Scissor Lift Pre-Use Inspection Checklist
A printable scissor lift pre-use inspection checklist with 35 checks, each taken from Genie GS-1530/32 and Working Safely with Scissor Lifts. Electric slab scissor lifts; items taken from the Genie GS-1930 / GS-3246 family (ANSI/CSA) operator's manual. Check your own machine's manual for model-specific steps.
Genie requires the operator to do a visual pre-operation inspection before each work shift. (Genie Operator's Manual, Part No. 1296776GT, p. 43) [src] Genie requires function tests before use; a machine with a malfunction must be tagged and removed from service. (Genie Operator's Manual, Part No. 1296776GT, p. 45) [src] OSHA says many scissor lifts are covered under its scaffolding standards. (OSHA Scaffolding eTool (lists 29 CFR 1926.451, 1926.452(w), 1910.28(b)(12), 1910.29(b))) [src] In construction, scaffolds and their components must be inspected for visible defects by a competent person before each work shift. (29 CFR 1926.451(f)(3)) [src] OSHA's hazard alert says manufacturer instructions generally include testing and inspecting controls and components before each use. (OSHA Hazard Alert OSHA 3842, p. 3 (advisory; creates no new legal obligations)) [src] Scissor lifts must have guardrails to prevent falls. (29 CFR 1926.451(g) or 29 CFR 1910.29(a)(3)(vii), as cited in OSHA 3842, p. 1) [src]
Truck / unit: ________________ Date: __________ Shift: ______ Operator: ________________
Pre-operation inspection (before each work shift)
| Check | OK | Needs repair |
|---|---|---|
| Make sure the operator's, safety and responsibilities manuals are complete, legible and stored in the platform container. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Confirm all decals are legible and in place. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Check for hydraulic oil leaks and correct oil level; top up if needed. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Check for battery fluid leaks and correct fluid level; add distilled water if needed. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Inspect electrical components, wiring and cables for damage, missing parts or unauthorized changes. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Inspect hydraulic hoses, fittings, cylinders and manifolds. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Inspect tires and wheels. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Inspect limit switches, alarms and horn. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Inspect brake release components. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Inspect scissor pins and their retaining fasteners. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Inspect the battery pack and its connections. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Inspect the platform entry gate. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Inspect the pothole guards. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Inspect the lanyard anchorage points. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Inspect the platform overload components. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Check the whole machine for cracked welds or structural components. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Make sure the side rails are installed and their bolts fastened. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Make sure the chassis trays are closed and latched and the batteries are connected. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| If you must raise the platform to inspect the machine, put the safety arm in place first. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
Function tests (before use)
| Check | OK | Needs repair |
|---|---|---|
| Pick a test area that is firm, level and free of hazards. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| At the ground controls, push in the red Emergency Stop: no functions should operate. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| From the ground controls, raise and lower the platform using the lift enable button; the descent alarm should sound while lowering. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Raise the platform about 2 ft and test auxiliary lowering with the auxiliary lowering knob; the platform should come down. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| At the platform controls, push in the red Emergency Stop: no functions should operate. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Press the horn button: the platform alarm and chassis alarm should sound. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Without holding the function enable switch, move the control handle: nothing should move. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| With the function enable switch held, raise the platform: it should rise and the pothole guards should deploy. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Test steering: the steer wheels should turn in the direction shown on the control panel. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Test drive in both directions: the machine should stop abruptly when the handle returns to center. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Test the drive tilt cutout from the ground with the platform controller, not from inside the platform. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Test elevated drive speed; if it is too fast with the platform raised, tag the machine and remove it from service. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Test the pothole guards: once deployed they should not move when pressed on either side. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
Workplace and guardrails
| Check | OK | Needs repair |
|---|---|---|
| Look for overhead obstructions and high-voltage conductors at the work area. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Check wind and weather conditions before use. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
| Check that the guardrail system is in place before working on the lift. [src] | ☐ | ☐ |
Defects found / action taken:
______________________________________________________________
Signature: ________________________
Sources
- Genie GS-1530/32, GS-1930/32, GS-2032, GS-2632, GS-3232, GS-2046, GS-2646, GS-3246, GS-4046 Operator's Manual, ANSI/CSA, Eighth Edition, Fourth Printing (Part No. 1296776GT) (retrieved November 3, 2026)
- eTool : Scaffolding - Scissor Lifts (retrieved November 3, 2026)
- 1926.451 - General requirements. (retrieved November 3, 2026)
- Working Safely with Scissor Lifts (OSHA Hazard Alert, OSHA 3842) (retrieved November 3, 2026)