Pre-use Inspection! – Stay Safe When Working at Height
At JMS, safety is always our focus—especially when working at height. That’s why we champion the guidance from IPAF, the worldwide safety and training accreditation body for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs). An Andy Access video highlights a vital safety message: conduct a pre-use inspection every single time before starting work.
Why Pre-Use Inspections Matter
A pre-use inspection isn’t just a box-ticking exercise – it’s a crucial step that keeps operators, site workers, and bystanders safe. IPAF insists MEWPs be inspected daily or at the start of each shift to ensure the machine is safe and can’t inadvertently cause harm. Faults found during these checks must be isolated, tagged, and reported—never attempt to use a faulty MEWP.
What to Check
IPAF’s Pre-Use Inspection Checklist covers documentation, physical checks, and control tests – all conducted in accordance with the manufacturer’s manual.
- Statutory examination records are up to date
- Manufacturer’s manual is on the machine
- Rescue plan is in place
- Wheels, tyres, and chassis are undamaged
- All fluids (oil, fuel, hydraulics) are at correct levels, and leak-free
- Hoses, cables, pins, guards, covers, and welds are secure and undamaged
- All safety signage is present and clear
- Controls and emergency devices work correctly
If any issues arise, the golden rule is simple: Stay Safe When Working at Height—never use equipment that fails the inspection.
Training & PPE
Only you – properly trained and authorised – should perform these checks. IPAF recommends full familiarisation on each MEWP model and use of appropriate PPE when inspecting power sources and operating in the platform, such as harnesses and lanyards for certain MEWP categories.
Need Advice? Contact JMS Powered Access
For further details – contact the Hire Desk today
Our Training Division can also assist with any IPAF training on powered access equipment.
