IPAF Pre-Use Inspections

Question 1

When must a pre-use inspection of a MEWP be carried out?

Accepted Answer

Before every work period — at the start of each shift or whenever a new operator takes over

Answer

Only at the start of each working week

Answer

Only after the MEWP has been serviced

Answer

Monthly, or after any incident

Question 2

What does checking the MEWP's ground contact points involve during a pre-use inspection?

Accepted Answer

Inspecting tyres or tracks for condition, correct pressure, and any damage

Answer

Only checking that the wheels are present

Answer

Checking only that the machine is level

Answer

Verifying the colour of the ground contact markings

Question 3

During a pre-use inspection of a boom lift, what must be checked on the boom and jib?

Accepted Answer

Structural condition, welds, pins, locking mechanisms, and any signs of damage or deformation

Answer

Only that the boom reaches the required height

Answer

The colour of the safety markings on the boom

Answer

The boom's paint condition for rust prevention

Question 4

What safety device on a scissor lift should be checked during a pre-use inspection?

Accepted Answer

The platform entry chain or gate — ensures it is in place and functional before elevating

Answer

The platform's paint colour

Answer

The height of the safety rails only

Answer

The machine's service history sticker

Question 5

Why should the MEWP's emergency lowering system be tested during a pre-use check?

Accepted Answer

So the operator knows how to use it before they need it in an emergency — and to confirm it is functional

Answer

Emergency lowering is only used by engineers, not operators

Answer

Testing it risks activating it accidentally

Answer

It is only tested during scheduled maintenance

Question 6

During a pre-use inspection, you find the MEWP's tilt alarm is not working. What action should be taken?

Accepted Answer

Take the MEWP out of service and report the defect — the tilt alarm is a critical safety device

Answer

Continue carefully on level ground and monitor manually

Answer

Report the defect at the end of the shift

Answer

The tilt alarm is not a safety-critical device so work can continue