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Free scissor lift pre-start checklist
Free scissor lift pre-start checklist (PDF-ready). Platform, guardrails, ground controls, platform controls, safety devices and battery. Download free.
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34 checks · 6 sections · Sign-off
34 checks
The fields in the printable form, in a view that fits your screen.
- Make / model
- Serial / plant #
- Fleet / asset #
- Platform height
- Power type
- Battery charge %
- Site / location
- Surface type
- Operator name
- Date
- HRWL / cert #
- Shift
A - Platform & Guardrails
B - Controls (Ground Level)
C - Controls (Platform)
D - Safety Devices
E - Wheels & Castors
F - Battery / Fuel & Hydraulics
Defects & Action Required
- Item #
- Defect Description
- Action Taken / Reported to
- Rectified by / Date
Declaration
I declare that I have completed this pre-start inspection of the above scissor lift. I have reported all defects and will not operate the scissor lift if any defect affects safe operation. I confirm I hold the required HRWL or competency certificate to operate this EWP. I will wear a compliant harness attached to the anchor point when required by the SWMS.
Operator Sign-off
Signature · Print name · Date & time
Supervisor Acknowledgement
Signature · Print name · Date
The MapTrack scissor lift pre-start checklist contains 34 checks across 6 sections.
General guidance only. Check the form against your equipment manual, site procedures and local requirements before using it.
Short answer
A scissor lift pre-start checklist records the operator's check before each shift: platform, guardrails and gate, ground and platform controls, emergency stop and lowering, tilt and overload sensors, pothole protection, wheels, hydraulics and battery or engine. Daily checks are manufacturer and site practice. AS 2550.10:2025 Section 6 covers MEWP inspection and maintenance, and regulation 213 requires it to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Checked against AS 2550.10:2025 on by the MapTrack templates team. How we check templates
Key takeaways
- 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.
- AS 1418.10 is now AS/NZS 1418.10:2025, Mobile elevating work platforms, a design standard; in-service inspection is AS 2550.10:2025 Section 6.
- Schedule 3 licenses only boom-type elevating work platforms, so scissor lifts need no high risk work licence; operators still need training (regulation 39).
- If the emergency stop, tilt alarm, overload sensor or emergency lowering fails, tag the lift out of service until repaired.
- Regulation 219 requires plant that lifts people or things to be used within its safe working limits.
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 help meet the plant inspection duty in the Australian Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations (regulation 213), and AS 2550.10:2025 (safe use of mobile elevating work platforms) includes a pre-operation inspection (clause 6.3.2). 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 Regulation 2025 (NSW), Part 5.1 (Plant), the PCBU must ensure that plant used at the workplace is inspected and maintained so it remains safe. Plant that lifts or suspends people or things is covered by section 219, in Division 7 of Part 5.1: a scissor lift must be used within its safe working limits and, so far as is reasonably practicable, with the load kept under control, and its maintenance and inspection follow section 213. Scissor lifts are not on the design registration list (Schedule 5, clause 2(1)(c)). 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.
Checking scissor lifts before each shift? Our guide compares the main pre-start inspection software options.
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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 operator held any required licence or training.
- Maintenance planning: trend data from pre-starts helps schedule servicing and battery replacement before failures occur.
What to include in a scissor lift pre-start checklist
- 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.
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How 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 to 250 hours, or quarterly for low-use machines) and complete the periodic and major inspections set out in AS 2550.10:2025 (clauses 6.3.4 and 6.3.5). 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.
A scissor lift pre-start should cover: platform deck condition, guardrails, midrails, and toeboard security, gate or chain closure, extension deck condition (if fitted), ground-level controls (emergency stop, override functions), platform controls (raise/lower, drive, horn, emergency lowering), fall arrest anchor points, tilt sensor and overload sensor function, wheels and castors (condition, locking brakes), battery state of charge and electrolyte level (electric models), fuel and engine condition (engine models), and a visual check for hydraulic leaks or structural damage to the scissor arms.
Link to this answerA pre-start check should be completed at the start of every shift or before first use each day. Scissor lifts used across multiple shifts require each operator to complete their own pre-start before taking control. For hire equipment, an inspection should also occur at delivery and return. The AS 2550 series and manufacturer maintenance schedules specify additional periodic service intervals. Always follow the most stringent requirement.
Link to this answerIn Australia, no High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) class covers scissor lifts. The WP licence is for a boom-type elevating work platform with a boom length of 11 metres or more (WHS Regulations, Schedule 3), and a scissor lift is not a boom-type platform. Operators still need the information, training and instruction the work requires (regulation 39), and competency-based training from a registered training organisation (RTO) is generally accepted, but check your state/territory WHS regulator and site rules as requirements vary.
Link to this answerYes. Download and use the template for free. It downloads as a ready-to-print PDF. No MapTrack account required. If you later want digital pre-starts linked to each scissor lift with automatic fault alerts and a full inspection history, MapTrack can help.
Link to this answerYes, this scissor 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 schedules each inspection, emails the assigned person in the week before it falls due, 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.
| Standard | Edition | Clauses this template relies on | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use, Part 10: Mobile elevating work platformsMaintenance, inspection and repair of mobile elevating work platforms, and selecting them for the task. | AS 2550.10:2025 |
| Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher |
| Model Work Health and Safety RegulationsMaintenance per manufacturer, use within safe working limits, operator training, and licence classes (boom-type platforms only). | Model WHS Regulations as at 5 December 2025 (cited within as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011) |
| Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee) |
| Model Code of Practice: Elevating work platformsSafe Work Australia's model Code on elevating work platforms; NSW approved its own edition from 10 July 2026. | December 2025 version | Whole instrument | Safe Work Australia |
| Cranes, hoists and winches, Part 10: Mobile elevating work platformsDesign standard for mobile elevating work platforms, including the information for use the manufacturer must supply. | AS/NZS 1418.10:2025 |
| Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher |
| Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 (NSW)NSW's 2025 Regulation, which carries the same maintenance and lifting plant duties as sections 213 and 219. | Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 (NSW), commenced 22 August 2025, text as at 21 January 2026 |
| NSW Parliamentary Counsel's Office (NSW Legislation) |
Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use, Part 10: Mobile elevating work platforms
Edition: AS 2550.10:2025
Maintenance, inspection and repair of mobile elevating work platforms, and selecting them for the task.
- Section 6: Maintenance, inspection and repair of mobile elevating work platforms.
- Section 3: Selection of mobile elevating work platforms and related control measures.
Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher
Model Work Health and Safety Regulations
Edition: Model WHS Regulations as at 5 December 2025 (cited within as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011)
Maintenance per manufacturer, use within safe working limits, operator training, and licence classes (boom-type platforms only).
- reg 213: Plant must be maintained, inspected and, if necessary, tested by a competent person, following manufacturer or competent person recommendations; annual inspection applies only if neither is practicable.
- reg 219: Lifting plant must be designed for the load so far as reasonably practicable, with safeguards for alternatives, suitable lifting attachments, and use within safe working limits.
- reg 39: Information, training and instruction given to workers must suit the work, its risks and the control measures.
- Schedule 3: High risk work licence classes, including scaffolding, rigging, cranes, hoists, forklift trucks and boom-type EWPs.
Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee)
Model Code of Practice: Elevating work platforms
Edition: December 2025 version
Safe Work Australia's model Code on elevating work platforms; NSW approved its own edition from 10 July 2026.
Cranes, hoists and winches, Part 10: Mobile elevating work platforms
Edition: AS/NZS 1418.10:2025
Design standard for mobile elevating work platforms, including the information for use the manufacturer must supply.
- Section 4: Information for use to be provided with mobile elevating work platforms.
Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher
Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 (NSW)
Edition: Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 (NSW), commenced 22 August 2025, text as at 21 January 2026
NSW's 2025 Regulation, which carries the same maintenance and lifting plant duties as sections 213 and 219.
- s 213: Requires competent-person maintenance, inspection and necessary testing of plant, following the manufacturer's recommendations, else a competent person's, or annual inspection if neither is reasonably practicable.
- s 219: Controls for plant that lifts or suspends loads, including design suitability and preventing loads falling.
Each source was read at its publisher and the page checked on 26 October 2026. The publisher's current text is the authority.
MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.
The numbers behind this scissor lift pre-start checklist
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The MapTrack scissor lift pre-start checklist contains 34 checks across 6 sections.
- Short attribution
- MapTrack Scissor lift pre-start checklist, https://www.maptrack.com/templates/scissor-lift-pre-start-checklist
- Reference list
- MapTrack. (2026). Scissor lift pre-start checklist [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/scissor-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;">Scissor 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;">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.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Controls (Ground): ground-level emergency stop button function, control select key switch operation, ground override/lowering controls, emergency lowering function, general control panel condition.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">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.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">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.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">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).</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">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.</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/scissor-lift-pre-start-checklist" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">Scissor lift pre-start checklist</a> by MapTrack</p>
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