Aerial Work Platform Safety

Scissor Lift Safety Tips

Scissor lifts have a platform that moves straight up and down. Around the work platform, there is a mid-rail and a top rail to protect workers from falling off the platform. When these lifts are extended and stationary, they can serve a purpose similar to scaffolding, and, therefore, have many of the same risks. However, the fact that the scissor lifts have the ability to move gives them a set of risks that scaffolding does not have. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have investigated injuries and fatalities as a result of using scissor lifts and found that the majority of them came down to preventable issues, such as stabilization, fall protection and positioning.

Keep it on firm, level ground

When scissor lifts are elevated, they are very tall and narrow, making them susceptible to tipping over if they are not stabilized and/or moved properly. The first step to preventing the lift from tipping over is to ensure it is on firm, stable, level ground. The base needs to have a strong, even foundation to support the lift when it is elevated.

Avoid Windy Weather

The second step is to make sure you’re only operating a scissor lift outside in weather conditions it can handle. Since it is very tall and slender in an elevated position, you want to avoid using it in windy conditions. It may seem like it would take a lot to push a scissor lift over, but the reality is a good gust of wind can do it. Not sure what the limit is? Don’t worry, the user’s manual will give you a limit, but it’s usually a maximum of 25 miles per hour.