IPAF Pre-Use Inspections — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When must a pre-use inspection of a MEWP be carried out?
- Before every work period — at the start of each shift or whenever a new operator takes over (Correct answer)
- Only at the start of each working week
- Only after the MEWP has been serviced
- Monthly, or after any incident
Correct answer: Before every work period — at the start of each shift or whenever a new operator takes over
A pre-use inspection must be carried out before every work period — at the start of each shift and whenever a new operator takes control of the machine. This ensures defects are found before operation begins.
Question 2: What does checking the MEWP's ground contact points involve during a pre-use inspection?
- Inspecting tyres or tracks for condition, correct pressure, and any damage (Correct answer)
- Only checking that the wheels are present
- Checking only that the machine is level
- Verifying the colour of the ground contact markings
Correct answer: Inspecting tyres or tracks for condition, correct pressure, and any damage
Ground contact point checks include tyre condition, tread, and inflation pressure (or track condition and tension), looking for cuts, damage, or significant wear that could affect stability and mobility.
Question 3: During a pre-use inspection of a boom lift, what must be checked on the boom and jib?
- Structural condition, welds, pins, locking mechanisms, and any signs of damage or deformation (Correct answer)
- Only that the boom reaches the required height
- The colour of the safety markings on the boom
- The boom's paint condition for rust prevention
Correct answer: Structural condition, welds, pins, locking mechanisms, and any signs of damage or deformation
The boom and jib inspection covers structural integrity — welds, pins, locking mechanisms, and any signs of cracks, bends, or deformation that could indicate structural weakness or risk of sudden failure.
Question 4: What safety device on a scissor lift should be checked during a pre-use inspection?
- The platform entry chain or gate — ensures it is in place and functional before elevating (Correct answer)
- The platform's paint colour
- The height of the safety rails only
- The machine's service history sticker
Correct answer: The platform entry chain or gate — ensures it is in place and functional before elevating
The platform entry chain or gate must be in place and functional before the platform is raised. An open or missing gate means the operator or others could fall from the platform during use.
Question 5: Why should the MEWP's emergency lowering system be tested during a pre-use check?
- So the operator knows how to use it before they need it in an emergency — and to confirm it is functional (Correct answer)
- Emergency lowering is only used by engineers, not operators
- Testing it risks activating it accidentally
- It is only tested during scheduled maintenance
Correct answer: So the operator knows how to use it before they need it in an emergency — and to confirm it is functional
The emergency lowering system allows the platform to be lowered safely if the operator becomes incapacitated or the primary controls fail. Testing it confirms it works and familiarises the operator with its location and use.
Question 6: During a pre-use inspection, you find the MEWP's tilt alarm is not working. What action should be taken?
- Take the MEWP out of service and report the defect — the tilt alarm is a critical safety device (Correct answer)
- Continue carefully on level ground and monitor manually
- Report the defect at the end of the shift
- The tilt alarm is not a safety-critical device so work can continue
Correct answer: Take the MEWP out of service and report the defect — the tilt alarm is a critical safety device
The tilt alarm warns when the machine has exceeded its safe gradient. Without it, the operator may not know when the machine is at risk of overturning. It is a critical safety device and must be repaired before use.
IPAF Pre-Use Inspections
When must a pre-use inspection of a MEWP be carried out?