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Aerial Lift Inspection Checklist (Free Excel Template)

An aerial lift inspection checklist that keeps the daily pre-start check, the monthly inspection, and the annual inspection record for one boom lift or scissor lift in a single Excel file. The daily sheet covers a full month on one page, and the monthly sheet lists 34 components with what to check and how.

Excel (.xlsx) · 9 sheets · Updated 2026-10-21

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Who is this aerial lift inspection checklist for?

  • Contractors, plants, and building maintenance companies that own boom lifts or scissor lifts
  • Site managers who rent lifts for weeks or months at a time
  • Safety coordinators who need a daily record operators will fill in, and an annual inspection history

When to use it

The operator fills in the Daily Pre-Start sheet each day before the lift is used: function tests first, then a walk-around. Maintenance uses the Monthly Inspection sheet once a month, and the Annual Inspection Record each time a qualified inspector or service company does the annual inspection. Use one file per lift.

What's included

The template includes the following. Delete anything you do not need.

  • Unit ID, type/model, and month in the header
  • Daily Pre-Start: 5 function tests (brakes, controls, work functions, emergency stop and lowering, alarms) and 8 walk-around checks
  • Operator initials and hour meter reading for each day
  • Defect record: what was found, whether the lift was stopped, who was told, the repair, and who returned it to service
  • Monthly Inspection: 34 components in 6 systems (engine and chassis, brakes and controls, boom and hydraulics, safety devices, body, function test) with what to check and the method
  • Annual Inspection Record: date, qualified inspector or company, hour meter, result, defects, repairs, next due date
  • Filled-in sample sheets and print layouts for US Letter

Preview the Excel file

This is the actual file. Use the tabs below to switch between the 9 sheets. How to mark each result is explained on the "Instructions" sheet.

aerial-lift-inspection-checklist.xlsx - switch sheets with the tabs below (the downloaded file is editable)
ABCDEF
1Aerial Lift Inspection Checklist (Pre-Start, Monthly, Annual)
2Unit IDType / model
3
4Inspection item12345
5■ Function tests (each day before use)
6Brakes: drive brake and parking brake stop and hold the machine
7Controls: platform and ground controls work and return to neutral; ground control can override
8Work functions: boom and platform raise, lower, extend, and rotate smoothly
9Emergency stop and emergency (manual) lowering work
10Tilt alarm, motion alarm, and horn work
11■ Walk-around
12Guardrails, midrails, toeboards, and entry gate or chain: in place, gate closes and latches
13Fall protection anchor points: not bent or damaged
14Tires and wheels: damage, pressure, loose lug nuts
15Outriggers or stabilizers (if equipped): extend and retract, pads in good shape
16Hydraulic leaks, damaged hoses, loose or missing parts
17Decals, capacity plate, and operator manual on the machine
18Battery charge or fuel level
19Work area checked: overhead power lines, slopes, holes, soft ground, overhead obstructions
20Operator (initials)
21Hour meter (h)
22
23Defect record (fill in every time you mark a defect. Fill left to right in the order things happened. "Condition found" is written by the person who found it, "Corrective action" by the person who fixed it, "Verified by" by the person who checked it.)
24Date / itemCondition found
25
26
27
28
29Reviewed by (supervisor)
30
31
32Notice: This is a general-purpose inspection record. It is not an official government form and does not by itself show compliance with OSHA or any other regulation or standard.
33Related regulations and standards (for reference): OSHA 29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(i) (construction) and 29 CFR 1910.67(c)(2)(i) (general industry): lift controls shall be tested each day prior to use to determine that they are in safe working condition. OSHA does not set a monthly or annual inspection form. Frequent and annual inspections are commonly referenced in the ANSI/SAIA A92 series; follow the manufacturer's manual.
34Which inspections you need, how often, and how long to keep records depend on your equipment, industry, and location. Check the regulations that apply to you, the manufacturer's instructions, and a qualified person.
35Worker Library accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of this template. Regulations change; check the source page for the latest version.
36Worker Library https://worker-library.com/templates/aerial-lift-inspection-checklist/ Updated 2026-10-21

This preview shows the first 6 of 33 columns. The downloaded file contains everything.

Cells marked ▼ have a drop-down list. Lightly shaded rows are where you write.

File details

FormatExcel (.xlsx)
Works withMicrosoft Excel 2016 or later, Excel for Microsoft 365, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc
PaperPrint areas set for US Letter
SheetsInstructions / Daily Pre-Start / Monthly Inspection / Annual Inspection Record / Sample - Daily / Sample - Monthly / Sample - Annual / Print - Daily / Print - Monthly
MacrosNone
File sizeAbout 38 KB
Updated2026-10-21

How to use the aerial lift inspection checklist

  1. Make one copy of the file for each lift and fill in the unit ID and model.
  2. Each day before use, the operator tests the controls and functions, walks around the lift, and marks ✓, X, or N/A in that day's column.
  3. If any item is X, the lift is not used. Write the defect in the defect record, tag the lift out, and tell the supervisor.
  4. Once a month, maintenance fills in the Monthly Inspection sheet and signs it.
  5. Add a line to the Annual Inspection Record after each annual inspection, and keep the inspector's report with the file.

Adapting it to your site

  • For scissor lifts, mark boom-only items (swing, boom extension chains, boom stowed sensor) N/A or delete them.
  • For electric lifts, keep the battery line and delete the fuel and engine lines.
  • Add items from your lift's operator manual, such as a jib, a platform rotator, or a generator on the platform.

Before you use it

Please read
  • OSHA asks that lift controls be tested each day prior to use (29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(i) for construction, 29 CFR 1910.67(c)(2)(i) for general industry). This template is a way to record that test; it is not an official OSHA form.
  • Monthly and annual items here are common maintenance practice, not OSHA requirements. The ANSI/SAIA A92 series is commonly referenced for frequent and annual inspections. Follow the manufacturer's manual.
  • For rented lifts, agree with the rental company who does the monthly and annual inspections, and keep a copy of their records.
  • State plans and your insurer may have additional requirements. Check the current rules that apply to your site.
  • This template is provided as-is for reference. Worker Library is not liable for any loss arising from its use. Regulations change, so check the update date on this page.

Aerial Lift Inspection Checklist FAQ

What does OSHA require before using an aerial lift?

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(i) (construction) and 29 CFR 1910.67(c)(2)(i) (general industry) say lift controls shall be tested each day prior to use to determine that they are in safe working condition. Most companies add a walk-around check from the manufacturer's manual.

Does this checklist work for scissor lifts and boom lifts?

Yes. The items cover boom lifts, scissor lifts, and truck-mounted lifts. Lines that apply to only one type, such as the turntable or outriggers, can be marked N/A or deleted.

Who should do the annual inspection?

Annual inspections are usually done by a qualified mechanic or the dealer or rental company. The ANSI/SAIA A92 series is commonly referenced for who may do it and what it covers. Check your manufacturer's manual.

Do I need to inspect a rented aerial lift?

The daily controls test is done by the people using the lift, whether it is owned or rented. Ask the rental company for its latest inspection record, and agree who does monthly checks on long rentals.