Before starting an elevated work platform, perform pre-use safety and operational checks.

Before you lift, check twice. That’s not just a phrase to sound responsible; it’s a practical rule that keeps you, your teammates, and the people around you safer. When you’re behind the wheel of an elevated work platform (EWP), the moment you flip the switch and the engine roars isn’t the moment to discover something seriously wrong. The moment you start is exactly when you should know everything is in the right place. So, what should you do before starting the platform? The simple, non-negotiable answer: perform pre-use checks of safety and operational features.

Let me explain why this matters

We all know the drill: faster is tempting, especially on a tight job. But a quick, thorough check beats a costly misstep every time. A pre-use examination helps catch issues you can’t see from the ground—things that could lead to a tip, a drop, or a stuck basket mid-task. It’s not just about avoiding an accident; it’s about keeping productivity steady. If you spot a fault early, you fix it before it becomes a shutdown or a setback that interrupts the whole schedule. That calm, methodical start sets the tone for the entire job.

What to look for before you start: a practical checklist

Think of this as your toolbox of safety gates you must verify before you rise. The exact items can vary a bit by model (Genie, JLG, Haulotte, or a similar brand), but most EWPs share the same core safety features. Here’s a straightforward list you can rely on:

• Emergency stop and controls: The emergency stop should function, and all movement controls must respond correctly in all directions. If you press the stop, the platform should halt promptly and remain secure.

• Harness and attachment points: Check that the harness is intact and that the lanyard attachment points on the platform are secure and easy to access. No fraying, no loose hardware.

• Guardrails and entry gates: The rails should be intact, the gate should latch firmly, and there should be no gaps big enough to snag clothing or tools.

• Hydraulic system and hoses: Look for leaks, bulges, or damaged hoses. Check the hydraulic cylinders and loosening of connections. A tiny drip can become a big problem when you’re up high.

• Structural integrity: Inspect welds, frames, booms, and any visible cracks or deformations. If something looks off, flag it—don’t assume it’s nothing.

• Tires and outriggers/stability features: Tires should be in good condition with proper tread, and outriggers or stabilizers (if your model uses them) should deploy and lock securely.

• Platform controls and interlocks: Make sure all switches and interlocks function as designed. The platform should hold steady when you release the controls.

• Battery or fuel status: Check charge level or fuel supply, plus the charging system or fuel lines for leaks or damage. Battery terminals should be clean and tight.

• Safety devices: Test the horn, backup alarm, and any platform-specific safety devices. Ensure the load-sensing device and platform tilt indicators are readable and accurate.

• Load capacity and setup area: Confirm the rated capacity is appropriate for the task and that the ground or surface can support the setup. Remove trip hazards and secure nearby equipment.

If you’re thinking, “That’s a lot,” you’re right. But this is where discipline pays off. The checks don’t just protect you; they shield your crew and anyone who might be beneath or around the work area.

How to run the checks smoothly: a routine you can memorize

You don’t need a long ceremony to get this done. Turn the pre-start routine into a quick, repeatable ritual. Here’s one you can adapt:

• Step 1: Visual scan. Walk around the machine. Look for obvious damage, missing parts, or loose components.

• Step 2: System test. Power up and test the emergency stop, horn, and interlocks. Ensure the platform responds correctly to control inputs.

• Step 3: Physical checks. Tap or lightly shake each guardrail, door, and gate to ensure it’s secure. Inspect hoses and hydraulic lines for moisture or signs of wear.

• Step 4: Mechanical review. Check the tilt sensor, level indicators, and the boom to make sure there are no abnormal sounds or resistance when you move it gently.

• Step 5: Safety gear and access. Verify your harness is in good condition and that you can clip in easily from the ground and from the basket.

• Step 6: Power and readiness. Confirm battery charge or fuel levels, and ensure the area around the machine is clear of obstacles. A tidy work zone is a safer one.

• Step 7: Documentation. If your site requires it, record the checks in the logbook or digital system. This isn’t a box-ticking exercise; it’s evidence that the machine was ready to work.

A quick note on teamwork and supervision

Consulting with team members can be part of the prep. A quick briefing about the day’s plan, the location, and any changes to the surface can prevent miscommunications that lead to mistakes. Still, the pre-use checks themselves remain the operator’s responsibility. Relying on a supervisor to catch every issue isn’t practical, and waiting for someone else can cause delays. Supervisors matter—especially when there are shifts, changing weather, or unusual site conditions—but the operator’s checks are your first line of defense.

Common myths you can skip

• “If it looks fine, it’s fine.” A visual glance isn’t enough. Start-ups can reveal hidden problems; a thorough check catches those.

• “Our machine is new.” New machines still need checks. Components wear, hoses fatigue, and sensors drift. New or old, the duty is the same.

• “The boss will handle anything.” The boss sets the tone, but practical safety starts with you. When you’re in the basket, you control what happens next, not the fear of a call-back or a delay.

What this looks like in the real world

On many sites, the same collaborators you see daily are also the people who value a calm, controlled start. The pre-start check is a quiet ritual that pays dividends in the loud moments of a job. You’re not just going up for a task; you’re elevating safety culture on the site. A few minutes of careful checking can prevent seconds of chaos, and those seconds saved add up over days, weeks, and months of work.

Digressions that still connect to the core point

If you’re curious about how this plays out across different workplaces, you’ll notice two common threads. First, the language around safety tends to be practical and concrete. People don’t say, “be mindful of the risk”—they say, “check the hydraulic hose at the left side for leaks.” Second, the routine often becomes a small, almost ceremonial habit. It’s not ceremonial in a stuffy sense; it’s familiarity. When you know exactly what to do, you can focus your attention on the task at hand rather than guessing what you forgot.

An example from the field: adaptability is king

A crew once faced a windy afternoon with gusts that made ground work sketchy. The operator completed the standard pre-start checks, then took the extra step of confirming with the supervisor about wind limits for that day. They adjusted planned lift height accordingly and kept everyone out of the fall zone while the gusts passed. The platform worked as designed, the team stayed safe, and the job continued with minimal disruption. It wasn’t magic; it was routine, disciplined practice.

A simple, reliable restart routine you can adopt

If you want to keep this crisp and painless, try this one-minute ritual before every lift:

• Do a quick ground walk to spot obvious issues.

• Power up and test the emergency stop, horn, and controls.

• Check harness anchors and rails; confirm gates close securely.

• Inspect hydraulic lines and the booms for any signs of wear.

• Verify tire condition or stabilizers are properly set.

• Confirm the load capacity and that the work area is clean.

That’s enough to get you a robust start. It’s not a huge time sink, but it is a proven safeguard.

Closing thoughts: safety is a habit, not a checklist

You don’t have to be alarmist to stay safe. You just need to be consistent. The pre-use checks aren’t a hurdle; they’re your first, best line of defense. When you begin each shift with this routine, you’re sending a clear signal: safety comes first, but you’re also committed to getting the work done right. The platform will rise; your careful start makes the rise meaningful.

Ready to make this the default habit on every job? Keep the routine simple, keep it practical, and keep it consistent. Your future self—and the people around you—will thank you for it. And if you ever wonder, “Is this really necessary?” the answer is yes. It’s the small steps you take every day that build the big safety net that protects everyone on site.