How to Operate a Scissor Lift Safely

A Scissor lift is a very useful piece of machinery and it can be an essential piece of warehouse equipment. Scissor lifts help the user to access mezzanine floors or high industrial shelving, and they’re perfect for construction sites or other environments where employees need to work at height with support. Without adequate training and health and safety precautions, they can also be very hazardous.

Risks of Scissor Lifts

If used improperly or without correct supervision, scissor lifts can become a hazard to those in them and those around them. If lifted too high or moved too fast they can crash the user into a roof or wall, or throw them clear, leading to dangerous or deadly falls.

Managing Scissor Lifts to Minimise Risk

There are a number of things you can do to increase safety while using a scissor lift:

1. Always perform a pre-work inspection – make sure all components are in working order before starting any work with a scissor lift.
2. Only allow those with proper training and experience to use scissor lifts, ensuring that manufacturer’s operating guidelines have been read and understood.
3. Ensure that scissor lifts are never used in poor weather conditions. Wind can knock down a raised scissor lift while rain can make them slippery.
4. Check the lift’s specifications to determine how much weight can be loaded onto the platform and never overload.
5. Never move the scissor lift when it is raised – always lower it first to avoid it tipping on uneven ground.
6. Do not stand or lean against guardrails – move closer to your target to avoid breaking the guardrails, which are not meant to be weight bearing.
7. Carefully select your worksite to make sure you avoid overhead powerline, branches, transformers, and balconies.
8. Use the scissor lift on the flattest surface possible – avoid hills, potholes, and ditches.
9. Always set the brakes before lifting. Brakes add an extra layer of security to prevent the lift from moving.

Be Aware of Regulations around Scissor Lifts

Regulations require you to ensure that a scissor lift is only ever operated by a competent person who is appropriately supervised and trained. This helps to ensure that all work is carried out in a safe manner.

The scissor lift should be fit for purpose, suitably marked and subject to a statutory inspection every six months. Records must be kept of all inspections and appropriate actions must be taken to address defects.

Arranging bi-annual inspections of your scissor lift will help to ensure that it meets regulations.

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