Safety Tips for Scissor Lift Operation

Most construction projects involve work that needs to be done high off the ground, from repairs of structural ceiling damage to moving inventory in a warehouse. Sometimes a ladder will work fine, but often workers need a safe and sturdy platform to complete their task. That’s why the scissor lift is well-known for being such a useful tool on just about any worksite. By brushing up on a few basic rules and regulations, any worksite foreman can feel confident knowing their crew is safe from preventable harm when using a scissor lift.

How to Safely Use a Scissor Lift

Most of the work involved in making sure you and your crew are safe while using a scissor lift happens long before anyone steps foot onto the equipment. Scissor lift safety preparation falls into 4 categories:

Environment

It’s impossible to operate a scissor lift safely unless the surrounding area is secure. Assess the worksite beforehand and identify all possible hazards, like nearby power lines or uneven ground. If the physical features of your worksite make it impossible to safely position or stabilize your scissor lift, you may need to work with the site manager to adjust. 4 x 4 scissor lifts are available at Trinity when working on rough terrain.

Protective Controls

Like all heavy machinery, a scissor lift comes equipped with an emergency stop button that will shut down all functions immediately in case of an emergency. However, it’s important to regularly test this and any other emergency controls to make sure all systems are functioning correctly and will operate properly in an emergency.

Training

Though there’s no formal certification necessary to operate a scissor lift, OSHA standards dictate that employers must provide workers with training and necessary personal protective equipment before operating or performing work with it. As a manager, offering regular opportunities to brush up on basic training is a good way to ensure your entire crew remains safe on and around the scissor lift, like how to get on the platform using the three points of contact method. Trinity offers aerial platform training several times a year. Visit our training page to get more information likes dates and availability.

Equipment Maintenance

No matter how cautious you are while operating a scissor lift, it’s impossible to create a completely safe work environment unless all of your equipment is properly and regularly maintained. If you own your own scissor lift, make sure you follow the recommended upkeep schedule from the manufacturer. If you rent a scissor lift, do so from a reputable dealer like Trinity Sales and Rental and be sure to ask about their equipment upkeep routine before signing a rental agreement.

Always test and inspect the scissor lift’s controls before every use, paying special attention to the emergency stop function. Though the whole unit should be inspected regularly, it’s especially important to test the guardrail and brakes often to prevent unexpected failure during a project.

Scissor Lift Stabilization for Safe Use

One of the greatest hazards and most frequent causes of preventable scissor lift accidents is poor stabilization. If the scissor lift isn’t properly secured, it can make the machine tip over, causing damage to the equipment and crew.

Here are a few rules to follow to ensure your scissor lift doesn’t tip over:

• Always work on firm, level surfaces.
• If your project is on rough terrain, make sure you use a scissor lift specifically made for use in that environment.
• Always lower the work platform completely before moving the equipment.
• Only work in appropriate weather—most outdoor-rated scissor lifts are only approved for use in wind speeds under 28 mph.

Safely Position a Scissor Lift

Where and how you position your scissor lift for work can make a big impact in preventing an accident. When scissor lifts are improperly positioned, crew members can be at risk of getting crushed or electrocuted, so it’s essential that workers are trained on how to avoid positioning accidents.

When working on projects that involve or are located near a power source, be sure to maintain a careful distance to prevent electric damage. Always avoid direct contact with power lines, but also remember that electricity can arc from power lines to the equipment or to a worker, even if neither is directly touching the power source. The manufacturer’s manual will have a list of safe distances that vary according to the voltage of the source, so always check before you start on a project. Finally, if the project requires working with an electrical source, make sure workers have electrical training.

Fall Protection: Do I Need to wear a Harness?

A harness is not required while using a scissor lift. According to OSHA, a properly designed and maintained guardrail system is enough to keep a worker safe while on the scissor lift. However, if the guardrail system is inadequate or the worker leaves the safety of the work platform, an additional fall protection device is required.

Know Your Scissor Lift Inside and Out

Though there are plenty of safety measures that apply to all scissor lifts, the only way to make sure you’re taking the correct precautions to keep your crew safe around a scissor lift is to fully familiarize yourself with the particular make and model as well as the type of scissor lift that you’re using. Though certain warnings are applicable across the board, each piece of equipment has different weight limits, specifications, and hazard warnings.

Of course, the best way to be certain of your safety when using a scissor lift is to work with a professional, like Trinity. Opting to rent a scissor lift from a reputable dealer guarantees that your machinery is well-maintained, inspected regularly, and gives you the opportunity to talk with an expert and ask any questions you may have about operating your rental. Renting can often be a smart financial decision, but it’s a good safety precaution, too.

Call us today at (316) 942-5555 to learn more.