Preventing Aerial Scissor Lift Falls

13 September 2016
 Categories: Industrial & Manufacturing, Blog


Employers are responsible for making sure that employees are aware of how they are supposed to operate a scissor lift. This not only includes the proper operation of the scissor lift itself, but also how to operate the scissor lift without having an accident. There are some scissor lifts that have universal safety considerations regardless of the type of lift.

Use Fall Prevention Methods

All scissor lifts must have guardrails installed to make sure that workers are protected from falling. Workers always need to check to make sure that the guard rail system is in place. Workers must also be instructed that they must always stand on the worker platform and not sit on the guardrail. 

Keep The Operator On The Platform

The scissor lift must always be placed in a location where the object that is being worked on is within reach. Workers should not be leaning away from the scissor lift. The working position should always be the platform and never on a ladder or another device. 

Inspect The Work Site For Hazards

The area where the scissor lift will be used must be inspected carefully. Ground depressions or drop-offs must be identified so that the depression does not cause the scissor lift to become unstable. Scissor lifts should not be operated near these locations. They should never be raised on uneven surfaces because there is a risk that the lift will tilt over. The path where the lift will be operated must be inspected to make sure there are no cords, tools or materials that could interfere with the operation of the lift. 

The scissor lift needs to be kept isolated from all forms of traffic. Lifts must be sectioned off from other workers and traffic must be directed to reduce the risk that vehicles will come in contact with the left.

Operators must also make a habit of looking above themselves to make sure there is nothing that would obstruct the scissor lift. Look for tree branches, canopies and power lines. There should be a clearance of at least ten feet between the operator and the power lines. 

Beware Of Adverse Weather

Given how exposed operators are, scissor lifts should never be operated on a day where there are adverse weather conditions. Beware of rain, wind, snow, sleet and hail. Strong winds can knock a scissor lift operator off balance and cause him or her to fall. Wind speeds should always be below 28 miles per hour.

Keep these ideas and concepts in mind if you're opting for an aerial scissor lift rental


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