LV Handbook › Tools › Daily lift inspection

Daily Lift Inspection

Pre-start checklist for scissor and boom lifts. Any Fail means the lift is tagged out. Sign it and email the report.

1. Job and lift

Lift type *

2. Walkaround and visual 5 items

Structure, welds and pinsNo cracks, bends, loose or missing parts, pins or retainers on chassis, arms, scissor stack or boom
Hoses, cables and wiringNo leaks, chafing, cuts or loose connections
Hydraulic cylindersNo leaks, damage or scoring on rods
Guards, covers and limit switchesIn place, secure and undamaged
Outriggers, stabilizers or extendable axles (if equipped)Deploy and retract; set on pads or a solid surface; interlocks and indicators work

3. Fluids and battery 4 items

Hydraulic oil levelAt the full mark with the platform stowed
Engine oil and coolant (engine units)Levels correct, no leaks
Fuel level and fuel system (engine units)No leaks; cap secure
Battery charge, water and terminalsCharged; terminals clean and tight; no acid leaks

4. Tires and wheels 3 items

TiresNo cuts, chunks, bulges or exposed cord; pressure correct for pneumatic tires
Wheel nuts and hubsAll present and tight
Pothole protection (scissor)Deploys and retracts when the platform is raised

5. Platform, guardrails and gate 6 items

Guardrails and mid-railsSecure, all pins in place, no damage
Entry gateCloses and latches on its own (older lifts with a chain: chain in place and clipped)
Platform floor and extension deckClean, no damage; extension locks
Lanyard anchor points (boom)Present and undamaged; full-body harness and lanyard inspected, lanyard clipped to the boom or basket anchor
Hard hat and other PPEInspected and worn for the job
Load within rated capacityPeople, tools and material within the rated load for this setup, including the extension deck

6. Controls and emergency stop 4 items

Control labels and markingsReadable at ground and platform controls
Emergency stop, ground and platformStops all functions when pressed
Key switch and control selectorSelects ground or platform controls correctly
Foot switch or enable switchFunctions run only when it is held

7. Function tests 8 items

Lower (ground) controlsRaise, lower and each function work smoothly
Platform controlsDrive, steer, lift and boom functions work and return to neutral
Emergency lowering / auxiliary powerLowers the platform with main power off
Tilt alarm and cutoutAlarm sounds and lift or drive cuts out when tilted
Descent and motion alarmsAudible when lowering and driving
BrakesHold on a slope; machine stops when drive is released
Horn and lights (if equipped)Work
Overload alarm (if equipped)Alarm sounds and normal functions stop when over the rated load

8. Decals and manual on board 4 items

Operator manual in the storage boxPresent and readable
Safety and capacity decalsPresent, readable; rated load and wind rating shown
Annual inspection recordDecal or record shows an inspection within the last 13 months
Other checks in the operator manualAny extra pre-start items for this make and model done

9. Workplace hazards 5 items

Overhead hazardsPower lines, beams and obstructions identified; at least 10 ft from power lines
Ground surfaceFirm and level; holds the lift's weight; no holes, drop-offs, slopes, debris or cords
Wind and weatherWithin the rated wind speed; outdoor use only if rated; no use outdoors in a thunderstorm
Traffic and pedestriansArea barricaded or a spotter assigned
Air qualityNo hazardous atmosphere; engine units only where there is enough ventilation

10. Sign and send

Signature *
Press Enter or comma after each address.

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What a daily lift inspection covers

Walkaround and visual. Look over the structure, welds, pins, hoses, cylinders and guards for damage, leaks or missing parts before you power up.

Fluids and battery. Hydraulic oil at the full mark with the platform stowed, engine fluids and fuel on engine units, and a charged battery with clean terminals.

Tires and wheels. No cuts or exposed cord, wheel nuts tight, and pothole protection working on scissor lifts.

Platform, guardrails and gate. Rails and pins secure, a gate that closes and latches on its own, anchor points on booms, PPE, and a load within the rated capacity.

Controls and emergency stop. Readable labels, e-stops that kill all functions at the ground and the platform, and a working enable or foot switch.

Function tests. Ground and platform controls, emergency lowering, tilt and motion alarms, brakes, and the overload alarm where equipped.

Decals and manual. Operator manual on board, readable capacity decals, an annual inspection within the last 13 months, and any extra checks the manual lists.

Workplace hazards. Overhead hazards and power lines, firm level ground, wind and weather within the rating, traffic control, and safe air.

FAQ

How often do I inspect an aerial lift?Before each shift. Do a walkaround, check fluids, tires, guardrails and controls, run the function tests, and check the work area before you go up.
What happens if an item fails?Don't operate the lift. Tag it out at the controls, tell your supervisor, and send the report so the failure is on record until it's repaired.
Can I send the report to more than one person?Yes. Add up to 5 email addresses, and tick Send me a copy to get one yourself.
Do I need an account?No. Anyone can fill out and send the form. Signed-in members get their name, company and email filled in.