Free scissor lift pre-start checklist

• The MapTrack scissor lift pre-start checklist contains 34 checks across 6 sections. Sections covered: A - Platform & Guardrails, B - Controls (Ground Level), C - Controls (Platform), D - Safety Devices, E - Wheels & Castors, F - Battery / Fuel & Hydraulics.
• Platform & Guardrails: platform deck condition (cracks, deformation), guardrail top rail and midrail condition and secure attachment, toeboard condition, entry gate/chain closure and latch, extension deck condition and locking pins (if fitted), fall arrest anchor point condition.
• Controls (Ground): ground-level emergency stop button function, control select key switch operation, ground override/lowering controls, emergency lowering function, general control panel condition.
• Controls (Platform): platform control box condition (no damage or water ingress), raise and lower function, drive forward and reverse, steer (electric-drive models), horn function, dead-man hold-to-run safety function.

Learn more about pre-start inspections in MapTrack.

• Identify faults before operation: catch guardrail damage, control failures, low battery, or tilt sensor faults before they create a fall risk at height.
• WHS compliance: demonstrate duty of care and meet work health and safety obligations under Australian legislation, including the Code of Practice for Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces.
• Reduced downtime: prevent unexpected failures mid-task by identifying battery, hydraulic, or control issues at the start of shift.
• Insurance and warranty protection: documented pre-starts support insurance claims and hire equipment damage assessments.
• Operator accountability: signed records confirm who inspected and operated the scissor lift each shift, and that the required HRWL was held.
• Maintenance planning: trend data from pre-starts helps schedule servicing and battery replacement before failures occur.

• Platform & Guardrails: platform deck condition (cracks, deformation), guardrail top rail and midrail condition and secure attachment, toeboard condition, entry gate/chain closure and latch, extension deck condition and locking pins (if fitted), fall arrest anchor point condition.
• Controls (Ground): ground-level emergency stop button function, control select key switch operation, ground override/lowering controls, emergency lowering function, general control panel condition.
• Controls (Platform): platform control box condition (no damage or water ingress), raise and lower function, drive forward and reverse, steer (electric-drive models), horn function, dead-man hold-to-run safety function.
• Safety Devices: tilt/inclination sensor function (alarm or cutout), overload sensor function (if fitted), pothole protection bar condition and deployment, safety arm/prop for scissor stack maintenance, decals and load rating plate legible.
• Wheels & Castors: wheel condition (cuts, chunking, flat spots), wheel bearing condition (no play or noise), non-marking tyre condition (where required), drive wheel motor condition, castor swivel (non-drive models).
• Battery / Fuel & Drive: battery state of charge indicator, battery electrolyte level (flooded lead-acid), battery terminal connections and no corrosion, charger disconnected before operation (electric), OR fuel level, engine oil, coolant level (engine-powered), no hydraulic leaks at cylinders or hoses, hydraulic oil level.

1. Walk-around inspection (machine off)

   Inspect the platform deck for cracks or corrosion, check guardrails, toeboards and the entry gate for secure attachment. Examine wheels, hydraulic hoses and scissor arms for visible damage or fluid leaks and confirm the machine is on level ground.

2. Check battery or fuel (as applicable)

   Check the battery charge indicator and confirm the charger is disconnected before operation on electric models. For engine-powered models, check fuel level and engine oil. Verify the hydraulic oil level on the sight glass.

3. Test ground controls

   Turn on power at the ground control station and test the emergency stop button, confirming all functions cease immediately. Test the override and lowering function and confirm the control select key switch operates correctly between ground and platform modes.

4. Test platform controls

   Enter the platform at ground level and test raise, lower, drive forward, drive reverse and horn functions. Confirm the dead-man hold-to-run safety function is active and all controls return to neutral when released.

5. Test safety devices

   Confirm the tilt or inclination sensor activates its alarm at the correct angle without intentionally tilting the machine. Check pothole protection bars deploy correctly and retract smoothly when the platform is raised above ground level.

6. Elevate to operating height

   Raise the platform to working height and confirm smooth, even operation with no unusual sounds from scissor arms, hydraulic cylinders or bearings. Verify the platform remains level and stable at full elevation before commencing work.

7. Lower and complete the form

   Lower the platform fully to the stowed position. Mark Pass, Fail or N/A for every item on the form. Record detailed notes for any failed item, sign and date the checklist. Do not operate until all failures are rectified.

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 Regulations 2017 (Part 5.1 Plant, Division 6)
• AS 1418.10 (Elevating work platforms)
• ANSI A92 (Aerial work platforms)

• 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.

• Free EWP Pre-Start Checklist
• Free Telehandler Pre-Start Checklist
• Free Working at Heights Permit
• Cherry picker pre-start checklist
• Digital Inspections in MapTrack
• Plant compliance
• Pricing