Scissor lifts are an excellent alternative to ladders and manually propelled scaffolds. They provide a safe and stable work platform when used in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.
Scissor lifts are commonly used in construction, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, maintenance operations, retail stores, and many other workplaces where employees need temporary access to elevated work areas.
Although scissor lifts can improve productivity and reduce many of the risks associated with ladders, they can still cause serious injuries or fatalities if they are not operated safely. Understanding proper scissor lift safety procedures, operator responsibilities, and OSHA requirements helps reduce the risk of falls, tip-overs, electrocutions, and struck-by incidents.
Scissor Lift Training Requirements
Only trained and authorized operators can use scissor lifts. Employees must receive training in the safe operation of the lifts so they will understand and avoid unsafe conditions that could lead to injuries.
OSHA Standard Section 5(a)(1) Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.
Scissor Lift Training should cover topics such as:
- Safe operating procedures
- Manufacturer’s operating instructions
- Pre-use inspections
- Hazard recognition
- Load capacities and platform limits
- Safe travel and positioning
- Emergency lowering procedures
- Workplace-specific hazards
Operators should also know the limitations of the equipment they are using. Different scissor lifts have different operating characteristics, platform heights, weight capacities, and safety features. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s operating manual before using any lift.
Employers are responsible for ensuring employees receive the training necessary to safely operate equipment and recognize workplace hazards.
Scissor Lift Hazards
Common hazards found with scissor lifts include:
- Electrocution from accidental contact with energized wires
- Tip-over hazards from driving on steep or unstable surfaces
- Collisions or struck-against hazards
- Struck-by or caught-between hazards
- Fall hazards from improper use of the lifts
- Overloading the lift beyond its rated capacity
- Objects falling from the platform onto workers below
Many scissor lift incidents occur because operators become complacent, bypass safety features, or attempt to use the lift in ways it was never designed to be used.
Power Lines and Tip-Over Hazards
Always look for overhead power lines and electricity lines feeding adjacent buildings and structures before raising or moving a scissor lift. Electricity can arc from energized lines without direct contact, making overhead electrical hazards extremely dangerous. Maintain the required minimum approach distances and never assume power lines are insulated or safe to work near.
Danger signs should be posted warning scissor lift operators of potential hazards.
Avoid tip-over hazards by operating only on firm, stable, level surfaces. Never drive over curbs, floor openings, debris, unstable ground, or other obstacles that could affect the stability of the lift. Sudden changes in elevation or uneven surfaces can cause a lift to become unstable.
Scissor Lift Safety Precautions
Never alter or disable warning devices, alarms, sensors, or limit switches. These safety features are designed to help prevent tip-overs and other serious incidents.
Survey the area where the lift will be used before moving or driving the lift to identify and avoid potential hazards such as:
- Curbs
- Potholes
- Excavations
- Floor holes
- Debris
- Drop-offs
- Overhead obstructions
- Pedestrian traffic
Never use a scissor lift on uneven surfaces unless the equipment is specifically designed and approved by the manufacturer for those conditions.
Never sit, stand, or climb on the edge of the platform. Do not use planks, ladders, boxes, or other devices on the platform to gain additional height. Doing so can increase the risk of falls and tip-overs.
Ensure guardrails, safety chains, and access gates are closed and secured while operating the lift. Guardrails are an important part of the scissor lift’s fall protection system and should never be removed or bypassed.
Keep both feet firmly on the platform floor while working. Avoid leaning outside the guardrails or overreaching to reach your work. If the work cannot be performed safely from your current position, lower the platform and reposition the lift.
Many scissor lifts are equipped with ground controls that allow another trained person to lower the platform during an emergency. Operators and ground personnel should know the location of these controls before work begins.
Never exceed the manufacturer’s rated load capacity. Remember that the total weight includes workers, tools, equipment, and materials on the platform.
Inspect the scissor lift before each use. Check for damaged guardrails, hydraulic leaks, low tire pressure (if applicable), missing safety decals, malfunctioning controls, damaged emergency stop buttons, and any other condition that could affect safe operation. Remove the lift from service if any defects are found.
OSHA Standard 1926.452(w)(5) Scaffolds shall be stabilized to prevent tipping during movement. (6) Employees shall not be allowed to ride on scaffolds unless… the surface on which the scaffold is being moved is within 3 degrees of level, and free of pits, holes, and obstructions.
Following OSHA requirements, manufacturer recommendations, and proper operator training helps reduce the likelihood of injuries while using scissor lifts.
Scissor lifts provide a safer and more efficient alternative to ladders for many elevated work tasks, but they must be used correctly. Proper training, daily inspections, hazard recognition, and following manufacturer instructions are essential for preventing falls, tip-overs, electrocutions, and other serious incidents. Every operator has a responsibility to use the equipment safely and stop work if unsafe conditions exist.
