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Scissor lift inspection checklist
A pre-use check written for scissor lifts, for the US and the UK. Scan the data plate for the make, model, serial and platform capacity, and record the date of the last thorough examination or periodic inspection. Then walk round the machine: scissor arms and pins, pothole guards, rails and gate, extension deck, tyres, battery and hydraulics, decals and the manual. Test the ground and platform controls, emergency lowering, the alarms and the brakes, check the floor and overhead, and compare the wind with the maker's own limit. The result is safe to use or tagged out. For booms and other MEWPs, use the MEWP inspection checklist.
For scissor lift operators, supervisors and fit-out contractors who check a lift at the start of each shift and need a dated record with photos.
Written for the US (OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L) 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
- Ten visual checks specific to scissor lifts, from the arms and pins to the extension deck and hydraulics
- Eleven function tests from the ground and platform controls, including emergency lowering and the tilt alarm
- Worksite checks, with wind entered against the manufacturer's own limit
- A result of safe to use or tagged out, with how it was taken out of service, actions and sign-off
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What should a scissor lift inspection checklist cover?
A scissor 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, the result, and what happened to the lift if it failed. Limits such as wind and slope come from the maker's plate and manual.
Last updated . Facts checked by the SiteSurvey team on 27 October 2026 against OSHA letter of interpretation, 23 February 2000: scissor lifts and the scaffold standard (Internet Archive copy of osha.gov), OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451, general requirements for scaffolds (eCFR), OSHA 29 CFR 1926.452, additional requirements for specific scaffolds, (w) mobile scaffolds (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 scissor lift pre-use inspection
Have the operator manual to hand and check each item the way it describes.
Record the machine
Scan the data plate, enter the platform capacity and maximum height, and the date of the last thorough examination or periodic inspection.
Walk round it
With the platform stowed, check the scissor arms and pins, pothole guards, rails and gate, extension deck, tyres, battery, hydraulics and decals.
Test the functions
From the ground controls first, then the platform: raise and lower, emergency stops, emergency lowering, the descent and tilt alarms, brakes and pothole guards.
Check the worksite
Look at the floor, slopes, holes and edges, overhead hazards and barriers. Outdoors, enter the wind against the manufacturer's limit.
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 scissor lift check useful
Function tests from the ground and platform controls
SL-14, start of shift. Ground controls, emergency stops, emergency lowering and descent alarm all pass. Tilt alarm and cut-out: fail. Tested as the manual describes, no alarm and the platform kept rising out of level. Lowered from the ground controls, tagged out on the platform controls, key removed, hire company called at 07:45.
Fictional example. Record the actual evidence and approved arrangements for your job.
A common recording mistake
Ticking every box without raising the platform, or marking a lift safe to use while a test has failed.
What happens next
Keep the lift tagged out until the repair note comes back, repeat this check before it is used again, and record the date of the next thorough examination or periodic inspection.
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Every question in the scissor lift inspection checklist template
A scissor lift pre-use inspection for the US and UK: machine details with a data plate scan, the date of the last thorough examination or frequent or annual inspection, ten visual checks from the scissor arms and pothole guards to the battery and hydraulics, eleven function tests from the ground and platform controls, worksite checks with wind against the maker's limit, the result (safe to use or tagged out), actions and sign-off. 7 sections and 126 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.
Make it your own: every question is editable
This is a starting point, not a fixed form. Once it is in your SiteSurvey account you can reword any question, add or remove questions, sections and answer options, and add your own logo, so it fits the way your team works and the jobs you do.
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 main contractor: the project's customer
Inspection details
- ProjectShort answer
Filled in from the project in SiteSurvey.
Fills in from the project name - Site addressShort answerFills in from the site address, from the space or the project
- Client or main contractorShort answerFills 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 Subpart L
- 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 answerShown when “Reason for the check” is “Other”
- Where the lift will workShort answer
For example mezzanine, aisle 4, high bay lighting.
- Weather on siteAnswer
- CheckThis is an operator or supervisor check before use. It is not a thorough examination (UK) or a frequent or annual inspection (US), and it does not replace the manufacturer's operator manual. Check each item the way the manual describes. Wind, slope and load limits come from the machine's plate and manual, not from this form.
- GuidanceUS (OSHA). OSHA treats a scissor lift as a mobile scaffold, not an aerial lift: Subpart L scaffold rules and the mobile scaffold rules in 29 CFR 1926.452(w) apply (OSHA letter of interpretation, 23 February 2000). Under 1926.451(f)(3) a competent person inspects scaffolds for visible defects before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect structural integrity.Shown when “Rules that apply” is “US: OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart L”
- GuidanceUK (LOLER 1998 and PUWER 1998). A scissor 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 hire companyShort answer
- Scan the data plateScan a label: make, model, serial number, platform capacity, maximum platform height, maximum persons, maximum wind speed
Optional. Scan the data plate or label to capture the numbers.
- Make*Short answer
- Model*Short answer
- Serial numberShort answer
- PowerChoose one
- Electric (battery)
- Diesel
- Bi-energy or hybrid
- Other
- Rated forChoose one
From the data plate or manual.
- Indoor use only
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Platform capacity from the plate*Short answer
As written, for example 230 kg or 500 lb.
- Maximum persons from the plateShort answer
- Maximum platform height from the plateShort answer
- Date of the last thorough examination (UK) or frequent 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 formShown 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.
- Card expiry dateDate
- Operator familiarised on this make and model?*Yes or 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 platform stowed. Check each item the way the operator manual describes.
- Scissor arms, pins and pin retainersChoose one
No cracks, bends, missing retainers or damaged welds. Look with the platform raised a little if the manual says so.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Pothole protection barsChoose one
Undamaged and free of debris that could stop them deploying.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Platform guardrails, toe boards and entry gate or chainChoose one
All rails in place and pinned. The gate closes and latches by itself.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Extension deckChoose one
Slides freely and locks in each position.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Tyres and wheelsChoose one
No cuts, chunks out or loose wheel nuts. Non-marking tyres if the floor needs them.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Outriggers or levelling jacks, if fittedChoose one
Undamaged; feet and pads present.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Battery, charger and cablesChoose one
Charged; no damaged cables, corrosion or leaking cells. Diesel machines: fuel and engine checks as the manual says.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- HydraulicsChoose one
No leaks from the lift cylinder, hoses or fittings. Fluid level as the manual says.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown 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 checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Platform floor and anchorage pointsChoose one
Floor clean and free of oil or loose items. Anchorage points, where the maker fits them, undamaged.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Photos of any defectPhotos
- Visual checks needing actionWorked out by the form
- Not checkedWorked out by the form
Function tests
- GuidanceTest from the ground controls first, then from the platform. Do not raise the platform with anyone on it until the ground tests pass.
- Ground controls: raise and lowerChoose one
From the ground control station, with the platform empty.
- Pass
- Fail
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Ground control emergency stopChoose one
Stops all functions.
- Pass
- Fail
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Emergency lowering (manual descent)Choose one
Lowers the platform as the manual describes.
- Pass
- Fail
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Platform controls: enable switch, drive, steer, raise and lowerChoose one
Each works only with the enable switch held, and stops when released.
- Pass
- Fail
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown 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 checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Descent alarmChoose one
Sounds while the platform is lowering.
- Pass
- Fail
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Tilt alarm and cut-outChoose one
Test as the manual describes. The alarm sounds and lift or drive stops when the machine is out of level.
- Pass
- Fail
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- BrakesChoose one
Hold the machine; it stops when the drive control is released.
- Pass
- Fail
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Pothole guards deploy when the platform is raisedChoose one
- Pass
- Fail
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Drive speed limited with the platform raisedChoose one
As the manual describes.
- Pass
- Fail
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Horn, beacon and any overload warningChoose one
- Pass
- Fail
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown 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
- Floor or ground firm and level, able to carry the machineChoose one
Check floor loading on mezzanines and suspended slabs with whoever is responsible for it.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Slope across the work area 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 checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Holes, floor openings, edges and drop-offs covered or barrieredChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Overhead: beams, sprinklers, ducts, lights and cablesChoose one
Look for trap points above the platform and anything the platform could hit.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Work area barriered from people and vehiclesChoose one
Including the area below, so falling tools cannot strike anyone.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown 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 checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Will the lift be used outdoors?*Yes or No
- WarningThis machine is rated for indoor use only. Do not use it outdoors.Shown when “Will the lift be used outdoors?” is Yes and “Rated for” is “Indoor use only”
- Maximum wind speed from the manufacturer*Number
From the plate or manual. Use the same unit for both figures.
Shown when “Will the lift be used outdoors?” is Yes - Wind speed measured or forecast now*NumberShown when “Will the lift be used outdoors?” is Yes
- UnitChoose one
- m/s
- mph
- km/h
Shown when “Will the lift be used outdoors?” is Yes - Wind against the limitWorked out by the formShown when “Will the lift be used outdoors?” is Yes and “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 outdoors 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
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 controls, key removed and held by the supervisor, hire company called.
Shown when “Result” is “Not safe: tagged out of service” - Tag numberShort answerShown 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 Subpart L” and “Result” is “Not safe: tagged out of service”
- GuidanceHSE: put reported problems right quickly, and take the machine 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 indoor only, 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
- ActionsRepeat 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 donePhotosShown 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
- Hire company to repair or replace the machine
- Date of the repeat checkDate
- SummaryNotes
- Supervisor nameShort answer
- Supervisor signature*Signature
- Hire company or fleet engineer nameShort answer
- Hire company or fleet engineer signatureSignature
See it filled in
A completed scissor lift inspection checklist report, made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit: every answer, the photos, the guidance that applied and the sign-off, ready to send as a PDF.
Scissor lift inspection checklist FAQs
Does OSHA treat a scissor lift as an aerial lift?
No. In a letter of interpretation dated 23 February 2000, OSHA said scissor lifts are not addressed by the aerial lift provisions of Subpart L. They meet the definition of a scaffold, so the other provisions of the scaffold standard apply, and because they are mobile, the mobile scaffold rules in 29 CFR 1926.452(w) must be met.
Sources: OSHA letter of interpretation, 23 February 2000: scissor lifts and the scaffold standard (Internet Archive copy of osha.gov) and OSHA 29 CFR 1926.452, additional requirements for specific scaffolds, (w) mobile scaffolds (eCFR).
How often must a scissor lift be inspected in the US?
Under 29 CFR 1926.451(f)(3), scaffolds and scaffold components are inspected for visible defects by a competent person before each work shift, and after any occurrence that could affect structural integrity. That is the daily check this form records. The manufacturer's manual also sets periodic inspections and servicing; record the date of the last one on the form.
Sources: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451, general requirements for scaffolds (eCFR) and OSHA letter of interpretation, 23 February 2000: scissor lifts and the scaffold standard (Internet Archive copy of osha.gov).
How often does a scissor lift need a thorough examination in the UK?
A scissor 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 another business, such as a hire company, must not be used without evidence of its last thorough examination. HSE also asks for daily visual checks in line with 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 and slope can a scissor lift work in?
Whatever the manufacturer says for that model: the limits are on the data plate and in the manual, and some machines are rated for indoor use only. 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.
What do I do if a scissor 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 hire 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 this different from the MEWP inspection checklist?
Yes. A scissor lift is one type of MEWP, and this form is written for it: scissor arms and pins, pothole guards, the extension deck, the descent and tilt alarms, and emergency lowering. For boom lifts and other MEWPs, use the general MEWP inspection checklist. Neither form is a thorough examination or a periodic inspection by a qualified engineer.
Related
Related templates
Templates that go with the scissor lift inspection checklist form
A MEWP pre-use record with machine and operator details, visual and functional checks, operating-area constraints, rescue arrangements and defects.
A LOLER thorough examination record: each item of lifting equipment with its identity, SWL, the basis of the examination, defects, whether they are dangerous, the next examination date and the examiner's declaration.
Risk assessment for a task at height: can it be avoided, how falls are prevented, access equipment, fragile surfaces, falling objects, rescue and scored hazards.
Daily check before using a van, car, forklift or other mobile plant. Failed items get a photo and a note, with the result, who it was reported to and a supervisor sign-off.
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