MEWP Inspection Books - 25 Checklists

Regular safety inspections are a critical component of maintaining workplace safety and ensuring the longevity of Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs), including scissor lifts and boom lifts. These pre-use checks are designed to identify potential defects or mechanical issues before they escalate into serious or costly problems, protecting both operators and other personnel on site. Following guidance from the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), MEWPs should be inspected daily or at the start of each shift. Best practice recommends carrying out inspections both before and after use to ensure the equipment is fully operational, mechanically sound, complete, and clean.

Properly trained operators are essential for the safe operation of MEWPs, scissor lifts, and boom lifts. Employers must provide comprehensive training covering operational procedures, hazard awareness, and the specific risks associated with each type of platform. Operators must understand how to safely manoeuvre the equipment, identify potential hazards, and respond appropriately to any faults. Maintaining accurate records of all pre-use inspections is not only a legal requirement under PUWER 1998 and LOLER 1998 but also demonstrates a proactive approach to safety management and risk reduction.

Using a visual status tag on each platform enhances safety by providing a clear reminder to operators that a pre-use inspection is required. Once an inspection has been completed, the checklist can be securely placed inside the tag, displaying the date, findings, and current status of the MEWP, scissor lift, or boom lift. This ensures that all personnel and supervisors can instantly see whether the platform is safe to use or if it requires attention, reducing the risk of unsafe operation.

At the start of every shift, operators should carefully inspect their MEWP, scissor lift, or boom lift and record the findings. Any faults, defects, or unusual performance issues must be reported immediately to a supervisor, and the equipment should not be used until all identified problems have been rectified. This proactive approach prevents accidents, reduces downtime, and ensures compliance with workplace safety regulations.

Each Good to Go Safety inspection book contains 25 detailed checklists, covering the full spectrum of operational, mechanical, and structural checks for MEWPs, scissor lifts, and boom lifts. These checklists guide operators through critical inspection points such as control mechanisms, hydraulic systems, platform stability, emergency systems, guardrails, tyres, batteries, and electrical components. A duplicate carbon copy of each completed checklist is retained in the book for management records, providing a comprehensive audit trail for HSE inspections, internal safety audits, and compliance with PUWER, LOLER, and work-at-height regulations. The books also include practical guidance notes to support operators in identifying key safety issues and ensuring every platform remains in a safe, compliant, and fully operational condition.

By implementing a structured inspection system using checklists and status tags, organisations can enhance workplace safety, reduce equipment maintenance costs, and ensure legal compliance. Regular and thorough inspections also foster a culture of responsibility and accountability among operators, supervisors, and management, ensuring that MEWPs, scissor lifts, and boom lifts are used safely at all times.