als – Make sure a copy of the Operation and Safety Manual, AEM Safety Manual and ANSI Manual of Responsibilities is enclosed in the weatherresistant storage container.
• Battery – Charge as required.
• Fuel – Add the proper fuel, as necessary.
• Engine Oil – Make sure the oil level is at the full mark on the dipstick.
• Hydraulic Oil – Check the hydraulic oil level, and add as required.
• Walk-Around Inspection – Perform as instructed by the machine’ s Operations and Safety Manual.
• Function Check – Following the walk-around inspection, perform as instructed by the machine’ s Operations and Safety Manual. A pre-start inspection should also include a check to make sure that all safety devices are operating properly, as well as a check for modifications to the machine’ s components. It is important at this point to verify that any modifications on the machine have been approved by the manufacturer to avoid safety violations.
# 2: Walk-Around Inspection
Access equipment gets a lot of use throughout the work week, and things do happen— items get damaged, cracked or worn out. These discrepancies may start small, and may not even be noticeable at first, but over time, as they get bigger, they could affect the safe operation of the machine. Taking time each day to do a 360-degree walk-around of the machine will help locate these discrepancies as soon as possible.
The walk-around needs to include a thorough, visual inspection of all the machine’ s critical components, including( but not limited to) the chassis, engine compartment, electrical connections, scissor stack or boom assembly, control systems and stations and so on. A machine’ s Operations and Safety Manual is the best resource to consult on how to conduct a proper walkaround inspection.
August 2025 • www. thepartsconnection. org • 11