Boom lift pre-start checklist: base template and example

Before you use a boom lift

• Safe Work Australia's EWP code of practice (December 2025) says operators of boom-type EWPs with a boom of 11 m or more need a high risk work licence, and the licence should be sighted and recorded.
• Boom length is the greater of the vertical or horizontal reach. WorkSafe Queensland explains how it's measured, and that the licence doesn't cover booms under 11 m.
• Inspect the EWP following the manufacturer's recommendations. Codes and guidance differ between states, so see what applies in each state below.

Using a scissor lift instead? See the EWP pre-start checklist.

Boom lift rules in your state

The high risk work licence for booms of 11 m or more applies in every state and territory, but the codes and guidance behind it differ. We're not a regulator, so check yours:

• New South Wales: NSW approved its own elevating work platforms code of practice from 10 July 2026. See SafeWork NSW's EWP code of practice

• Victoria: Victoria has its own OHS laws. See WorkSafe Victoria

• Queensland: inspection types and records are explained in WorkSafe Queensland's EWP maintenance and inspection page

• Western Australia: see WorkSafe WA's boom-type EWP licence class

• South Australia: SafeWork SA

• Tasmania: WorkSafe Tasmania

• Northern Territory: NT WorkSafe

• Australian Capital Territory: WorkSafe ACT

Beyond the daily pre-start, EWPs also need routine, annual and major inspections. Follow the manufacturer's manual and AS 2550.10:2025

Controls to think about

• The EWP code says people on a boom-type EWP platform must wear a full harness attached to the anchor point, with the lanyard as short as possible.
• Check the ground. The code warns that a side slope of only two or three degrees can have a drastic effect on stability, so use spreader plates under outriggers and stay within the manufacturer's slope limit.
• Plan the rescue before you go up. Make sure someone on the ground knows the ground controls and emergency lowering, and follow the manufacturer's wind limit.

Boom lift hazards and the controls to match

Every site is different, but these are boom lift hazards that often get missed, with the kind of control the pre-start should prompt for each:

• Being crushed between the basket and a beam, ceiling or structure: plan the approach, move slowly near structures, and use secondary guarding if the machine has it.

• Being thrown from the basket when the machine hits a pothole or kerb: check the travel path and keep the harness attached at all times.

• Outriggers or wheels sinking into soft ground, pits or service covers: check the ground and use spreader plates where needed.

• Overhead powerlines: identify them before set-up and keep the required approach distance, with a spotter where needed.

• Wind and gusts at height: check the forecast and the manufacturer's wind limit, and come down if it's exceeded.

• Overloading the basket with people, tools and materials: check the rated load on the plate and don't hang loads off the basket.

• Climbing out of the basket at height: don't, unless it's a planned exit point with a documented procedure.

• People walking under the boom: set an exclusion zone and keep it clear.

What to include in a boom lift pre-start

• The site, date, operator, and their licence or ticket number
• The make, model, asset ID, boom reach and hour meter
• Machine checks, such as tyres, hydraulics, basket, gate and tilt alarm
• Emergency lowering, controls at the platform and ground, and the harness anchor
• Site checks: ground conditions, overhead powerlines, exclusion zone and wind
• Confirmation it's safe to use, a photo, and sign-off by the operator and supervisor

Common gaps in a boom lift pre-start

Before the boom goes up, check the pre-start doesn't have these gaps. Your site or hire company may look for more:

• The operator's licence number isn't recorded, or it hasn't been sighted.

• The whole sheet is ticked in one go, with no N/A for items that don't apply.

• Emergency lowering is ticked but nobody on the ground knows how to use it.

• Site checks are skipped because the machine passed.

• A failed item is noted but the machine was used anyway, or nobody was told.

Filled-in boom lift pre-start example

Example only, not for use as your own checklist. This is the base template filled in for a fictional job: a 20 m articulating boom used indoors at a distribution centre, so outriggers and wind are marked N/A. Click the page to enlarge it.

Your own checks must follow the manufacturer's manual for your machine. If anything fails, don't use it: park it safely, lock it out and tag it.

How to fill one in

1. Fill in the site, date, operator and their licence number, then the machine details.
2. Walk around the boom and work through each pre-operation check, following the manufacturer's manual.
3. Test the controls at the platform and the ground, and the emergency lowering.
4. Check the site: ground, overhead hazards, exclusion zone and wind.
5. If everything passes, tick the confirmation, add a photo and sign it off. If anything fails, tag the machine out of service.

Get your boom lift pre-start into the app

This form is in the Shadow Forms app. Your team can fill it in on site, add photos and sign it, then send it straight to the office.

The PDF and Word versions are copies only. If you have your own branded version, or want this one adjusted to your business, we can add it to the app. Upload a form, or get in touch.

Using a scissor lift? Get the free EWP pre-start checklist.

Using a forklift? Get the free forklift pre-start checklist.