Scissor Lift Safety
Two scissor lifts are shown unoccupied and elevated.
Date Posted: 05/11/2024
What is a Scissor Lift?
Scissor lifts are considered self-propelled elevating work platforms that move workers vertically to various locations to perform work. Scissor lifts are different from aerial lifts because the lifting mechanism moves the work platform straight up and down using crossed beams functioning in a scissor-like fashion. However, scissor lifts present hazards like scaffolding when extended and stationary. Therefore, using scissor lifts safely depends on considering equipment capabilities, limitations, and safe practices. Scissor lifts can be a great alternative to ladders on a job site. They can save time and provide a safer means to reach heights. However, they have risks and can cause serious injury if an employee is not trained or the equipment is misused. Scissor lifts come in various types, such as electric, rough terrain, pneumatic, diesel, or hydraulic. Finding the right scissor lift for the work location and task is essential to ensure it does what is needed and keeps the scissor lift operators safe.
Hazards When Operating Scissor Lifts
Falls: This is the most common cause of scissor lift fatalities. Severe injuries or deaths can result from falls. Falls from scissor lifts often occur due to operator negligence, carelessness, and not using proper fall protection equipment.
Tip-Overs: Tip-overs can occur if proper safety precautions are not followed when using scissor lifts. Ensure the ground a scissor lift is traveling or positioned on is free from bumps, holes, depressions, slick or wet surfaces, inclines, and slopes. Outriggers are used when stability is required. If work with a scissor lift must be completed while positioned on uneven ground, an incline, or a slope, ensure the scissor lift is equipped with outriggers. Avoid operating scissor lifts in high winds. Consider waiting until the winds calm down before proceeding with operations. When stationary, the scissor lift wheels must be locked in place.
Defective Equipment: Inspections and maintenance of scissor lifts are essential to hazard prevention. Trained workers should perform these checks on scissor lifts each work shift before using them. This ensures that all parts of the scissor lift are working correctly and are in good repair.
A scissor lift is shown unoccupied and elevated.
Tips for Staying Safe While Working from Scissor Lifts
Ensure every lift operator is trained, documented, and experienced with the model used. Follow all requirements provided in the manufacturer’s operating manual. Only trained and authorized persons are allowed to operate a lift in accordance with WAC 296 869 500.
Make sure that manuals are provided for each elevating work platform and kept in the weather-resistant storage compartment provided by the manufacturer. Note: Required manuals include the manufacturer's operating and maintenance manuals and a manual that defines the responsibilities of dealers, owners, lessors, lessees, users, and operators.
Inspect the lift at the beginning of each shift to ensure it is functioning correctly. Make sure frequent and annual inspections are done. Perform all inspections according to Table 2 per WAC 296-869-40010.
In accordance with WAC 296-869-600, inspect work zones for hazards (e.g., holes, debris) and take corrective actions to eliminate them before and during operation. Check the work and travel area for any overhead obstructions. Exercise great care when traveling near sprinkler pipes, going under building structures, or moving through doorways.
Guardrails are the primary means of fall protection. Personal fall arrest or restraint equipment is required by regulations if it is required by the lift manufacturer. It may also be required if work requires the worker to step up from the work platform, lean out over the guardrails, or leave the guarded area. If this occurs, fall protection is required and must consist of an approved anchorage point and a personal fall arrest or restraint system. Reattach the safety chain immediately after getting onto the scissor lift.
Ensure workers stand firmly on the basket floor and do not sit or climb on the guardrails.
Ensure authorized operators do not move the lift when the lift is extended and workers are on the platform.
Use scissor lifts only on level surfaces as the equipment was designed to be used. Driving into a hole or over an edge can cause the scissor lift to tip over.
Ensure authorized operators do not exceed the weight limits specified by the manufacturer.
Check for overhead power lines before starting work. Unless an employee is a qualified electrical worker, they should stay 10 feet away from all power lines.
Never store an oxygen or fuel cylinder on a scissor lift. Then, when welding and cutting are done, the cylinders remain on the floor in a secured position.
Buckets, step stools, or ladders should never be used in a scissor lift to gain extra height to reach work surfaces.
Resources
Follow all requirements regarding Self-propelled elevating work platforms.
WAC 296-869-400 Inspection and Maintenance
WAC 296-869-500 Training
WAC 296-869-600 Set-up and Operations
Laborer Severely Injured in 60-Foot Fall from Scissor Lift Slideshow (wa.gov)
