How often should a scissor lift be inspected?

Before each use or shift, as a pre-start check, and on the schedule the maker and your procedure set for frequent and annual inspections. Check the manual and the rules that apply to you.

What should I do if the lift fails the check?

Stop using it. Tag it out of service so nobody else runs it, tell your supervisor, and write down what failed. It goes back into service after it's been repaired and checked. Don't try to fix a hydraulic or structural problem yourself.

Does this scissor lift checklist meet OSHA requirements?

It's a starting point. The maker's manual, your company procedures and the rules that apply to you decide what must be checked. Add or remove lines to match. A checklist records that a check happened. It doesn't guarantee compliance.

Free template

A scissor lift inspection checklist you can print today.

Walk the lift before you go up. Check the machine, test the controls, then check the floor and what's overhead. Print the sheet or save it as a PDF. Use it alongside the manufacturer's operator manual and your site's procedures.

Also calledScissor lift pre-use inspection, Scissor lift daily checklist, Mobile elevating work platform check

See the sheet All free tools

Free to print, copy and change. It’s a starting point. Add the lines your equipment and your rules need.

Edit it in the builder

Download itPDF Word Excel

Scissor lift checklist

Date

Time

Site or location

Operator name

Lift make, model and unit number

Hour meter reading

Walk around the machine

PassFailN/A

Operator's manual and load rating plate are on the machine and readable
Platform floor, guardrails, midrails and toe boards are secure and undamaged
Entry gate or chain closes and latches
Scissor arms, pins and pivot points show no cracks, bends or missing parts
Hydraulic hoses, cylinders and fittings are free of leaks
Tires and wheels are in good condition, with no cuts or missing lug nuts
Battery is charged and connections are tight, or fuel and fluid levels are correct
Maintenance lock or safety prop is stowed and works, where fitted
Decals, warnings and control labels are in place and readable

Test the controls

PassFailN/A

Ground controls work and override the platform controls
Platform controls work, and each moves the lift the way its label says
Emergency stop works at both stations
Emergency lowering works
Horn, alarms and lights work
Tilt alarm or level sensor works
Drive and steering work, and the brakes hold

Check the work area

PassFailN/A

Floor is firm and level, with no holes, drop-offs, ramps or debris
Overhead obstructions and power lines are identified and kept clear
Area around the lift is barricaded, or a spotter is in place
Wind and weather are within the machine's limits
Operator is trained on this lift and has read the manual
Load and people on the platform are within the rated capacity

Defects found and action taken

Taken out of service? Yes NoReported to

Inspector signature

Date

Supervisor review

Date

A starting point. Adapt it to your equipment, your procedures and the rules that apply to you.Free template from portalbaseai.com

How to use it

Three habits that make it worth filling out.

Step 1
Check before every shift
Do the walk-around and the function test before the lift is used, and again if you change operators or it's been moved.
Step 2
Mark every line
Pass, fail or not applicable. Don't leave a line blank. A blank line is a question nobody can answer later.
Step 3
Tag out a failure
If a safety item fails, don't raise the lift. Tag it, report it and write what you found.

Do this on a phone instead of paper.

Run this check on a phone, with a photo on any failed step, no signal needed. A failed step opens a repair and the record is kept for you.

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Common questions

How often should a scissor lift be inspected?: Before each use or shift, as a pre-start check, and on the schedule the maker and your procedure set for frequent and annual inspections. Check the manual and the rules that apply to you.
What should I do if the lift fails the check?: Stop using it. Tag it out of service so nobody else runs it, tell your supervisor, and write down what failed. It goes back into service after it's been repaired and checked. Don't try to fix a hydraulic or structural problem yourself.
Does this scissor lift checklist meet OSHA requirements?: It's a starting point. The maker's manual, your company procedures and the rules that apply to you decide what must be checked. Add or remove lines to match. A checklist records that a check happened. It doesn't guarantee compliance.

Related and more free tools

Free tool

A scissor lift inspection checklist you can print today.

Scissor lift checklist

Walk around the machine

Test the controls

Check the work area

Three habits that make it worth filling out.

Check before every shift

Mark every line

Tag out a failure

Do this on a phone instead of paper.

Get new free tools by email.

Common questions

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