Free Pre-Start Checklist (Scissor Trolley) Template

Purpose of the Free Pre-Start Checklist (Scissor Trolley) Template

Regular equipment inspections are a cornerstone of a safe workplace. This Free Pre-Start Checklist (Scissor Trolley) Template provides a structured framework for operators to conduct consistent, documented safety checks before using a scissor trolley or lift table.

Using this checklist helps identify potential mechanical failures, hydraulic leaks, or structural damage before they lead to an incident. Formalising this process helps a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) meet their primary duty of care and promotes a proactive safety culture.

Scissor trolleys are valuable tools for reducing manual handling risks, but they introduce their own set of hazards that must be managed. A thorough pre-start check is the first line of defence against equipment-related incidents.

Integrating these daily checks into your operational routine is a critical component of plant safety management. The information gathered can inform maintenance schedules and provide valuable data for risk assessments.

For a broader framework on how to manage these processes, consider reviewing how to establish effective WHS management systems that embed safety into every aspect of your organisation.

How to use the Free Pre-Start Checklist (Scissor Trolley) Template

This resource is available as a fully editable DOCX file and a print-ready PDF. To use it, simply download the file and integrate it into your daily operations.

Operators should be trained to complete the checklist at the start of their shift or before the first use of the scissor trolley each day. The form guides the user through inspecting critical components such as wheels, the hydraulic system, lifting mechanism, frame, and safety features.

Completed checklists should be filed as a record of inspection and maintenance activities.

Important: This template is a starting point. Every workplace is different, and so is every piece of equipment.

We strongly advise that you customise this checklist to reflect the specific make, model, and operational context of the scissor trolleys used at your site. You should add, remove, or modify checklist items to align with the manufacturer’s instructions and your own risk assessment. To help train your team on the importance of these checks, you can use our Pre-Start Checks and Plant Maintenance Toolbox Talk Template.

When to use it

A pre-start checklist for a scissor trolley should be completed before its first use on any given day or shift. This ensures the equipment is in safe working order before being subjected to operational loads.

If multiple operators use the same trolley throughout the day, the initial check by the first operator is typically sufficient, unless a handover protocol requires a new check. If an incident or suspected damage occurs during a shift, an ad-hoc inspection using the checklist should be conducted immediately. Documenting these checks creates a verifiable record, which is essential evidence of due diligence during a WHS compliance audit.

Who should use it

The pre-start checklist should be used by any worker who is tasked with operating a scissor trolley. These operators must be deemed competent, meaning they have received adequate information, training, and instruction on the trolley’s safe operation, including its specific features and limitations.

Supervisors or WHS personnel can also use the checklist to conduct periodic spot-checks or safety audits. For tasks with significant manual handling elements, such as those common in health services, our Aged Care Manual Handling Toolbox Talk Template can provide additional training guidance on correct procedures.

While a high-risk work licence is not required for a standard scissor trolley, ensuring operator competency remains a critical WHS responsibility. For related guidance on manual equipment, you may also find our FREE Hand Trolley SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) Template useful in standardising procedures.

By implementing this checklist, your organisation can significantly improve equipment safety and reduce the risk of workplace injuries. You can find many more helpful documents like this in our complete free WHS resources library to support your safety management system.