School MEWP daily and operational checks
- Version
- v1
- Updated
- 1 October 2026
- Who this checklist is for
- School staff, contractors and other authorised persons who operate, supervise or manage the use of MEWPs at maintained and academy primary or secondary schools in England.
- Jurisdiction
- england
15 checklist steps
Blank response areas · preview only
Identify the MEWP
Response required
Record the MEWP identifier, location and date of this check.
MEWP identifier; location; date
Check the applicable instructions
Before use, check the manufacturer's instructions and any site-specific requirements applicable to this MEWP and its planned use.
Complete the visual and pre-use check
Carry out the daily visual and pre-use checks required by the manufacturer's instructions and the risks associated with this MEWP.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Check for defects
Check the MEWP for defects or problems that could affect safe operation, including any issues identified during the visual or pre-use checks.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Record reported defects
Record any defect or problem found or reported, including its location and the action needed.
Defect or problem, location and action needed
Deal with safety-critical defects
If a defect is safety critical, take the MEWP out of service and ensure it is not used until the defect has been dealt with.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Record the equipment status
Select the status after the checks and any defect assessment.
Choose one
- Available for planned use
- Use restricted pending action
- Taken out of service
Check the operating surface
Check that the MEWP will be used on firm and level ground.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Check temporary covers
If temporary covers are present or will be crossed or loaded, check that they are strong enough to withstand the pressure applied by the MEWP.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Check for localised ground features
Check the operating route and set-up area for trenches, manholes, uncompacted backfill and other localised ground features that could lead to overturning.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Confirm ground-condition controls
Record any ground-condition feature found and the control required before the MEWP is used.
Feature, location and control
Position and extend outriggers
Where the MEWP has outriggers, position and extend them in accordance with the equipment manual before raising the platform.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Chock the outriggers
Where the MEWP has outriggers, confirm that they are chocked before raising the platform.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Use spreader plates where required
Check the equipment manual and use spreader plates where required for the MEWP and ground conditions.
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Notes
Record follow-up actions
Record any action needed before or during use, the person responsible and the relevant equipment or site reference.
Action, responsible person and reference