Aerial lifts and scissor lifts — collectively known as mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) — are among the most commonly used equipment for working at height. They are also involved in a significant number of workplace fatalities each year, primarily from falls, tip-overs, and electrocutions. OSHA 1926.453 governs aerial lifts (boom lifts, cherry pickers, bucket trucks) while scissor lifts fall under the scaffold standards at 1926.451 and 1926.452(w). Both require thorough pre-use inspections before each shift. This guide covers the complete inspection requirements and provides a free downloadable checklist.
Free Aerial & Scissor Lift Inspection Checklist
Download our Word document checklist with pre-use inspection items for boom lifts, scissor lifts, and other MEWPs.
Download Checklist (.docx)Why Pre-Use Inspections Are Required
OSHA 1926.453 — Aerial Lifts
- 1926.453(a): Aerial lifts must conform to ANSI A92.2 design and construction standards. Only authorized persons shall operate aerial lifts.
- 1926.453(b)(2)(ii): Boom and basket load limits specified by the manufacturer shall not be exceeded.
- 1926.453(b)(2)(v): A body belt or harness shall be worn and attached to the boom or basket when working from an aerial lift.
- 1926.453(b)(2)(viii): Before travel, boom(s) shall be inspected to ensure proper cradling and outriggers in stowed position.
OSHA 1926.451/452(w) — Scissor Lifts (Mobile Scaffolds)
- 1926.451(f)(3): Scaffolds shall be inspected by a competent person before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect structural integrity.
- 1926.451(g): Fall protection (guardrails) required when working above 10 feet on scaffolds.
- 1926.452(w): Mobile scaffold (scissor lift) specific requirements including braking and secure positioning.
- 1926.454: Training by a qualified person required for all scaffold users.
Important distinction: Scissor lifts are NOT aerial lifts under OSHA definitions. They are classified as mobile scaffolds. The tie-off requirements for aerial lifts (harness to boom/basket) do not apply to scissor lifts if adequate guardrails are in place. However, both require pre-use inspections by trained operators.
Walkaround / Visual Inspection
| Inspection Item | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Tires and wheels | Proper inflation, no cuts or excessive wear. Lug nuts tight. No flat spots or bulges. Solid tires not cracked or chunked. |
| Hydraulic system | No visible leaks at hoses, fittings, cylinders, or reservoir. Hydraulic fluid level adequate. Hoses not cracked, abraded, or kinked. |
| Structural components | No cracks, bends, or weld fractures on boom sections, scissor arms, turntable, or chassis. No excessive corrosion or missing bolts. |
| Platform / basket | Floor intact with no holes or excessive wear. Anchor points for harness attachment present and secure (aerial lifts). Platform extension slides freely and locks (if equipped). |
| Guardrails | Top rail, mid rail, and toe board present and secure. No bending, cracking, or loose connections. Gate/chain closes and latches properly. |
| Outriggers / stabilizers | Extend and retract smoothly. Pads present and in good condition. Locking pins or mechanisms functional. No bending or cracking. |
| Placards and labels | Capacity rating plate legible. Operating instructions visible. Warning labels intact. Manufacturer name and model identifiable. |
| Battery / fuel system | Electric: battery charged, connections clean and tight, no acid leaks. IC engine: fuel level adequate, no fuel leaks, exhaust system intact. |
Functional / Controls Test
| Inspection Item | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Platform controls | All functions operate smoothly from platform controls: raise, lower, extend, retract, rotate (boom lifts), drive. Emergency stop at platform functional. |
| Ground controls | Ground-level controls override platform controls. All functions operate. Emergency lowering device functional. Key switch or enable device works. |
| Safety devices | Tilt alarm/indicator functional. Overload protection (if equipped) activates. Travel cutout at elevated height works (scissor lifts). Pothole protection functional (if equipped). |
| Brakes | Service brake holds on grade. Parking brake engages and holds. Drive brake releases when drive is activated. No unusual noises. |
| Steering | Steers smoothly in both directions. No excessive play. Four-wheel steer, two-wheel steer, and crab steer modes function (if equipped). |
| Horn and alarms | Horn operational. Travel alarm sounds when driving (if equipped). Motion alarm functional on boom lifts. |
| Boom functions (aerial lifts) | Boom raises, lowers, extends, and retracts smoothly. Turntable rotates in both directions. Jib articulates (if equipped). No jerky or erratic movements. |
Work Site Assessment
| Inspection Item | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Ground conditions | Surface firm, level, and capable of supporting the lift with rated load. No voids, drop-offs, or soft areas. Slopes within manufacturer limits. |
| Overhead hazards | Minimum clearance from power lines maintained (at least 10 feet from lines under 50kV per OSHA). No overhead obstructions in swing path of boom. |
| Weather conditions | Wind speed within manufacturer limits (typically 28 mph max for scissor lifts). No lightning. Visibility adequate. Platform not used as a sail in wind. |
| Traffic and pedestrians | Work zone barricaded or coned. Spotter available for travel near pedestrians. Exclusion zone established below elevated platform. |
| Fall protection | Aerial lifts: body harness and lanyard attached to manufacturer-designated anchor point in boom or basket. Scissor lifts: guardrails in place; additional fall protection if guardrails are inadequate or worker must lean beyond rails. |
Operator authorization: ANSI A92.22 and ANSI A92.24 require operators to be trained and familiarized on each specific type and model of MEWP they will use. Training must cover pre-use inspections, safe operation, hazard recognition, and emergency procedures. Operators must be authorized in writing before operating any MEWP.
Corrective Actions
Remove from Service When:
- Any safety device or control is not functioning properly
- Structural damage to boom, scissor arms, turntable, or chassis
- Hydraulic leaks that affect operation or create slip hazards
- Guardrails missing, damaged, or not meeting height requirements
- Capacity or warning labels missing or illegible
- Tires flat, excessively worn, or damaged
- Brakes do not hold the machine on the required grade
- Any condition the operator deems unsafe
Download the Free Checklist
Get our aerial and scissor lift inspection checklist in Word format. Customize for your specific equipment models.
Download Checklist (.docx)
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Inspections
Digital pre-use checklists with mobile completion and photo documentation.
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Schedule manufacturer-recommended service intervals and annual inspections.
Training
Track MEWP operator training, authorization, and familiarization records.
Compliance Calendar
Track annual inspections, service dates, and operator certification renewals.
Task Management
Assign and track corrective actions from failed inspection items to resolution.
