Free scissor lift pre-start checklist
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Free scissor lift pre-start checklist (PDF-ready). Platform, guardrails, ground controls, platform controls, safety devices and battery. Download free.
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See the first part of the scissor lift pre-start checklist below. Download the full version above.
What is a scissor lift pre-start checklist?
A scissor lift pre-start check is a documented inspection completed by the operator before the elevated work platform (EWP) is powered on or elevated at the beginning of each shift. It systematically checks the mechanical and electrical condition, safety systems, platform integrity, and controls to confirm the scissor lift is fit for operation at height. Pre-start inspections are required under the Australian Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations for plant and equipment, and specifically under the EWP industry code of practice and AS 1418.10 (Elevating work platforms). Scissor lifts are regularly used in situations where a fall from height or structural failure would be fatal, making the pre-start the critical first control in the safe work method statement (SWMS) for working at heights. ANSI A92 (Aerial work platforms) provides additional international guidance on scissor lift design, maintenance and inspection. A documented daily pre-start is the standard evidence of compliance for audits, insurance claims and incident investigations.
Under the WHS Act 2011 and WHS Regulations 2017 (Part 5.1 Plant), the PCBU must ensure that plant used at the workplace is inspected and maintained so it remains safe. Scissor lifts fall under Division 6 of Part 5.1, which addresses plant that lifts or suspends persons and imposes heightened obligations for documented pre-use inspection, maintenance records and periodic certification. A failure in the scissor stack, guardrails or pothole protection system while a worker is elevated can result in a fatal fall, reinforcing the importance of a thorough pre-start check before every use.
Learn more about pre-start inspections in MapTrack.
Benefits of using this scissor lift pre-start checklist
- 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.
Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack
When you digitise scissor 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.
Book a demo to see how MapTrack handles scissor lift checklists.
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What to include in a scissor lift pre-start checklist
This scissor lift pre-start checklist covers 6 key areas:
- 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.
How to use this scissor lift pre-start checklist
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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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Back to download formHow often should you complete this checklist?
A scissor lift pre-start check must be completed before first use at the start of each shift or each working day. If multiple operators use the same machine across shifts, each operator must complete their own inspection before taking control. For hire equipment, an inspection should also be conducted at delivery and return to the hire company. In addition to daily pre-starts, follow the manufacturer's scheduled service intervals (typically every 150–250 hours, or quarterly for low-use machines) and comply with the annual or biennial certification requirements for EWPs under Australian standards. Battery maintenance for electric models, including watering of flooded lead-acid batteries - should be completed at the intervals specified in the battery manufacturer's instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Applicable regulatory standards
This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:
- WHS Regulations 2017 (Part 5.1 Plant, Division 6)
- AS 1418.10 (Elevating work platforms)
- ANSI A92 (Aerial work platforms)
Need to run digital pre-starts attached to each asset?
Register every scissor lift in MapTrack, attach digital forms, and get a complete history of every inspection, service and compliance record.
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