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.

What standards govern EWP and boom lift inspections in Australia?

EWP inspections are governed by AS 1418.10 (Cranes, hoists and winches - Elevating work platforms), AS/NZS 1891 (Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices) for harness anchor points, and the WHS Regulations for plant and equipment. AS 1418.10 sets requirements for design, manufacture, maintenance and inspection of MEWPs. The WHS Code of Practice for Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces provides additional guidance on EWP use and inspection requirements.

Is this EWP boom lift pre-start checklist free to download?

Yes, this EWP boom lift 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 EWP / boom lift pre-start checklist (PDF-ready). Covers controls, emergency descent, harness points, outriggers and structural checks. Download free.

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 2 May 2026

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What is a 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. In Australia, EWP inspections are required under the WHS Regulations for plant and equipment, and under AS 1418.10 (Elevating work platforms). Working from heights on a defective EWP carries severe injury and fatality risk. Harness anchor points must also comply with AS/NZS 1891 (Industrial fall-arrest systems). Under the WHS Act 2011, the PCBU must ensure that plant used at a workplace is without risks to health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable. Chapter 5 of the WHS Regulations prescribes duties for managing risks associated with plant, including requirements for pre-use inspection, maintenance records and operator competency verification. Boom lifts present equipment-specific hazards such as platform tip-over from overloading or uneven ground, catapult effect during boom retraction on articulating units, electrocution from contact with overhead power lines and entrapment of the operator between the platform and overhead structures. A documented pre-start inspection is the standard evidence of compliance for audits, insurance and incident investigations.

Learn more about pre-start inspections in MapTrack.

Benefits of using this ewp / boom lift 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 digitise ewp / boom lift 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 ewp / boom lift pre-start checklist

This ewp / boom lift pre-start checklist covers 12 key areas:

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 use this ewp / boom lift pre-start checklist

Complete EWP and operator details at the top of the checklist, including the EWP type (boom, scissor or spider).: Record the EWP asset ID, make and model, serial number, SWL and current hour meter. Enter your name, HRWL or competency details, site location and the date and time of the inspection.
Walk around the EWP and inspect each item. Mark Pass or Fail (and add notes if needed).: Check boom sections for cracks or dents, inspect hydraulic hoses and cylinders for leaks, verify outrigger pads are undamaged, and confirm the platform guardrails, toeboards and gate latch are secure and intact.
Test ground controls and platform controls, including emergency stop and emergency descent, before elevating.: Activate each emergency stop button to confirm it cuts all functions immediately. Test the emergency descent from the ground control panel to verify the platform lowers smoothly without power to the main system.
If any item fails, note it and do not operate the EWP until it is rectified or approved. Report defects per your procedures.: Tag the EWP out of service for critical defects such as failed emergency descent, damaged guardrails or faulty harness anchor points. No person should be elevated on a defective EWP under any circumstances.
Sign and date when the check is complete. Keep the form for your records or export/save as PDF.: Confirm all items are marked Pass, Fail or N/A. Print your name, sign and record the date. In MapTrack, submit the completed inspection to link it to the EWP asset record automatically.

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 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

Applicable regulatory standards

This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:

AS 1418.10 (Elevating work platforms)
AS/NZS 1891 (Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices)
WHS Regulations (plant and equipment)

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