How To Operate a Scissor Lift

How To Operate a Scissor Lift

Meta Description: Learn how to operate a scissor lift safely and efficiently with essential steps, controls, and benefits for a scissor lift operator and employer.

This article provides essential information for safely operating scissor lifts. It covers proper procedures for inspection, start-up, lift control use, safe operation at heights, lowering, shutdown, inspection, and more.

Following recommended guidelines is essential to help scissor lift operators avoid hazards and comply with health and safety regulations.

Key Takeaways

• Always inspect scissor lifts thoroughly before each use and after for any issues.
• Only certified operators who receive approved training should operate aerial lifts.
• Fully understand all primary controls and their functions before operating.
• Maintain complete focus and awareness while working at height on the platform.
• Follow proper procedures for lowering, shutdown, and post-operation inspection.
• Emergency procedures, including evacuation and emergency stop use, must be known.
• Comply fully with health and safety regulations to use scissor lifts safely.

Essential Steps For Operating a Scissor Lift

Taking the necessary precautions to ensure safety before operating a scissor lift is essential. Proper inspection and preparation are crucial.

1. Preparation and Inspection

Performing pre-operational checks is essential to safely operating aerial lifts like scissor lifts. Inspect the scissor lift for any damage, leaks, or malfunctions by checking components like the scissor legs, hydraulic system, battery or fuel gauge, and control panel.

Ensure all safety devices function correctly by testing the emergency stop, safety harness, and alarms. The lift can be verified by ensuring the work area and supporting surface are stable, level, and transparent of other equipment or materials that could cause a hazard.

Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions, which provide up-to-date information on inspecting specific lift models. Only qualified technicians should perform repairs or maintenance.

2. Safety Gear

Scissor lift operators must use the proper personal protective equipment or PPE when working at height. This includes a protective hard hat to prevent head injuries from falling objects. A full-body safety harness attached to an anchor point on the lift helps ensure operators don’t fall if they lose balance or control of the lift.

Rugged, non-slip footwear keeps operators stable on the platform’s surface, whether it’s a level work platform or uneven terrain.

This comprehensive safety gear helps scissor lift operators safely operate the aerial work machine and protects their health and safety according to occupational safety standards.

3. Familiarize Yourself with Controls

Scissor lift operators must fully understand how to use the primary controls before operating the aerial work platform. It’s crucial to take the time to learn the function of each joystick, switch, button, and control on the lift’s platform console.

Trainees must understand what movements result from pushing the joystick forward or backward and switching between lift modes like drive and lift using the mode selector.

They should also know the location and purpose of the emergency stop button and how to change the lift’s direction and speed using vertical and horizontal switches on the control panel. Only operators who receive comprehensive training on lift functions and controls from a qualified training program should operate aerial lifts.

4. Start-up Procedure

• Check that the scissor lift is on a stable, level surface clear of other equipment or uneven terrain that could cause instability.
• Turn the key or switch on the control panel to power up the hydraulic system.
• Wait for any automatic system checks to complete correctly per the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Ensure the platform console displays that the lift is in the lowest position before operating.
• Make sure all personnel are clear of the area below the work platform.
• For the lift’s maximum weight capacity and power source limitations, such as a battery charge, refer to posted safety signs or the operator’s manual.
• Only certified operators who have received approved safety training should start up popular aerial lifts like scissor lifts.

5. Operating the Lift

Once the scissor lift is powered on, operators can safely maneuver the aerial work platform into position. Squeezing the joystick in the direction needed while in drive mode lowers the outrigger frames to engage with the supporting surface.

Lifting the platform requires switching to the lift function using the mode selector and then pulling back on the joystick to raise the work area to the necessary height. While lifting materials, operators must double-check the fuel or battery gauge and not exceed the lift’s maximum weight or height limits. Positioning scissor lifts carefully and avoiding power lines or other overhead hazards is also essential.

6. During Operation

When working at height using a scissor lift, operators must focus entirely on the task and remain aware of potential hazards. Both hands should always be kept on the primary controls unless materials are handled manually. Scissor lifts have a drivable machine function for navigating the work area, however lifts should not be driven with the platform raised.

Operators must double-check the uneven terrain before lowering the outriggers. They must also carefully watch the speed and position switches based on weather conditions or unstable ground to avoid losing control of the aerial work platform.

7. Lowering and Shutdown

When the job is complete, operators must follow the proper procedure to lower the scissor lift safely. Before lowering the platform, a final check of the area below is required to ensure no personnel or equipment remains.

The lift mode is switched, and the joystick is slowly pushed forward to lower the work area using the hydraulic system. Once on the ground, qualified operators inspect the fuel or battery gauge before shutting down primary power according to manufacturer guidelines.

This ensures safe lowering and prevents uncontrolled movement from unstable hydraulic functions or surfaces.

8. Post-Operation Inspection

A thorough inspection should be conducted after each use of a scissor lift. Operators must check for issues like hydraulic fluid leaks, damaged controls, or defective safety mechanisms that could make the aerial work platform unsafe to operate according to manufacturer guidelines.

Any problems identified require the lift to be taken out of service until inspected and repaired by a qualified technician. A post-operation inspection ensures the scissor lift continues functioning correctly without the risk of losing control or stability before the next use. This final check helps ensure safe operation and compliance with occupational safety regulations.

9. Training and Certification

Proper training is essential for anyone who operates scissor lifts. Comprehensive safety programs conducted by qualified instructors help ensure operators fully understand how to inspect the equipment, use the primary controls like joysticks and switches, safely handle materials on the work platform, and properly lower and shut down the aerial lift.

Under health administration regulations, employers are only responsible for allowing certified operators to use popular aerial work platforms. Formal certification requires passing a written exam to demonstrate knowledge of lift functions, hazard awareness, and emergency procedures.

Up-to-date refresher training is also essential so operators maintain their skills and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which can change with new lift models.

10. Emergency Procedures

All scissor lift operators must be trained on proper emergency procedures in case unsafe conditions arise. This includes knowing the location and use of the emergency stop button to cut power to the hydraulic system and platform controls.

Training covers safely evacuating the basket in case of a malfunction or unstable conditions like high winds. Operators learn to call for assistance using two-way radios if they lose control of the aerial lift due to issues like a dead battery or the fuel gauge dropping to empty.

Having up-to-date knowledge of emergency procedures helps operators respond quickly and lowers risks to their safety.

Benefits Of Operating a Scissor Lift

Operating a scissor lift offers numerous benefits for the operator and the employer, with safety and efficiency at the forefront. Here are five key benefits:

• Enhanced Safety: Scissor lift controls are designed with safety features such as side rails and a joystick inside the lift, ensuring the operator’s protection while working at heights. Scissor lift training programs educate operators on safe operation, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace. Employers can avoid OSHA fines by ensuring proper operator certification and adherence to safety guidelines, fulfilling their responsibility for a safe work environment.
• Versatile Usage: Scissor lifts tend to be one of the most popular aerial lifts due to their ability to operate on uneven surfaces. The hydraulic power system allows for smooth vertical movement, making it suitable for various tasks on uneven ground. With the capability to handle uneven terrain, scissor lifts can access areas where other lifts might struggle, increasing productivity and efficiency.
• Easy Maneuverability: Scissor lift controls typically feature a horizontal switch for changing directions and a vertical switch position for adjusting the lift’s speed. This enables operators to navigate tight spaces and maneuver around obstacles with ease. The push-forward-to-lower function simplifies operation, allowing operators to position the lift and perform tasks efficiently and precisely.
• Increased Productivity: Scissor lifts offer the full benefits of elevated access without the need for complex setups or extensive training. Once the operator is trained, they can use a scissor lift to reach elevated work areas quickly and safely, improving workflow and reducing downtime. The ease of operation and versatility make scissor lifts a valuable asset in various industries, enhancing overall productivity.
• Cost-Effective Solutions: Scissor lifts can save employers money due to their efficient operation and minimal maintenance requirements. With proper training and regular servicing, scissor lifts can provide reliable service over an extended period, offering a cost-effective solution for accessing elevated work areas. Additionally, their versatility reduces the need for multiple types of equipment, streamlining operations and reducing overall expenses.