Question 1

What size scissor lift do I need?

Accepted Answer

Smaller scissor lifts (10 to 20 feet) are ideal for warehouse, indoor maintenance, and retail work. Medium-sized lifts (25 to 32 feet) have the height for electrical work and ceiling-level repairs. Tall lifts (40 to 70 feet) offer the distance and stability for outdoor work, such as construction or building maintenance.

Our guide explores the different types of scissor lifts further, connecting size and operation with common applications.

Question 2

Do scissor lifts require certification to operate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that all operating employees must undergo training and have their employer verify and document their skills. Generally, this includes a structured aerial lift training course, delivered in person or online, that covers fall protection, load limits, electrical hazards, and pre-operational inspections. Records must also indicate who completed the training course, when, and the results of their evaluation.

Select states and municipalities have instituted stricter training rules, such as more frequent renewals or presenting permits for construction work.

Question 3

What’s the difference between an articulating boom lift and a scissor lift?

Accepted Answer

An articulating boom lift extends in multiple horizontal and vertical directions with a hinge-style mechanism, often covering a greater distance, while a scissor lift moves vertically with crisscross-oriented supports. Here are some additional differences:

Platforms on articulating boom lifts rotate 360 degrees but are fixed on scissor lifts.
Articulating boom lifts can support up to 500 pounds, while scissor lifts can move four times that amount.
A full-body harness is needed to safely use an articulating boom lift, while guardrails are sufficient for scissor lifts.

Read our blog to explore these differences further.

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