Can a Scissor Lift Be Left In The Rain – Mitigation Strategies

Can a Scissor Lift Be Left In The Rain – Mitigation Strategies

Meta Description: Learn if a scissor lift can be safely left outdoors in the rain, as well as about risks, mitigation strategies, and best practices for operators.

Proper storage and maintenance of scissor lifts is crucial in wet weather conditions. This article examines essential considerations for safely operating and sheltering lifts outdoors and mitigation strategies and best practices to help protect expensive equipment and keep workers safe on job sites.

Guidelines on what weather is acceptable for temporary outdoor use, inspection tips, and protective measures are provided.

Key Takeaways

• Prolonged outdoor exposure can damage lifts through moisture, rust, and corrosion.
• Light rain or covered storage for short periods is usually acceptable if operators monitor conditions.
• Indoor storage, whenever possible, is best for protecting expensive machinery long-term.
• Temporary outdoor use may be reasonable under covered structures or with proper weatherproof tarps and secure anchoring.
• Regular inspections and maintenance, especially after wet weather, help catch issues early to ensure safe operation and prevent accidents on job sites.
• Following guidelines and assessing risks in each situation can help determine appropriate storage and operation for scissor lifts in varying weather conditions.

Can a Scissor Lift Be Left In The Rain?

Operators often wonder if scissor lifts can be used or stored outside in inclement weather, such as heavy rain or high winds. While scissor lifts are designed to operate in light rain, leaving them unattended for long periods in poor weather conditions can pose potential hazards.

Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause electrical issues, hydraulic system damage, and signs of rust or corrosion on metal components over time. It’s always best to stop work safely and seek shelter for scissor lifts during heavy rain, snow, or wind to protect the machinery and keep lift workers safe.

The Dangers of Leaving Scissor Lifts Out in the Rain

Leaving scissor lifts unattended outdoors during heavy rain or wet weather can pose serious risks. Prolonged exposure to moisture can potentially damage critical electrical and hydraulic systems over time if not adequately protected or stored.

1. Electrical Hazards

Scissor lifts rely on electrical power to operate their hydraulic systems, control panels, and other crucial machinery needed for safe operation. Inclement weather, like heavy rain or snow, can increase the risk of electrical hazards for lifts left outside.

Water seeping into electrical components could result in short circuits, malfunctions, or even electrical shocks for operators.

Proper maintenance and inspection are essential to check for any signs of moisture damage to electrical systems. During heavy precipitation or wind, it’s always best to stop work safely and seek shelter for scissor lifts to avoid potential electrical issues or accidents.

2. Hydraulic System Damage

The hydraulic systems of scissor lifts are crucial to their safe operation. These systems rely on hydraulic fluid and pumps to raise and lower the work platforms. Heavy rain or wet weather conditions can increase the risk of water seepage into hydraulic lines and components.

Even small amounts of moisture ingression into these pressurized systems over time could cause leaks, damage seals or hoses, or contaminate hydraulic fluid.

All these issues may then affect the normal functioning of lifts, increasing the risks of accidents on job sites. Regular inspection and maintenance are essential in identifying signs of hydraulic system damage if lifts are frequently used in wet conditions without proper protection.

3. Risk of Rust and Corrosion

Prolonged exposure to moisture and wet weather poses risks of rust and corrosion for scissor lifts. The metal components used in scissor lifts, including the crisscrossing supports that give them their name, are susceptible to rust and corrosion if exposed to rain, snow, or high humidity over time.

This can potentially weaken the structural integrity of lifts, especially those frequently worked in poor weather conditions without protection.

Rust and corrosion signs need to be closely inspected during regular lift maintenance to check the condition of metal parts. Proper precautions like indoor storage are crucial to protect expensive lifting equipment from moisture damage when not in operation.

4. Reduced Traction and Stability

Wet and slippery surfaces can significantly reduce the traction and stability of scissor lifts during operation. Heavy rain or snow can also turn work platforms and ground surfaces into slippery conditions, potentially increasing hazards for lift operators and workers needing to access elevated work sites safely.

Slips or loss of balance while working on lifts in poor weather could lead to falls. Wet or icy conditions may also affect the normal functioning of lift controls and machinery.

Following manufacturers’ guidelines about operating in inclement weather is crucial. Taking proper precautions to seek shelter during heavy downpours helps keep workers safe from traction-related accidents.

5. Mechanical Failures

If not properly sheltered or maintained, prolonged exposure to wet weather can cause unforeseen mechanical failures in scissor lifts. The many moving metal parts, such as crisscrossing supports that enable scissor lifts to raise and lower their work platforms, can be vulnerable to moisture damage.

Even minor rust or corrosion in critical components could increase friction during operation or unintended lift movement.

This could then endanger the safety of lift operators and workers on the job site. Proper precautions to protect lifts from rain and inspecting for signs of mechanical wear help prevent accidents from weather-accelerated equipment failures.

When Is It Acceptable To Leave a Lift Outdoors?

While prolonged exposure poses risks, some scenarios may be where leaving scissor lifts outdoors is reasonably safe.

Short-Term or Light Rain

Under certain weather conditions, leaving lifts unattended for short periods can be acceptable. Light rain showers or misty weather pose minimal risks if operators know and closely monitor changing conditions.

Temporary outdoor use during brief precipitation may be acceptable if lifts are not subjected to moisture accumulation over longer durations. Taking proper precautions even in mild weather helps ensure safe operation and protects expensive machinery from potential hazards.

Well-Covered or Sheltered Areas

Scissor lifts may be stored or used temporarily in outdoor areas that provide good shelter from precipitation, such as:

• Covered carports or garages.
• Roofed outdoor storage spaces.
• Areas under permanent building overhangs or awnings.
• Even heavy-duty tarps or covers anchored securely can protect lifts parked for short periods.
• Sheltered locations prevent direct moisture accumulation on lifts from rain, snow, or high humidity.
• Operators must still monitor for changing weather conditions that could pose risks.
• Good drainage is also essential in sheltered outdoor areas to prevent water pooling.

Taking advantage of existing covered structures helps minimize exposure risks from wet weather. But the best practice is still indoor storage whenever possible for maximum protection of scissor lifts.

Mitigation Strategies For Scissor Lifts

While completely avoiding outdoor exposure is best, proper planning helps minimize risks in certain conditions.

Sheltering Options

Identifying appropriate covered areas for temporary outdoor storage of scissor lifts is essential. Transport vehicles like flatbed trucks can provide short-term protection during inclement weather, and scissor lift rental companies may offer weatherproof storage containers for outdoor machinery.

Permanent outdoor shelters made of durable materials offer protection from precipitation, snow, and wind. Operators must still monitor changing weather and balance safety with job demands.

With proper precautions and maintenance awareness, lifts can be reasonably operated or stored outside in some situations while still keeping workers safe.

Protective Coverings

Protective coverings can help mitigate risks from wet weather when temporary outdoor storage is unavoidable. Rental companies may offer weather-resistant tarps or fitted covers made of durable material to protect most scissor lifts. Covers should completely seal the lift, including the control panel area.

Operators must properly secure covers to prevent flapping or movement in windy conditions. Regular inspections are still needed to check for moisture accumulation underneath the covers. Indoor storage remains the best option whenever possible to shelter expensive machinery fully.

Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial in safely using scissor lifts outdoors. Rental companies and operators must carefully check for signs of moisture damage, corrosion, or mechanical issues after any exposure to wet weather.

Close inspections help catch small problems before they lead to bigger lift safety risks. Maintenance records ensure necessary repairs and replacements are addressed promptly.

Especially in inclement conditions following manufacturers’ guidance and promptly addressing any lift issues found during inspections helps protect workers from potential hazards on work sites, especially in inclement conditions.