Scissor lifts provide a safe and reliable platform for workers to perform job tasks when used according to the manufacturer's instructions. When not used properly, scissor lifts can present a serious hazard to workers. Employers are responsible for keeping workers safe.

Is a scissor lift high risk?

What are the risks when using scissor lifts? Scissor lifts are a safe and reliable means of reaching areas that would otherwise be inaccessible – as long as operators are properly trained in the safe use of the equipment and aware of the hazards in the area.

What are four risks when scissor lifts?

OSHA states that the top hazards associated with aerial lifts are electrocutions, falls from elevations, tip-overs, collapses, being struck by falling objects, ejections from an aerial lift platform, entanglement, and contact with ceilings, power lines, and other objects.

How many people have died on a scissor lift?

Over a one-year period OSHA found 10 fatalities and 20 serious injuries involving scissor lifts. A spate of accidents involving scissor lifts has caused the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue a hazard alert outlining employers' obligations and preventive measures.

Are scissor car lifts safe?

That's why most car enthusiasts have one of the lifts on this list and not a full-size two-post lift. ... However, BendPak scissor lifts are some of the safest in the world, so getting one will not cause you to sacrifice much of anything (such as capability, safety and ease of use).

Scissor Lift Safety Training - OSHA Safety for Employees

Which scissor lift is best?

• Genie Lift. ...
• Snorkel. ...
• JLG. ...
• Skyjack. ...
• Niftylift. ...
• Teupen. ...
• MEC. ...
• Haulotte Group.

What should I look for when buying a scissor lift?

• Select the Right Model. From working heights to floor loads to clearances, the specifications of scissor lifts have an impact on storage and jobsite usage. ...
• Understand the Machine's Condition. ...
• Check the Hour Meter. ...
• Cheaper May Not Always Be Better. ...
• Weigh the Pros & Cons of Warranty.

What can go wrong with a scissor lift?

(1) The overload of the lifting platform should ensure that the load does not exceed the rated load of the lifting platform. (2) The power supply voltage is too low. Check the power supply voltage to ensure that the voltage when the motor is working with load is within the allowable floating range.

How do you survive a scissor fall lift?

Stand on the floor of the lift platform; do not climb or sit on guardrails. For boom lifts, full-body harnesses are required although a safety belt with a 2-foot lanyard may be used instead. Tie off to the boom or basket, not nearby structures. For scissor lifts, fall protection is not required if there are guardrails.

How many fatalities occur each year due to scissor lift accidents?

— An average of eight fatalities related to scissor lifts occur each year. — And hundreds of scissor lift related injuries occur as well.

Do you have to wear a harness in a scissor lift?

Does OSHA Require Workers to Wear a Harness on a Scissor Lift? OSHA considers guardrails to be scissor lift fall protection. Assuming there's an adequate guardrail system in place, scissor lift harnesses aren't required by OSHA, but for all other situations, a personal fall restraint system is mandatory.

Can anyone operate a scissor lift?

Yes, you do. Scissor lifts can be dangerous and can cause accidents leading to personal injuries as well as structural and equipment damage. Current regulations state that all personnel who work with or near scissor lifts must be trained and licenced.

Do you need to be tied off in a scissor lift?

Fall protection is one of the most easily avoidable hazards when using a scissor lift, but it's often the most violated safety practice. As opposed to aerial lifts, like boom lifts, workers inside the basket of a scissor lift are not required to be tied-off, if the guardrails are properly maintained.

Can I use a scissor lift in my house?

Electric scissor lifts are often used as an indoor aerial work platform. ... If you're looking for an electric scissor lift for indoor use, look specifically for one with non-marking tires. This will prevent damage to indoor floors. Indoor electric scissor lifts are usually less expensive than larger, outdoor lifts.

Do you have to wear a harness in a scissor lift Australia?

suggests that safety harnesses are not required on scissor lifts unless a hazard assessment shows there is a risk of falling. ... This is a clear indication that providing the EWP is used and maintained as per the manufacturer's recommendations, there is no requirement for a harness to be worn.

Is a scissor lift the same as EWP?

There are two basic types of boom lifts. ... Elevating Work Platforms (EWP) licensing is standardised across Australia for scissor lifts under 11 metres and an EWP Operator Ticket (Yellow Card) is what you need.

What is the most common scissor lift accident?

1. Touching Power Lines. One of the leading causes of injury and death on aerial and scissor lifts is electrocution from overhead power lines.

Do scissor lifts have anchor points?

Scissor Lifts

The guardrails are enough to protect the employee from a fall hazard. ... Regardless, some scissor lifts have anchor points so that employees can properly use fall protection if desired. It's not required. But, employees can choose to wear it so long as the lift has an ANSI-rated anchor point.

Are scissor lifts considered aerial lifts?

Scissor lifts are not aerial lifts, are considered scaffolds. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

How stable is a scissor lift?

The study found that the scissor lift was stable at all heights up to at least 300 pounds of applied side force. ... During the curb tests, the scissor lift was driven at maximum forward and reverse speeds on a flat, level surface.

How safe is a manlift?

However, just like any other tool, manlifts are safe only when they're used correctly. And because they elevate workers above ground or floor level, accidents caused by improper use can lead to serious injuries and fatalities – both for the workers on the manlift and anyone unlucky enough to be standing below.

Can a boom lift collapse?

Boom lifts can fall over, and when they do, produce some of the highest aerial lift accidents due to their height and horizontal reach.

How many hours is a lot for a scissor lift?

A scissor lift will only count the hours as it is in motion, so if you are hanging drywall or doing electrical, it's not counting those hours. So, we would say that a scissor lift can last about 500 to 1,000 hours of movement.

What is the smallest scissor lift?

If you are looking for a small scissor lift for indoor reach, the Genie GS1330M is the smallest you can get, but unfortunately, they are not very common in the United States. A comparable machine would be the Genie Runabout.

Should I buy a scissor lift?

The most obvious benefit of buying a scissor lift is the same benefit as buying a home instead of renting: you own it, and you have complete control over it. There's no time limits on getting a job done, no returns and shipping to deal with, no logistics of getting in touch with a rental company, and no headaches.