Before a cherry picker arrives on site, there are several checks a site manager needs to think through. Is the machine right for the job? Is the ground stable? Is the operator trained? Are there overhead hazards, traffic routes or public areas nearby?
This cherry picker safety checklist for site managers covers the main checks to make before hiring, setting up and using a mobile elevating work platform (or MEWP). We’ll also explain when self-drive hire or operated cherry picker hire is the best option for your project.
Quick cherry picker safety checklist for site managers
Use this quick checklist before hiring or allowing a cherry picker to be used on site.
Before hiring
- Confirm the working height required
- Check whether the job needs vertical access or outreach
- Confirm whether the machine will be used indoors or outdoors
- Check site access, width limits and turning space
- Review ground conditions and any weight restrictions
- Identify overhead cables, trees, signs, buildings or other hazards
- Decide whether you need self-drive or operated hire
- Check whether traffic management is needed
Before work starts
- Confirm the operator has recognised MEWP training
- Check the operator’s card or certificate is in date
- Make sure the training category matches the machine
- Review the site risk assessment and method statement
- Confirm PPE and harness requirements
- Set up cones, barriers and exclusion zones
- Agree on communication between the operator and the ground team
- Confirm the emergency lowering and rescue plan
Daily checks
- Inspect tyres, wheels, platform, boom and guardrails
- Check controls from the ground and platform
- Test the emergency stop and emergency lowering controls
- Look for leaks, warning lights, damage or loose parts
- Check stabilisers or outriggers where fitted
- Confirm weather conditions are safe for use
- Record and report any defects before work starts
IPAF provides a MEWP pre-use inspection checklist and states that checks should be completed in line with the manufacturer’s manual.
Pre-hire cherry picker checks for site managers
Your pre-hire cherry picker checks should start with the work itself. What do you need to reach, and how? A scissor lift may suit straight vertical access, but a cherry picker is often better when you need to reach up, over or around an obstacle.
Before you book your cherry picker hire, check:
- The height you need to reach
- The outreach needed
- The number of people who need to work from the platform
- The tools or materials that need to go in the basket
- Whether the job is indoors or outdoors
- Whether the site has narrow access, low clearance or tight turning space
- Whether work will take place near roads, pavements or customers
- Whether a trained operator is available
It is also worth asking whether the job needs traffic management. If the cherry picker will be used near a road, footpath, car park or public entrance, you may need cones, barriers, signage or a more controlled setup.
What ground condition checks should you make before your cherry picker arrives?
Ground conditions are one of the biggest safety checks for cherry picker work. Even the right machine can become unsafe if it’s set up on weak, uneven, or unstable ground.
Before the cherry picker arrives, check for:
- Soft or waterlogged ground
- Slopes or gradients
- Kerbs, potholes, or broken surfaces
- Drains, manhole covers, or cellar covers
- Recently filled or disturbed ground
- Loose gravel, mud, ice, or wet leaves
- Underground services
- Space for outriggers or stabilisers
- Load limits on slabs, yards, or suspended floors
The ground can also change during the day. Rain, frost, vehicle movement and repeated loading can all affect the surface. Make sure you’ve got the equipment to deal with any changes in ground conditions, such as spreader plates, outrigger pads, or ground protection mats.
What operator certification checks should you make?
You should also know who is operating the cherry picker and whether they’re trained for that type of MEWP.
The HSE says MEWP operators should have attended a recognised operator training course and received a certificate, card or licence showing the MEWP categories they are trained to operate.
Before work starts, check:
- The operator has recognised MEWP training
- Their card or certificate is in date
- The category matches the machine being used
- They have been briefed on the site-specific risks
- They understand the emergency lowering procedure
- Ground staff know who is in charge of the work area
- The operator has access to the manufacturer’s manual
This is especially important if the site is using self-drive hire. If your team does not have the right operator available, operated cherry picker hire may be the better option.
2 Rent can supply your cherry picker hire with a qualified operator, helping you get the job moving without asking your team to use equipment they are not trained to operate.
Daily cherry picker inspection checklist
Make sure you do a daily cherry picker hire inspection before using it. This helps pick out any faults, damage or missing safety items before work begins with it.
A daily cherry picker hire inspection checklist should include:
1. Documents and machine information
- Operator’s manual present
- Inspection records checked
- Safe working load information visible and understood
- Any faults recorded and reported
2. Tyres, wheels and machine condition
- Tyres and wheels checked
- Boom and chassis checked for damage
- Guardrails and gates in good condition
- Platform floor clear and secure
3. Hydraulics, power and fluids
- Hydraulic hoses checked for leaks
- Fuel, battery or power level checked
4. Controls and safety systems
- Ground controls tested
- Platform controls tested
- Emergency stop tested
- Emergency lowering procedure checked
- Alarms, beacons and warning systems checked
5. Harness points and setup equipment
- Harness anchor points checked
- Outriggers or stabilisers checked where fitted
If anything looks damaged, missing or not working as it should, the cherry picker should not be used until it has been checked and cleared by a competent person.
What weather checks are needed before cherry picker hire?
The weather can change the risk level quickly when working at height. Wind, rain, ice and poor visibility can all affect it working properly and safely.
Before using your cherry picker hire, check the following:
- Current wind speed
- Forecast wind speed
- The machine’s stated wind rating
- Rain, ice or slippery ground conditions
- Visibility for the operator and ground team
- Lightning risk
Before work starts, check the latest weather forecast. If wind, rain, ice or visibility gets worse during the job, then stop. It may be safer to wait, move the machine, or use a different setup.
What safety equipment is needed for cherry picker hire?
Using the right equipment and having the correct site setup will reduce many potential health and safety risks, so before work starts, check:
- Harness and adjustable lanyard
- Hard hat with chin strap where needed
- High-vis clothing
- Safety footwear
- Gloves and eye protection where relevant
- Cones, barriers and signage
- Clear exclusion zone around the machine
- Safe route for pedestrians and vehicles
- Communication between operator and ground team
- First aid access
- Emergency rescue plan
- Traffic management support where needed
Work at Height Regulations require work at height to be planned, supervised and carried out safely. The HSE also notes that the regulations apply to those who control work at height, including facilities managers and building owners.
What are some common cherry picker safety risks?
From falls to entrapment, there are several safety risks to consider when working on-site with a cherry picker, including:
Falls from the platform
Falls can happen if workers do not use the correct fall protection or if the platform is used incorrectly. Confirm all the harness requirements, anchor points and safe working methods before the platform is raised to avoid this.
Tip-overs
Tip-overs are often linked to poor ground conditions, overloading, incorrect setup or unsafe weather. Check ground conditions, platform capacity and the machine manual before use.
Overhead hazards
Power lines, signs, branches, roofs, beams and telecoms equipment can create serious risks, such as electric shock and collisions. These should be identified before the machine is positioned to reduce risk.
Entrapment
Entrapment can happen when the platform or operator comes too close to an overhead or nearby structure. Review the working area, access route and communication plan before the job starts.
Traffic and public access
If the machine is used near pedestrians, roads or customer entrances, the work area needs to be controlled. Barriers, cones, signs, banksmen and traffic management may be needed depending on the site.
Self-drive vs operated cherry picker hire
Self-drive hire can work well when your team has the right training, confidence and site experience.
It may suit:
- Experienced contractors
- Facilities teams with trained MEWP operators
- Sites with clear access and controlled work areas
- Planned jobs where the machine type is already known
Operated cherry picker hire can be a better fit when:
- Your team does not have a trained operator
- The job is short-term or urgent
- The site has access restrictions
- Work is near roads, pavements or public areas
- The setup needs more specialist planning
- You want the machine and operator arranged together
For site managers, operated hire can reduce admin and remove the pressure of finding a trained operator at short notice.
Cherry picker safety checks FAQs
What should be included in a cherry picker safety checklist?
A cherry picker safety checklist should cover pre-hire checks, ground conditions, operator training, machine inspection, weather, PPE, exclusion zones, emergency planning and end-of-day checks.
Who is responsible for cherry picker safety on site?
Responsibility may sit with employers, site managers, operators and contractors depending on the arrangement. As a site manager, you should confirm the equipment is suitable, the operator is trained and the site conditions have been checked before work starts.
Do site managers need to check IPAF certification?
If someone is operating a MEWP on site, their training should be checked. HSE guidance says operators should have recognised training and a certificate, card, or licence showing the categories they are trained to operate.
What should be checked before using a cherry picker each day?
Daily checks should include tyres, wheels, boom, platform, guardrails, controls, emergency stop, emergency lowering, warning devices, hydraulic leaks, stabilisers, safe working load information and visible damage.
Is operated cherry picker hire better for short-term jobs?
Operated cherry picker hire can be a good choice if you do not have a trained operator available, need a fast setup or want the machine and operator arranged together. It can also be useful for work near roads, public areas or awkward access points.
Get safe, specialist cherry picker hire from 2 Rent
Need a cherry picker for your site but not sure which setup is right? 2 Rent offers nationwide equipment access, clear pricing, and specialist advice on all cherry picker hire needs.
If you do not have a trained operator available, our operated hire service helps you get the job done quicker. Get in touch today for your free quote.