book a demo to see digital pre-starts and forms in MapTrack.
What to include in an EWP pre-start checklist
Our free EWP / boom lift daily inspection form includes:
- EWP details: asset ID, make/model, serial number, type (boom/scissor/spider).
- Operator details: name, licence/ticket number, date.
- Pre-operational checks: operator's manual available, rated capacity known, exclusion zone established.
- Structural: boom sections, turntable, platform/basket, guardrails, toe boards, gate/chain.
- Controls: ground controls, platform controls, emergency stop, emergency descent, function labels legible.
- Hydraulics: cylinders, hoses, fittings - no leaks.
- Electrical: battery charge, warning lights, alarms (motion/tilt).
- Tyres/wheels or tracks: condition, pressure, wheel nuts.
- Outriggers/stabilisers: pads, pins, operation.
- Safety equipment: harness anchor points, lanyard attachment, wind speed indicator (if fitted).
- Engine/power: oil, coolant, fuel, belts.
- Overall result, defects table, operator and supervisor sign-off.
How to conduct EWP pre-start inspections
- Complete EWP and operator details at the top of the checklist, including the EWP type (boom, scissor or spider).
- Walk around the EWP and inspect each item. Mark Pass or Fail (and add notes if needed).
- Test ground controls and platform controls, including emergency stop and emergency descent, before elevating.
- If any item fails, note it and do not operate the EWP until it is rectified or approved. Report defects per your procedures.
- Sign and date when the check is complete. Keep the form for your records or export/save as PDF.
In MapTrack, you can turn this (or your own) checklist into a digital form completed on mobile. Results and photos attach to each EWP, and failed items can trigger work orders so the EWP isn't available until it's cleared. Book a demo to see how.
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Back to download formHow often to complete an EWP pre-start
Complete an EWP / boom lift pre-start inspection before each use or at the start of each shift. If the EWP 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). Your company policy, site rules or contract may specify frequency. When in doubt, complete the checklist each time the EWP is used.
Frequently asked questions
- What should an EWP pre-start check cover?
- An EWP pre-start check should cover structural items (boom sections, platform/basket, guardrails, toe boards), controls (ground controls, platform controls, emergency stop, emergency descent), hydraulics (cylinders, hoses, fittings), electrical (battery, warning lights, motion/tilt alarms), outriggers or stabilisers, safety equipment (harness anchor points, lanyard attachment), tyres/wheels or tracks, and engine or power source. Complete the check before each use or at the start of each shift.
- How often should EWPs be inspected?
- EWPs should receive a pre-start inspection before each use or at the start of each shift. In addition, manufacturers typically recommend periodic inspections (e.g. quarterly or annually) by a competent person, plus a major inspection every 10 years or as specified. Your jurisdiction, company policy or site requirements may specify additional frequencies. Always follow the most stringent requirement.
- Who can operate an EWP in Australia?
- In Australia, operators of boom-type elevating work platforms with a boom length of 11 metres or more require a High Risk Work Licence (EWP class WP). For EWPs under 11 metres or scissor lifts, a licence may not be required by law, but operators must still be trained and deemed competent. Requirements vary by state and territory, check your local WHS regulations and always verify operator competency before allowing use.
- Is the template free to use without MapTrack?
- Yes. You can download and use the EWP / boom lift pre-start checklist template for free. Open the file and use your browser's Print → Save as PDF to keep a copy. No MapTrack account required. If you later want digital pre-starts tied to each EWP with work orders and audit trails, we'd be happy to show you MapTrack.
Need digital pre-starts attached to each EWP?
Build forms in MapTrack by describing them to AI, uploading an existing form, or using a template. Pre-starts live on the asset with evidence and work orders.