MEWP Pre-Use Checks

MEWP pre-use checks are daily inspections carried out by the operator before using any mobile elevating work platform.
PUWER 1998 and LOLER 1998 require all MEWPs to be maintained in safe condition and inspected before each use.
Pre-use checks identify faults such as hydraulic leaks, damaged guardrails, faulty controls, and flat tyres before they cause incidents.
The check covers the base machine, boom or scissor mechanism, platform, controls, safety devices, and all structural components.
Hydraulic oil level and condition must be checked — low oil or contaminated fluid causes boom failure at height.
Emergency lowering controls must be tested from ground level to confirm the platform can be recovered if the main system fails.
Tyre condition, inflation, and wheel nut tightness must be checked — a flat tyre destabilises the machine at height.
Guardrail integrity, gate latches, toe boards, and platform floor condition must be confirmed before anyone steps onto the platform.
Outrigger pins, levelling indicators, and stabiliser systems must be checked where the MEWP type requires their use.
Any defect found during the pre-use check must be reported and the MEWP taken out of service until the fault is repaired.

Prevent boom failure	Hydraulic faults not caught during pre-use checks cause sudden boom drop or platform collapse at working height.
Emergency recovery	Testing the emergency lowering system confirms a stranded operator can be brought down safely if the main controls fail.
Legal requirement	PUWER and LOLER require pre-use inspection — operating an unchecked MEWP is a breach of health and safety law.

Do

Don't

Complete the full pre-use check before operating the MEWP each day.
Check hydraulic oil level, hoses, rams, and connections for leaks or damage.
Test the emergency lowering system from ground level before elevating the platform.
Inspect tyres for pressure, damage, and confirm wheel nuts are tight.
Check guardrails, gate latches, toe boards, and platform floor for defects.
Verify outriggers, stabilisers, and levelling systems where the MEWP requires them.
Test all platform controls including drive, raise, lower, and slew functions.
Check safety devices including tilt alarms, load sensors, and limit switches.
Record the pre-use check results in the MEWP inspection log before operating.
Report any defect and take the MEWP out of service until repaired.

DON'T operate any MEWP without completing the daily pre-use inspection first.
DON'T use a MEWP with low hydraulic oil or visible hydraulic leaks.
DON'T elevate the platform without testing the emergency lowering system first.
DON'T operate on flat, damaged, or underinflated tyres — they cause instability.
DON'T use a MEWP with damaged guardrails, broken gates, or missing toe boards.
DON'T skip the outrigger and stabiliser check — they prevent overturn at height.
DON'T operate if any control function does not respond correctly during testing.
DON'T bypass safety devices including tilt alarms and load sensing systems.
DON'T operate an unchecked MEWP — it is a legal breach and a safety risk.
DON'T use a MEWP with known defects — report it and wait for repair.

See also: Cherry Picker (Boom Lift) Safety | Scissor Lift Safety

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