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Boom lift inspection checklist

A pre-use check written for articulating and telescopic boom lifts (cherry pickers), for the US and the UK. Scan the data plate, record the last thorough examination or annual inspection and see the days since. Walk round the boom sections, pins, wear pads, hoses, jib, turntable, counterweight and platform, including the harness anchorage points. Test the ground controls first, then the platform: emergency lowering, the foot switch, the tilt alarm and any load or envelope limits. Check the ground and overhead, enter the wind against the maker's limit, and record who is in the platform with harness and lanyard. The result is safe to use or tagged out. For scissor lifts use the scissor lift inspection checklist.

For boom lift operators, steel erectors, supervisors and access rental yards who check a boom at the start of each shift and need a dated record with photos.

Written for the US (OSHA 29 CFR 1926.453) and the UK (LOLER 1998 and PUWER 1998). Other countries: take the intervals and duties from local law.

  • Machine details from a data plate scan, the last examination date and the days since, and the operator's card
  • Fourteen visual checks for booms, from the pins and wear pads to the turntable, counterweight and platform anchorage points
  • Thirteen function tests, ground controls first, including ground override, emergency lowering, the foot switch and the tilt alarm
  • The people in the platform with harness and lanyard, and the planned load against the platform capacity
  • A result of safe to use or tagged out, with wind against the maker's limit, actions and sign-off

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What should a boom lift inspection checklist cover?

A boom lift check is useful when it ties one machine, by its fleet number and data plate, to a dated record of what was looked at and tested, who went up in it with which harness, the result, and what happened to the lift if it failed. Wind, slope and load limits come from the maker's plate and manual.

Last updated . Facts checked by the SiteSurvey team on 27 October 2026 against OSHA 29 CFR 1926.453, aerial lifts (eCFR), OSHA 29 CFR 1926.20, general safety and health provisions (eCFR), Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, regulation 9, thorough examination and inspection and HSE, mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

How to do a boom lift pre-use inspection

Have the operator manual to hand and check each item the way it describes.

  1. Record the machine

    Scan the data plate, enter the platform capacity, and the date of the last thorough examination or annual inspection.

  2. Walk round it

    With the boom stowed, check the boom sections, pins, wear pads, hoses, jib, turntable, counterweight, tyres or tracks, and the platform, gate and anchorage points.

  3. Test from the ground

    With nobody in the platform: each function, ground override of the platform controls, the emergency stop and emergency lowering.

  4. Test from the platform

    The foot switch, each control, the emergency stop, the tilt alarm, any load or envelope limits, the brakes and the alarms.

  5. Check the worksite and the crew

    Ground, slope, overhead lines and structures, barriers and the rescue plan. Enter the wind against the maker's limit, and record each person's harness and lanyard.

  6. Give the result

    Mark it safe to use, or tag it out and record how and who was told. List repairs with an owner and a date, and sign.

What makes a boom lift check useful

Function tests, ground controls first, then the platform

BL-22, articulating boom, start of shift. Ground controls, ground override, emergency stop and auxiliary lowering all pass. Foot switch: fail. Boom up and turntable swing still worked with the switch released. Boom stowed from the ground controls, tagged on both control stations, key held by the foreman, rental company called at 07:20, bracing crew moved to BL-19 after its own check.

Fictional example. Record the actual evidence and approved arrangements for your job.

A common recording mistake

Testing only from the platform, or skipping the foot switch and emergency lowering because the lift passed yesterday.

What happens next

Keep the lift tagged out until the repair note comes back, repeat this check before it is used again, and note the date of the next thorough examination or annual inspection.

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Every question in the boom lift inspection checklist template

A boom lift (cherry picker) pre-use inspection for articulating and telescopic booms, for the US and UK: machine details with a data plate scan, the date of the last thorough examination or annual inspection and the days since, fourteen visual checks from the boom sections, pins and wear pads to the turntable, counterweight and platform anchorage points, thirteen function tests from the ground and platform controls including emergency lowering, the foot switch and the tilt alarm, worksite checks with wind against the maker's limit, the people in the platform with harness and lanyard, the planned load, the result (safe to use or tagged out), actions and sign-off. 8 sections and 158 questions. Follow-up questions and guidance appear only when an answer calls for them, so the person on site never sees the ones that do not apply.

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Details you only enter once

Add this form to a project in SiteSurvey and it fills in what the project already knows, so nobody on site retypes it and every form on the job uses the same names. Anything filled in can still be changed.

  • Project: the project name
  • Site address: the site address, from the space or the project
  • Client or general contractor: the project's customer

Inspection details

  • ProjectShort answer

    Filled in from the project in SiteSurvey.

    Fills in from the project name
  • Site addressShort answer
    Fills in from the site address, from the space or the project
  • Client or general contractorShort answer
    Fills in from the project's customer
  • Location (GPS)Short answer
  • Inspection date*Date
  • Inspected by*Short answer
  • Time of the checkTime
  • Rules that apply*Choose one
    • US: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.453 (aerial lifts)
    • UK: LOLER 1998 and PUWER 1998
    • Other country
  • Reason for the check*Choose one
    • Pre-use, start of shift
    • On delivery from hire
    • After a repair
    • After severe weather or another event that could affect it
    • Other
  • Other reasonShort answer
    Shown when “Reason for the check” is “Other”
  • Where the lift will workShort answer

    For example east elevation, grid lines C to F, roof steel at level 3.

  • Weather on siteAnswer
  • CheckThis is an operator or supervisor check before use. It is not a thorough examination (UK) or an annual inspection (US), and it does not replace the manufacturer's operator manual. Check each item the way the manual describes. Wind, slope, load and outreach limits come from the machine's plate and manual, not from this form.
  • GuidanceUS (OSHA 29 CFR 1926.453). For extensible and articulating boom platforms, the lift controls are tested each day before use, and only authorized persons operate the lift (1926.453(b)(2)(i) and (ii)). The lower controls must be able to override the upper controls, and are not operated without permission from the person in the lift, except in an emergency (1926.453(b)(2)(ix)).
    Shown when “Rules that apply” is “US: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.453 (aerial lifts)”
  • GuidanceUK (LOLER 1998 and PUWER 1998). A boom lift lifts people, so LOLER regulation 9 requires a thorough examination at least every 6 months, or under an examination scheme, and after exceptional circumstances. A hired machine must come with evidence of its last thorough examination. HSE also asks for daily visual checks to the manufacturer's instructions, and for a safety-critical defect to take the machine out of service.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • CheckUse the form for the record, and take inspection intervals and duties from your local law.
    Shown when “Rules that apply” is “Other country”

Machine and operator

  • Fleet or asset number*Short answer
  • Owner or rental companyShort answer
  • Scan the data plateScan a label: make, model, serial number, platform capacity, maximum persons, maximum platform height, maximum horizontal outreach, maximum wind speed

    Optional. Scan the data plate or label to capture the numbers.

  • Make*Short answer
  • Model*Short answer
  • Serial numberShort answer
  • Type of boom*Choose one
    • Articulating boom, self-propelled
    • Telescopic (straight) boom, self-propelled
    • Truck or van mounted boom
    • Trailer mounted boom
    • Tracked or spider boom
    • Other
  • PowerChoose one
    • Diesel
    • Electric (battery)
    • Bi-energy or hybrid
    • Other
  • Jib fitted?*Yes or No
  • Outriggers or stabilisers fitted?*Yes or No
  • Platform capacity from the plate*Number

    The figure for the configuration you will use. Some booms have two ratings (restricted and unrestricted).

  • Unit*Choose one
    • kg
    • lb
  • Maximum persons from the plateShort answer
  • Maximum platform height from the plateShort answer
  • Maximum horizontal outreach from the plateShort answer
  • Date of the last thorough examination (UK) or annual inspection (US)Date

    From the report, certificate or decal on the machine.

  • Report or certificate referenceShort answer
  • Days since thenWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • WarningMore than 6 months since the last thorough examination. Unless an examination scheme sets a different interval, do not use the lift until it has been examined (LOLER regulation 9(3)).
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Evidence of the last examination or inspection with the machine?*Yes or No
  • WarningNo evidence of the last thorough examination. A machine from another business must not be used without it (LOLER regulation 9(4)).
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Photo of the machinePhotos
  • Operator*Short answer
  • Operator training card or certificateShort answer

    The card, certificate or licence and the categories it covers, for example boom type.

  • Card expiry dateDate
  • Operator authorized by the employer to use this lift?*Yes or No
  • Operator familiarised on this make and model?*Yes or No
  • WarningOnly authorized persons operate an aerial lift (29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(ii)), and only employees qualified by training or experience operate equipment (1926.20(b)(4)).
    Shown when “Rules that apply” is “US: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.453 (aerial lifts)” and “Operator authorized by the employer to use this lift?” is No
  • CheckHSE expects familiarisation on the controls of the specific make and model as well as training for the type. Arrange it before use.
    Shown when “Operator familiarised on this make and model?” is No
  • Person on the ground who can use the ground controls and emergency loweringShort answer

Visual checks before start-up

  • GuidanceWalk round the machine with the boom stowed. Check each item the way the operator manual describes.
  • Walk Cam: walk round the boom liftWalk Cam video with voice-to-text

    Optional. Film a guided walk-round on the SiteSurvey app.

  • Boom sections and weldsChoose one

    No cracks, dents, bends or damaged welds on the booms, riser and fly section.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Pins, pin retainers and pivot pointsChoose one

    All pins in place with their retainers, no movement or wear the manual says to look for.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Wear pads and slide pads on telescopic sectionsChoose one

    Present and not worn past the limit the manual shows. Not applicable on a boom with no telescopic section.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Hoses, cables and the hose carrier along the boomChoose one

    No leaks, chafing, kinks or crushed cables; carrier links intact.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Jib and jib pivotChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
    Shown when “Jib fitted?” is Yes
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Turntable, slew bearing and turntable lockChoose one

    Bolts present, no cracks, turntable lock released for work.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • CounterweightChoose one

    Secure, no cracks or missing bolts.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Platform floor, guardrails, toe boards and gateChoose one

    Rails in place and pinned, floor clean and free of oil, the gate closes and latches by itself.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Harness anchorage points on the platformChoose one

    The maker's anchorage points are present, undamaged and labelled.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Platform control box and its guardChoose one

    Switches and joysticks return to neutral; any guard or shroud over the controls is undamaged.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Tyres and wheels, or tracksChoose one

    No cuts or chunks out, wheel nuts present, foam-filled or solid tyres undamaged, tracks tensioned as the manual says.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Outriggers or stabilisers, feet and padsChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
    Shown when “Outriggers or stabilisers fitted?” is Yes
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Engine or batteries, fuel and hydraulic oil levelChoose one

    Levels as the manual says, no leaks under the machine, battery cables and connections sound.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Decals, capacity plate and operator manual on boardChoose one

    Readable, and the manual in its holder on the platform.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Photos: platform and any defectPhotos
  • Visual checks needing actionWorked out by the form
  • Not checkedWorked out by the form

Function tests

  • GuidanceTest from the ground controls first, with nobody in the platform, then from the platform. Do not raise anyone until the ground tests and emergency lowering pass.
  • Ground controls: each boom, jib and turntable functionChoose one

    With nobody in the platform. Each moves smoothly and stops when released.

    • Pass
    • Fail
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Ground controls override the platform controlsChoose one

    Select ground control and check the platform controls do not work.

    • Pass
    • Fail
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Ground emergency stopChoose one

    Stops all functions.

    • Pass
    • Fail
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Emergency lowering or auxiliary powerChoose one

    Brings the platform down as the manual describes.

    • Pass
    • Fail
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Foot switch or enable control on the platformChoose one

    No function works unless it is held, and every function stops when it is released.

    • Pass
    • Fail
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Platform controls: boom, jib, turntable, drive and steerChoose one

    Each works in the direction marked, and is marked plainly.

    • Pass
    • Fail
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Platform emergency stopChoose one

    Stops all functions.

    • Pass
    • Fail
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Tilt alarm and cut-outChoose one

    Test as the manual describes.

    • Pass
    • Fail
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Load sensing or overload warning, if fittedChoose one

    Test as the manual describes.

    • Pass
    • Fail
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Envelope or outreach limits, if fittedChoose one

    Test as the manual describes, for example drive or boom out stops at the limit.

    • Pass
    • Fail
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Brakes and drive speed with the boom raisedChoose one

    Brakes hold; drive speed is limited when the boom is out of the stowed position, as the manual describes.

    • Pass
    • Fail
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Horn, travel or motion alarm and beaconChoose one
    • Pass
    • Fail
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Anti-entrapment or secondary guarding device, if fittedChoose one

    Test as the manual describes.

    • Pass
    • Fail
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Photos: controls and any failed testPhotos
  • Function tests failedWorked out by the form
  • Not checkedWorked out by the form

Worksite checks

  • Ground firm and level enough for the machineChoose one

    Look for trenches, manholes, soft or uncompacted backfill and temporary covers that are not strong enough.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Slope within the manufacturer's limitChoose one

    Use the limit on the plate or in the manual.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Outriggers extended and chocked, on pads or a solid surface, before raisingChoose one

    Spreader plates if the manual or ground conditions call for them.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
    Shown when “Outriggers or stabilisers fitted?” is Yes
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Brakes set; wheel chocks on a slope where they can be fitted safelyChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Overhead power lines identified and kept clearChoose one

    Use the clearance set in your site plan or by the line owner.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Overhead structures and trap pointsChoose one

    Beams, steelwork and soffits the platform or the operator could be trapped against.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Area below barriered from people; boom kept out of traffic routesChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Rescue plan agreed with the ground personChoose one

    Who brings the platform down if the operator cannot, and how.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Maximum wind speed from the manufacturer*Number

    From the plate or manual. Use the same unit for both figures.

  • Wind speed measured or forecast now*Number
  • Unit*Choose one
    • m/s
    • mph
    • km/h
  • Wind against the limitWorked out by the form
    Shown when “Maximum wind speed from the manufacturer” is answered and “Wind speed measured or forecast now” is answered
  • WarningWind is above the manufacturer's limit. Do not raise the platform until it drops.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • wind_overWorked out by the form
  • Photos of the work areaPhotos
  • Worksite checks needing actionWorked out by the form
  • Not checkedWorked out by the form

People in the platform and load

  • GuidanceUS. A body belt or harness is worn and a lanyard attached to the boom or basket when working from an aerial lift (29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(v)). Body belts are not acceptable as part of a personal fall arrest system; a body belt is acceptable in a tethering or restraint system (note to that paragraph). Do not belt off to an adjacent pole, structure or equipment, and stand firmly on the platform floor (1926.453(b)(2)(iii) and (iv)).
    Shown when “Rules that apply” is “US: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.453 (aerial lifts)”
  • GuidanceUK. HSE: if there is still a risk of falling from the platform, a harness with a short work restraint lanyard is secured to a suitable manufacturer provided anchorage point within the basket.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • People in the platform
    Repeat for each entry. Each one asks:
    • Name*Short answer
    • RoleChoose one
      • Operator
      • Second person in the platform
    • Harness and lanyard checked before use?*Yes or No
    • Harness worn and lanyard attached to the anchorage point on the platform?*Yes or No
    • Lanyard typeChoose one

      As the lift maker and your fall protection plan say.

      • Short work restraint lanyard
      • Fall arrest lanyard (where the maker allows)
      • Other
    • p_problemWorked out by the form
  • People in the platformWorked out by the form
  • Without a checked harness attached to the platformWorked out by the form
  • WarningSomeone in the platform is not wearing a checked harness attached to the platform anchorage. Put it right before the platform is raised.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Planned platform load: people, tools and materials*Number

    In the same unit as the platform capacity on page 2.

  • Load against the platform capacityWorked out by the form
    Shown when “Planned platform load: people, tools and materials” is answered and “Platform capacity from the plate” is answered
  • WarningThe planned load is more than the platform capacity. Boom and basket load limits set by the manufacturer must not be exceeded. Reduce the load.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • load_overWorked out by the form

Result

  • Items failed or needing actionWorked out by the form
  • Items not checkedWorked out by the form
  • Result*Choose one
    • Safe to use
    • Not safe: tagged out of service
  • WarningAn item failed or needs action, but the lift is marked safe to use. Fix the item and check it again first, or tag the lift out.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • How it was taken out of service, and who was told*Notes

    For example tag on the platform and ground controls, key removed and held by the supervisor, rental company called.

    Shown when “Result” is “Not safe: tagged out of service”
  • Tag numberShort answer
    Shown when “Result” is “Not safe: tagged out of service”
  • GuidanceOSHA 29 CFR 1926.20(b)(3): equipment that is not in compliance is identified as unsafe by tagging or locking the controls so it cannot be operated, or is physically removed from where it operates.
    Shown when “Rules that apply” is “US: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.453 (aerial lifts)” and “Result” is “Not safe: tagged out of service”
  • GuidanceHSE: put reported problems right quickly, and take the MEWP out of service if the item is safety critical.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Limits on use todayShort answer

    Optional. For example restricted capacity zone only, no jib, one person.

    Shown when “Result” is “Safe to use”
  • Operator name*Short answer
  • Operator signature*Signature

Actions and sign-off

  • Items needing actionWorked out by the form
  • ResultWorked out by the form
  • Actions
    Repeat for each action. Each one asks:
    • Action*Notes
    • PriorityChoose one
      • Urgent: do not use
      • Before next use
      • At the next service
    • Who will do it*Short answer
    • Due byDate
    • Status*Choose one
      • Open
      • In progress
      • Done, checked
    • Photo when donePhotos
      Shown when “Status” is “Done, checked”
  • Actions still openWorked out by the form
  • Decision*Choose one
    • No further action
    • Repair, then repeat this check before use
    • Rental company to repair or replace the machine
  • Date of the repeat checkDate
  • SummaryNotes
  • Supervisor nameShort answer
  • Supervisor signature*Signature
  • Rental company or fleet engineer nameShort answer
  • Rental company or fleet engineer signatureSignature

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Boom lift inspection checklist FAQs

What does OSHA require before using a boom lift?

For extensible and articulating boom platforms, 29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2) says the lift controls are tested each day before use, only authorized persons operate the lift, and the boom and basket load limits set by the manufacturer are not exceeded. The brakes are set, outriggers when used go on pads or a solid surface, and wheel chocks are fitted on an incline where they can be fitted safely. The lower controls must be able to override the upper controls.

Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.453, aerial lifts (eCFR).

Do you have to wear a harness in a boom lift?

In the US, yes: 29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(v) says a body belt is worn with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket when working from an aerial lift. The note to that paragraph says body belts are not acceptable as part of a personal fall arrest system, though a body belt in a tethering or restraint system is. Belting off to an adjacent pole, structure or equipment is not allowed. In the UK, HSE says that where there is still a risk of falling, a harness with a short work restraint lanyard is secured to a manufacturer provided anchorage point in the basket.

Sources: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.453, aerial lifts (eCFR) and HSE, mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

How often does a boom lift need a thorough examination in the UK?

A boom lift lifts people, so LOLER regulation 9 requires a thorough examination at least every 6 months, or under an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person, and after exceptional circumstances that could affect its safety. A machine from a hire company must not be used without evidence of its last thorough examination. HSE also asks for daily visual checks to the manufacturer's instructions. The form works out the days since the last examination and warns after 6 months.

Sources: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, regulation 9, thorough examination and inspection and HSE, mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

What wind speed can a boom lift work in?

Whatever the manufacturer says for that model, on the data plate and in the manual. HSE says high winds can tilt platforms and make them unstable, and to set a maximum safe wind speed for operation. The form states no figures of its own: you enter the maker's limit and the wind now, and it flags the lift if the wind is above the limit.

Source: HSE, mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

What do I do if a boom lift fails a check?

Do not use it. Tag it out of service and stop it being operated, for example by removing the key, and tell your supervisor and the owner or rental company. In the US, 29 CFR 1926.20(b)(3) requires equipment that is not in compliance to be tagged or have its controls locked so it cannot be operated, or to be removed. HSE says to take a MEWP out of service if the defect is safety critical. The form records how it was taken out of service and who was told.

Sources: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.20, general safety and health provisions (eCFR) and HSE, mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).

Is a cherry picker the same as a boom lift?

Cherry picker is a common name for a boom type MEWP, so if yours has a boom this form fits it, including truck and van mounted booms. A scissor lift moves straight up and has its own checks: use the scissor lift inspection checklist for those, and the general MEWP inspection checklist for other platforms. None of these forms is a thorough examination or an annual inspection by a qualified engineer.

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