Educational checklist examples for safety, equipment and operational tasks — what a checklist covers, who uses it and how it connects to forms, inspections and training. Informational only — template examples to adapt, not official documents or legal advice; completing a checklist does not guarantee compliance and employers remain responsible.
What a MEWP pre-use checklist is
A MEWP pre-use checklist is a short, structured check an operator works through before using a mobile elevating work platform, to confirm the machine and the set-up are safe before anyone is lifted. It records the everyday “is this platform fit to use?” decision.
This is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template, and completing it does not authorise anyone to operate a MEWP — operating a MEWP requires separate, often legally required training, familiarisation and the employer’s authorisation.
Purpose
- Confirm controls, emergency lowering and safety devices work before use.
- Check the machine condition — tyres, hydraulics, structure and platform.
- Confirm the ground, slope and overhead hazards suit the planned use.
- Record the check and any defect before lifting.
Who completes it
- The trained, familiarised and authorised operator, before use.
- Defects are reported and the machine taken out of service.
- The employer decides who is authorised to operate each MEWP type.
- Thorough examination and servicing are separate, competent-person tasks.
When it is used
- Before each shift or before first use of the machine that day.
- After the MEWP is moved to a new area or surface.
- When a fault or warning appears during use.
- On the frequency the employer sets in the rescue and risk plan.
Typical items
- Machine ID/type, operator, date and shift.
- Ground controls, platform controls and emergency lowering tested.
- Tyres, hydraulics, structure, guardrails and gate condition checked.
- Set-up: firm level ground, outriggers/stabilisers, overhead and edge hazards, rescue plan.
- Defects found and action taken (e.g. out of service, reported).
- These are example items only — adapt them to the MEWP type and your risk assessment.
Common mistakes
- Signing the check without testing the emergency lowering.
- Using a MEWP on ground that is too soft, sloping or near edges.
- No rescue plan for a person stranded at height.
- Operating a type the person is not trained and familiarised on.
Document workflow
A MEWP pre-use checklist sits alongside the operator’s training, familiarisation and authorisation records, the rescue plan and the machine’s examination log. The work-at-height risk assessment is completed before the check, the check is used with the operating instructions and rescue plan, and a failed check is completed after with a defect report and removal from service.
See the related documents below for what is commonly completed before, used with and completed after a MEWP check.
Retention (high level)
Completed checks are typically retained for a period the employer sets, alongside examination and maintenance records, so a defect history is available. Specific retention periods vary by jurisdiction and type of work.
This page does not state a required period — confirm retention with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
Pre-use checks are often recorded digitally or on paper and stored as PDFs alongside the machine’s records and the rescue plan. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make the check official or guarantee compliance.
Employer checklist
- Ensure operators are trained, familiarised on the specific machine and authorised.
- Provide a rescue plan and the means to recover a stranded person.
- Make sure defective machines are removed from service.
- Keep pre-use, examination and maintenance records together.
Operator notes
- Do the checks properly, including the emergency lowering.
- Know the rescue plan before you go up.
- If something fails, do not use the MEWP; report it.
Country considerations
Requirements for MEWP inspection, examination, operator competence and rescue planning vary by country, and the official authority differs. This page is general and high-level — not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee of validity.
Confirm current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for safe work at height, operator competence and authorisation, machine examination and rescue planning, and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not authorise anyone, does not replace training and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
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