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Free EWP / boom lift pre-start checklist
Free EWP / boom lift pre-start checklist (PDF-ready). Covers controls, emergency descent, harness points, outriggers and structural checks. Download free.
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32 checks · 9 sections · Sign-off
32 checks
The fields in the printable form, in a view that fits your screen.
- Asset ID
- Make / model
- Serial number
- Type
- Operator name
- Licence / ticket #
- Date
- Site / location
Pre-Operational Checks
Structural
Controls
Hydraulics
Electrical
Tyres / Wheels or Tracks
Outriggers / Stabilisers
Safety Equipment
Engine / Power
(list any item marked F: reference item # from checklist)
Defects & Action Required
- Item #
- Defect description
- Action taken / reported to
- Rectified by / date
Declaration
I declare that I have completed this EWP / boom lift pre-start inspection before using this elevated work platform. I have reported any defects or non-compliant items to my supervisor and will not use this EWP until any defects that affect safety have been rectified. I understand that failure to complete a pre-start check or to report defects may breach company policy and WHS obligations.
Operator Sign-off
Signature · Print name · Date & time
Supervisor / Reviewer Acknowledgement
Signature · Print name · Date
The MapTrack EWP / boom lift pre-start checklist contains 32 checks across 9 sections.
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General guidance only. Check the form against your equipment manual, site procedures and local requirements before using it.
Key takeaways
- The MapTrack EWP / boom lift pre-start checklist contains 32 checks across 9 sections. Sections covered: Pre-Operational Checks, Structural, Controls, Hydraulics, Electrical, Tyres / Wheels or Tracks, Outriggers / Stabilisers, Safety Equipment, Engine / Power.
- 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.
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. 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.
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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.
What to include in a EWP / boom lift pre-start checklist
- 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.
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.
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.
Link to this answerEWPs 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.
Link to this answerIn 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.
Link to this answerEWP 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.
Link to this answerYes, 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.
Link to this answerApplicable regulatory standards
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.
- AS 1418.10 (Elevating work platforms)
- AS/NZS 1891 (Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices)
- WHS Regulations (plant and equipment)
- Model WHS Regulations (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.
The numbers behind this EWP / boom lift pre-start checklist
Every figure below is sourced and dated, so you can quote it in a toolbox talk, a budget case or a board paper without having to chase the original report.
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Writing about this topic? You’re welcome to quote this checklist. Here’s the wording to use so your readers can find the original.
The MapTrack EWP / boom lift pre-start checklist contains 32 checks across 9 sections.
- Short attribution
- MapTrack EWP / boom lift pre-start checklist, https://www.maptrack.com/templates/ewp-boom-lift-pre-start-checklist
- Reference list
- MapTrack. (2026). EWP / boom lift pre-start checklist [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/ewp-boom-lift-pre-start-checklist
Free to reuse with credit under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. If you’d rather link straight to it, the page is https://www.maptrack.com/templates/ewp-boom-lift-pre-start-checklist.
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<div style="max-width:480px;font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,'Segoe UI',Roboto,sans-serif;border:1px solid #E5E7EB;border-radius:12px;padding:20px;background:#ffffff;">
<p style="font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.05em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#071D49;margin:0;">Free template</p>
<p style="font-size:18px;font-weight:700;color:#071D49;margin:6px 0 0;">EWP / boom lift pre-start checklist</p>
<ul style="margin:12px 0 0;padding-left:18px;color:#374151;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;">
<li style="margin:4px 0;">EWP details: asset ID, make/model, serial number, type (boom/scissor/spider).</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Operator details: name, licence/ticket number, date.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Pre-operational checks: operator's manual available, rated capacity known, exclusion zone established.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Structural: boom sections, turntable, platform/basket, guardrails, toe boards, gate/chain.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Controls: ground controls, platform controls, emergency stop, emergency descent, function labels legible.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Hydraulics: cylinders, hoses, fittings - no leaks.</li>
</ul>
<p style="font-size:13px;color:#6B7280;margin:14px 0 0;padding-top:12px;border-top:1px solid #E5E7EB;">Free <a href="https://www.maptrack.com/templates/ewp-boom-lift-pre-start-checklist" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">EWP / boom lift pre-start checklist</a> by MapTrack</p>
</div>Free to reuse, including commercially. This template is published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. Copy it, adapt it, put it on your own site or in your own docs. All we ask is that you credit MapTrack with a link back to this page. The snippet above already includes that credit, so if you use it as-is you’re covered.
About the author
Commercial Director
Jarrod has spent over a decade in technology consulting and asset management, including roles at Accenture (mining and heavy industry) and CGI as an Asset Management Consultant. He joined MapTrack in 2018 and has spent the past 8+ years building and scaling the platform, conducting 300+ user research sessions with field teams to shape the product. His consulting background gives him deep insight into the operational and compliance challenges facing asset-intensive Australian businesses.
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