Inspections
1.5 hours
Learning Objectives
- •Describe the pre-use (pre-shift) inspection required before operating a MEWP
- •List the components checked during a walk-around and a function test
- •Identify defects that require removing a MEWP from service
- •Explain the operator responsibility for documentation and reporting defects
Topics Covered
- •Pre-use inspection: a documented walk-around and function test before each shift or change of operator
- •Walk-around checks: tires/tracks, hydraulic hoses and cylinders for leaks, structural welds and pins, guardrails and gate, the platform anchor point
- •Fluid checks: hydraulic oil, engine oil, coolant, and fuel/battery charge
- •Decals and placards: capacity placard, control markings, and warning labels must be legible and present
- •Function test: every control through its full range, emergency stop, tilt alarm, and emergency descent — performed near the ground
- •Checking the upper and lower control stations and the foot switch / enable device
- •Removal-from-service conditions: hydraulic leaks, cracked or bent structural members, damaged guardrails, missing anchor point, inoperative interlocks or emergency systems
- •Tag-out: a defective MEWP must be tagged and removed from service until repaired by qualified personnel
- •Documentation: recording the inspection, reporting defects, and reviewing the equipment log and manufacturer manual
Resources
Self-Check Questions
Question 1: How often must a pre-use inspection of a MEWP be performed?
- A. Once a week
- B. Before each shift or whenever the operator changes(correct)
- C. Once a year by a third party only
- D. Only when a problem is suspected
Show Explanation
Explanation:
A documented pre-use inspection is required before each shift and whenever a new operator takes over. It combines a visual walk-around with a function test of every control.
Question 2: During a walk-around you find hydraulic fluid dripping from a hose fitting on a boom lift. What should you do?
- A. Wipe it off and operate — small leaks are normal
- B. Tag the machine out of service and report it; do not operate until it is repaired(correct)
- C. Operate only at low height for the rest of the shift
- D. Add hydraulic fluid and continue working
Show Explanation
Explanation:
An active hydraulic leak is a removal-from-service condition. A leaking hose can fail under pressure and drop the platform — tag it out and have qualified personnel repair it before use.
Question 3: Which of these is a removal-from-service condition for a MEWP?
- A. A clean, full hydraulic reservoir
- B. A cracked or bent structural member in the boom or scissor stack(correct)
- C. A fully charged battery
- D. Legible capacity placards
Show Explanation
Explanation:
Cracked or bent structural members can fail catastrophically under load. The machine must be tagged out and inspected/repaired by qualified personnel before it returns to service.
Question 4: During a pre-use check you notice the capacity placard on the platform is missing. Can the MEWP be used?
- A. Yes — the operator can estimate the capacity
- B. No — required capacity and warning placards must be present and legible before the machine is used(correct)
- C. Yes, as long as the load is light
- D. Yes, if a supervisor approves verbally
Show Explanation
Explanation:
The capacity placard and warning decals are required equipment. Without a legible capacity rating, the operator cannot verify the load is within limits — the machine must be taken out of service until the placard is restored.
Question 5: What is included in the function test portion of a pre-use inspection?
- A. Only checking the tire pressure
- B. Operating every control through its full range and testing the emergency stop, tilt alarm, and emergency descent — done near the ground(correct)
- C. Driving the machine at full speed
- D. Raising the platform to full height immediately to save time
Show Explanation
Explanation:
The function test runs every control and safety device through its range while the platform is still low, so any fault is discovered before the operator is elevated and exposed.
Question 6: After completing a pre-use inspection, what is the operator documentation responsibility?
- A. No documentation is needed if nothing was wrong
- B. Record that the inspection was completed and report any defects found through the proper channel(correct)
- C. Only document inspections on Mondays
- D. Documentation is the manufacturer job, not the operator
Show Explanation
Explanation:
The operator records that the pre-use inspection was done and reports any defects so they can be tracked and corrected. Documentation creates accountability and a maintenance history for the machine.