When your work requires reaching and working at various heights or transporting equipment and products to elevated storage areas, a scissor lift can be a powerful tool. Scissor lifts are mobile, so they can move from place to place, and they have a platform that can carry individuals, tools, and materials. This allows a lot of freedom and safety compared to permanent structures or ladders, which may be less stable or limited in their extension.
The applications for scissor lifts are seemingly endless. They might be used in storage facilities, on maintenance projects, and for construction work. While scissor lifts are versatile pieces of equipment, like any heavy machinery, they can be dangerous if used improperly. To combat this, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set forth guidance on utilizing this machinery safely. It’s important to review the document in full, but we’ve also outlined some key points here.
Stabilization was one of three main causes of preventable injuries found by OSHA, alongside positioning and fall protection. If the scissor lift is on unstable ground, it may fall over or tip at an angle that endangers workers on the lift or working on the ground nearby. Avoid using the lift near holes, slopes, drop-offs, and unstable ground. The lift itself will have ratings that operators should also follow, including maximum weight restrictions to avoid making the machine top-heavy. The manufacturer will also recommend safety practices for moving the lift, such as ensuring it is not elevated or carrying individuals when moving.
External factors, such as weather1, may impact the scissor lift as well. Scissor lifts should not be used in high wind conditions, which can make the equipment unstable. Additionally, other machines on the site can impact the lift and lead to unsafe conditions. To combat this, implement and follow traffic rules and standards that help prevent collisions or shaky ground. A stable lift is a safer lift.
Positioning a scissor lift improperly can make the machinery hazardous to workers moving around the lift, as well as the operator and individuals on the platform. Situational awareness is crucial for all workers on and around the lift, whether they’re on foot or in another vehicle. Workers should be particularly careful in situations that increase the risk of impact with the lift, such as traffic around the equipment or other structures on the site.
Scissor lifts are often used around power lines or electrical machinery, which presents its own risks. OSHA recommends keeping the vehicle away from power sources, such as transformers, by at least 10 feet. Workers must be properly trained and certified to work safely around electrical hazards for any jobs that must be done in these conditions. These precautions help prevent electrical arcing, burns, and electrocution.
Even if a scissor lift is perfectly positioned, falls are always a concern due to the lifting capabilities. To combat this, all equipment must have guardrails to keep a worker from falling off. A harness can provide an additional safety measure. Other important best practices include:
None of this information is useful without a properly trained workforce. This information, and other knowledge relevant to safely operating a scissor lift must be transferred to workers.
OSHA’s minimums for training include:
Even workers who will be around the lift but not handling it directly must also be aware of the hazards and proper mitigation methods.
Scissor lifts are just like any other piece of equipment in that the parts will eventually fail. Without proper maintenance, they may fail earlier than necessary, or while being operated, becoming safety hazards. Always follow manufacturer recommendations for maintenance, like verifying that the brakes, guide rails, and controls are in working order before use. Follow any recommended preventative maintenance steps as well, such as replacing components when they reach their expected lifespan.
When used properly, scissor lifts can be an invaluable asset. Purchasing from trustworthy suppliers ensures you’ll get one that will last a long time. Aerial Titans is your source for reliable heavy-duty equipment. As an industry leader, they offer an extensive inventory and expert staff to connect you with the right machines for any job. Contact our sales office for more information about our selection and financing options.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) spent one year investigating scissor lift injuries to determine what could be done to prevent them. Investigators found that many preventable injuries occurred due to employers’ failure to focus on fall protection, positioning, and stabilization2.
The primary purpose of the lift is to raise workers and tools to elevated heights, which makes fall protection essential. Properly installed guardrails help protect against falls.
Stabilization is vital because an unstable lift can tip over while someone is on the platform or fall on someone else. To prevent this concern, stick to the manufacturer’s recommended maximum load and use scissor lifts on flat, firm ground and when the wind speed is below 28 miles per hour2.
Positioning the scissor lift incorrectly near tree branches or building overhangs creates potential hazards. If a tree limb snaps or an overhang breaks, workers on the lift could get crushed. Improper placement near power lines can lead to life-threatening shocks. Workers required to work near live electrical wires should receive specific training for the task2.
It’s important to refer to operating manuals for a full checklist, but before operating a scissor lift, it’s a good idea to check the following:
Before operating, ensure that the load used does not exceed the manufacturer’s operating manual limits and that anyone working on the lift uses protective equipment3.
In order to ensure a scissor lift remains stable, operators should assess the environment. Lifts should not be operated in winds at or above 28 miles per hour. Surfaces on which the lift will be used should be free of slopes, debris, or holes, as these can cause the vehicle to tilt. Scissor lifts should not be operated near drop-offs.
Vehicle traffic near the lift can also affect stability. Scissor lifts should not be moved in a manner that could cause a collision with cars. Operators should also avoid moving the lift while it is in an elevated position. High loading can also lead to the scissor lift mechanism failing or the lift tipping. Operators should be aware of the scissor lift model’s maximum load to ensure they don’t exceed it.
Falling from a scissor lift can lead to serious injuries. Safety features and proper training mitigate the risk. Workers should check guardrails before elevating the lift. They should also remain on the work platform and never use the guardrails as a stepladder. Work platforms may also have a ridge to protect from tools rolling off the lift and falling on workers below. These preventive measures should be part of a comprehensive training program for operators.
Several hazards may be present when operating a scissor lift, and operators can do a lot to protect themselves from these hazards. Working near energized power lines can be dangerous, increasing the likelihood of electrocution and arc flash, which occurs when electricity arcs from the power line to the scissor lift, shocking the worker onboard. Workplaces should be at least 10 feet away from power sources, including electric lines and transformers. Operators should receive specialized training on how to perform this work as safely as possible.
Operators must also be aware of ground-level hazards, such as vehicles coming into contact with the lift. Businesses should implement traffic rules around the scissor lift to minimize the risk of other vehicles colliding with the lift. Ground guides can be useful, too. Anyone driving the lift should take special care when passing underneath fixed objects, such as doorframes. Tree branches and other overhead hazards should be avoided altogether.
The manufacturer’s manual for a scissor lift should include key preventive maintenance recommendations, such as regular inspections—a vital component in prolonging the lift’s lifespan. Verify that fuel, oil, and coolant levels meet manufacturer recommendations, and check tire pressure and tread wear. If the tires are bald, replace them.
Operators should verify the accuracy of steering, emergency controls, alarms, and sensors. They should also regularly inspect the scissor lift for damage and immediately replace any affected components and those that have reached the end of their life expectancy (according to the manufacturer’s manual). Doing so can prevent damage to the rest of the vehicle4.
