Over the years, an increasing number of accidents, including those causing death, as a result of a scissor lift collapsing or tipping over have been reported. Electrocutions from overhead power lines while the lift is in operation are also increasing in frequency. The increased number of accidents has spurred many manufactures to include safety tips list with their products. This is to help ensure the safety of the operator, as well as the company’s reputation.

Scissor Lift Equipment Safety

It is important that you are very familiar with the scissor lift’s operation and the mechanics of the lift if you own a lift. Your knowledge should extend beyond the proper operation to the maintenance and handling of the lift.

Some tips that scissor lift owners and operators must take into consideration to avoid accidents caused by the improper handling of the unit are as follows:

1 – Training
Since scissor lifts is an inherently dangerous piece of equipment, knowledge about safe, proper operation is critical. Whether you are going to be the one operating it or hiring an operator, training is paramount to ensuring that the lift will be properly operated. Training also ensures the safety of the people using it. During training, the operator will learn about safety hazards and precautions.

2 – Operator’s manual
Scissor lifts are very dangerous equipment and even more so if the operator is untrained. An operator’s manual accompanies a scissor lift upon purchase. This manual should be read by the operator before operating the equipment for the first time. The manufacturer provides the manual so that the operator will know how to maintain and operate the unit. The manual contains information on the operating procedures, safety standards, and parts of the equipment; as well as procedures for dealing with hazards or accidents yjay may occur..

3 – Inspect before operating
Any scissor lift being purchased should be inspected by the purchaser. Usually the seller will request that the buyer inspect and sign off on the inspection before taking possession of the unit. Perform a checklist during the inspection, making sure that all of the parts, as well as the controlling hazards, are identified. Make sure that the operating and emergency controls are functioning properly. All the safety devices such as the outriggers, platform guardrails, personal fall protection gear, tires and wheels, and other parts of the machine are in proper working order. Finally, make sure that you inspect for possible air, fuel-system, and hydraulic fluid leaks caused by missing or loose parts before purchasing the lift. Upon delivery, the unit should be rigidly inspected to ensure that it was not damaged in transit.

In addition, an inspection should be done before and after each use to make sure that the scissor lift is kept in good, safe working order.

Scissor lifts fall under the category of aerial lifts. They are a hydraulic platform that is used to lift people and objects to an elevated area. Scissor lifts are available in various sizes, as well as a variety of functionality, depending on the requirements of the potential client. Many industrial and mechanical work spaces find that scissor lifts are vital to their ability to keep more floor space available and to be able to lift large, heavy loads

In most cases, scissor lifts are powered by gas or electricity. Scissor lifts designed to function outdoors are powered by gas or diesel and scissor lifts designed for indoor use are typically electrically powered. Those lifts powered by electricity are lighter equipment that have less capacity. They emit no harmful emissions into the interior of the building and they do not contribute to noise pollution.

Why train before using a scissor lift?

Studies show that an increasing number of are being hurt and/or killed in scissor lift accidents. An operator overturning the equipment is the most common reason for this increase.

It is generally agreed by health and safety experts that scissor lifts are a dangerous tool, especially if the operator has not been trained on the proper operation and basic maintenance of the unit. In some jurisdictions, owners and operators alike are required to undergo training in advance of actually using the equipment in the course of their work.

The following are a few of the reasons why someone must be trained before being allowed to use a scissor lift:

1 – Operating instructions

Although there are operating manuals that come with scissor lifts, training sessions allow the operator to more fully comprehend the intricacies of properly operating a scissor lift. During the training, the operator will learn how to safely operate the equipment and potential dangers and how to avoid them. In addition, they will gain knowledge about some of the more important parts of the scissor lift and how to keep them in good operating condition.

2 – Safety purposes

Training focuses on the safe operation of the equipment so that the operators are aware of potential accidents that might be encountered if the unit is handled improperly.
A number of possible accidents that may occur regarding various components are covered during training.

3 – Handling procedures

Operators are taught how to properly and safely handle the unit. Usually during training, the instructors have the attendees operate the unit to find out their skill level and how they operate the unit. This is done so that the instructor is able to observe the operator’s handling of the lift and to point out any errors that they make.

4 – Coping with hazards and possible accidents

Because a scissor lift accident can be fatal, operators are given different accident scenarios and taught the proper response.

5 – Assess the capability of the operator to run the equipment.

The instructors assess the operator’s skills and abilities while they are operating the scissor lift during training. This allows them to determine how fit the operator is for the job. If the instructor determines that the operator is unable to follow basic instructions about operational procedures and their responses to certain situations are inappropriate, the license of the operator can be withheld.