Start your Elevated Work Platform safely by performing a pre-operation inspection.

Outline:

• Hook: The everyday hazard of rushing a lift into action and the peace of mind that comes from a quick check.

• Central message: Before starting an Elevated Work Platform (EWP), do a pre-operation inspection. This is the step that actually safeguards people and gear.

• Why other options fail: Safety regulations matter, but they don’t replace a hands-on check; grab your gear and go is a recipe for trouble.

• What to inspect: Key systems—hydraulics, brakes, steering, platform controls, safety devices, guards, tires, battery and fluids, electrical connections.

• How to do it: A practical 5–10 minute routine split into a walk-around and a cab check; use a simple checklist; document issues.

• Real-world flavor: Short anecdotes and relatable comparisons (like a pre-flight check for a plane, or a quick car service before a road trip).

• Tips and pitfalls: Common mistakes and how to prevent them; how to build a safety-first habit on site.

• Resources: Quick-note on manuals, manufacturer guidance, and common EWPs brands (JLG, Genie, Snorkel, Manitou) as reference points for checks.

• Close: Encouragement to adopt the routine, plus a nudge toward steady, calm, and safe work.

Before you lift: the essential pre-start ritual for EWPs

Let me ask you something. What’s the one thing you can do that immediately lowers risk on a busy job site? It’s not a trick question. It’s a simple, deliberate check before you start a machine. In the world of elevated work platforms, that pre-start inspection is the moment where safety and efficiency cross paths. When you take a few minutes to inspect, you save minutes—or even hours—of potential downtime caused by a sudden fault. And more importantly, you protect people who rely on you to run a safe operation each day.

Here’s the thing: safety regulations are vital. They lay down the guardrails, telling you what must be considered. But rules alone won’t catch everything. A rule says you should have a helmet on, but it doesn’t tell you if a hydraulic hose is dripping or if a tire is embedded with a sharp stone. That’s where the hands-on check steps in. It’s the practical, real-world action that translates a rule into safe, reliable operation. So if you’re choosing only one step, the pre-start inspection is the one that makes sense in the moment.

What exactly should you check before you start?

Think of the pre-operation inspection as a two-part routine: a quick walk-around and a focused look inside the cab. It’s simple, repeatable, and it covers the main systems that keep EWPs safe.

Walk-around checklist (the outside quick scan)

• Hydraulic systems: Look for leaks at hoses, couplings, and cylinders. A tiny drip can become a big issue if left unchecked.

• Brakes and steering: Test the service brakes and the emergency brake if applicable. Check steering for smooth response and any binding or looseness.

• Safety devices and guards: Make sure guardrails, entry points, toe boards, and platform chains or lanyards are intact and functional.

• Platform controls and gates: Check that all control switches, joysticks, and emergency stop button function as intended. Ensure the platform gate closes securely.

• Tires or tracks: Inspect tires for cuts or bulges; check tread depth and ensure tire pressure is within spec. If you’re on tracks, look for damage or misalignment.

• Fall protection: If your EWP requires fall protection, verify anchor points and harness connections are ready and in good shape.

• Stability and outriggers (if used): Confirm outrigger pads are seated, level, and free of debris. Check for clearance around the base and any obstacles.

Cab check (the inside-the-cab sanity check)

• Controls and indicators: Test all platform controls, travel controls, and the emergency stop. Confirm that warning lights and gauges come on and read normally.

• Safety devices: Check seat belt or harness connections, interlocks, and tilt or overload alarms. If a door or gate is present, ensure it latches securely.

• Battery and fluid levels: Look at battery condition and charge level if applicable. Check hydraulic oil level, coolant, and other essential fluids as specified by the manufacturer.

• Electrical connections: Inspect visible wiring for wear, chafing, or loose connections. A small electrical fault can cause a big shutdown.

• Documentation: Make sure decals and operator instructions are legible. If anything is worn, note it for repair.

A practical way to do it: a short, repeatable routine

The goal isn’t to become a mechanic on the spot. It’s to confirm that nothing glaring stands in the way of safe operation. A simple five-to-ten-minute routine works wonders, especially when you’re on a busy site.

• Start with a quick mental checklist: “Is there a leak? Are the brakes responsive? Do the alarms work?”

• Do the walk-around first, looking for obvious issues and any changes since the last shift.

• Then hop into the cab and run through the controls, warnings, and safety devices.

• If you spot a problem, tag the machine or take it out of service until it’s repaired. Never press on with a known fault.

• Keep a compact notebook or a digital checklist you can tick off. A node of memory isn’t reliable on a windy, noisy site.

Why this matters beyond safety

Think of pre-start checks like a habit you form because your future self will thank you. When you operate the EWP only after the quick inspection, you reduce the chance of a work stoppage caused by a sudden fault. Your crew stays on track; your project doesn’t get derailed by a preventable breakdown. And, yes, the calm confidence you gain from having done the check shows up in the way you communicate with ground staff and colleagues. The machine is a tool; the check is the safeguards that keep it useful.

Real-world flavor: a couple of quick analogies

If you’ve ever driven a car, you know the ritual. You glance at the gauges, ensure the mirrors are aligned, and listen for odd sounds. The same logic applies to an EWP. It’s not about micromanaging a machine; it’s about respecting the complexity beneath the surface. Or imagine a pilot before takeoff—no one would speed away without a brief systems check. The operator does a mental sweep, then executes with focus. On a job site, that same mindset translates into safer lifts and smoother operations for everyone nearby.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Skipping steps because you’re “in a rush.” Rushing is exactly when the small fault becomes a big problem. Set a micro-habit: always assign five minutes to the check.

• Relying on memory instead of a written checklist. A checklist is your safety net. Keep a reusable sheet or a laminated card in the cab.

• Testing only part of the system. The entire set matters. A brake test won’t help if a hydraulic hose is leaking.

• Forgetting to document. If you find a fault, write it down, tag the machine, and notify maintenance. There’s no excuse for silent notes.

A few on-site tips to keep the habit strong

• Build a quick routine you can perform in under five minutes. Once you’re consistent, you’ll do it without thinking.

• Use manufacturer guidance. The manuals from brands like JLG, Genie, Snorkel, and Manitou include model-specific checks that protect your machine’s warranty and your crew’s safety.

• Create a culture of safety. When leaders model the behavior—checking first, rushing second—everybody follows.

• Pair up for checks sometimes. A second pair of eyes can catch something you missed, and it reinforces the habit.

• Keep a simple log. A short note after each shift helps you track recurring issues and shows maintenance when patterns emerge.

Where the rubber meets the road: a quick reference frame

• Before you start: perform a brisk walk-around and a cab check.

• If you spot something off: stop, tag, report, and wait for repair.

• If nothing stands out: proceed with controlled, deliberate operation, keeping attention on the surroundings and people nearby.

Putting it all together: the sensible habit that saves time and lives

Let’s anchor this in a straightforward takeaway: the best way to begin any EWP operation is with a pre-start inspection. It’s a small action with big consequences. It’s the honest moment where you confirm the machine’s readiness and set the tone for a safe, productive day. You’ll find that when you commit to this, you cultivate not just safer work but also a smoother workflow. You’ll hear fewer alarms, see fewer delays, and gain the trust of your team as someone who respects the machine and the people around it.

If you’re curious about the practical details or models you’ll encounter, here are a few recognizable points of reference. Brands like JLG, Genie, Snorkel, and Manitou manufacture EWPs with varied configurations—boom lifts, scissor lifts, telehandlers, and more. The core checks stay the same across these types, but the exact indicators, interlocks, and fluid levels you verify will line up with the user manual for your specific machine. It’s worth taking a minute to flip open the manual or download the manufacturer’s digital guide for your exact model. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the kind of thing that makes all the difference when you’re standing on a platform hundreds of pounds above ground level.

A closing thought to carry with you

Safety isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about building a reliable rhythm that keeps you and your crew protected. The pre-start inspection is the ritual that makes that rhythm possible. It’s the moment you choose caution over haste, clarity over assumption, and accountability over forgetfulness. And once you’ve made that choice, you’ll notice a subtle shift: work feels more controlled, decisions feel more grounded, and the entire site runs a touch more smoothly.

If you’re new to EWPs or brushing up on how to approach these machines thoughtfully, remember this: the simplest step—checking the machine before you move it—anchors everything else you do. That single act is the difference between a routine lift and a worrying moment for someone nearby. So the next time you’re about to power up, take a breath, do the quick inspection, and lift with confidence. You’ll be glad you did.