MEWP Pre-Use Check Form

An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.

What a MEWP pre-use check form is

A MEWP (mobile elevating work platform) pre-use check form records the operator’s check of a cherry picker, scissor lift or similar machine — controls, emergency lowering, outriggers, guardrails and ground conditions — before lifting people to height.

This page 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 or replace the thorough examination of the machine by a competent person.

Purpose

• Confirm the MEWP appears safe to use before work at height begins.
• Check controls, emergency lowering and safety devices.
• Confirm guardrails, outriggers and the ground or surface are suitable.
• Record the check and any defect for action.

Who completes it

• The trained, authorised MEWP operator, before use.
• Defects are reported to a supervisor or maintenance.
• The employer decides who is authorised to operate and to check.
• Thorough examination of the MEWP is a separate, competent-person task.

When it is used

• Before each shift or first lifting use that day.
• When the machine moves to a new location or surface.
• When a fault is suspected during use.
• On returning the machine to service after maintenance.

Typical fields

• Machine identity, operator, date and location.
• Ground and surface conditions and any obstructions overhead.
• Controls, emergency stop and emergency lowering.
• Outriggers or stabilisers, guardrails, gate and harness anchor where fitted.
• Defects found, action taken and operator sign-off.
• Example fields only — adapt to the MEWP type and your risk assessment.

Common mistakes

• Not checking emergency lowering before going to height.
• Setting up on unsuitable ground or without outriggers where needed.
• Lifting with a known defect that should take the machine out of use.
• Using a generic form that does not match the MEWP type.

Document workflow

The pre-use check works with the operator’s training and authorisation, the rescue plan for work at height, and the MEWP’s thorough examination record. A failed check should take the machine out of service; recurring issues feed maintenance and examination.

See the related documents below for what is commonly used with and completed after a MEWP pre-use check.

Retention (high level)

Completed checks are typically retained for a period set by the employer and any applicable rules, alongside maintenance and examination records. This page does not state a required period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.

Completing and sharing as a PDF

Checks are often recorded on paper or digitally and stored as PDFs with the machine’s records. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make the check official or guarantee compliance.

Employer checklist

• Ensure operators are trained, authorised and familiar with the machine.
• Provide a form that matches the MEWP type and a clear defect route.
• Make sure a rescue plan is in place for work at height.
• Keep check, maintenance and thorough-examination records together.

Operator notes

• Check emergency lowering and the ground before you go to height.
• Do not use a MEWP with a defect; report it.
• Use the guardrails and any required harness as instructed.

Country considerations

Requirements for work at height, MEWP examination and operator competence, and the official authority, vary by country. 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, MEWP maintenance and examination, and 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.