10 Scissor Lift Safety Rules Every Worker Should Know

Ever feel a little shaky up in a scissor lift? You’re not alone. Lots of folks want to feel safer working high above the ground. Scissor lifts are super useful for reaching high places, but did you know they come with important safety rules? Learning these rules can prevent serious accidents.

This post covers 10 scissor lift safety rules to keep you grounded. 

Key Takeaways

• Always follow OSHA (like standards 1910.27 and 1926.451) and ANSI (like A92.3-2006 and MH-29-2020) guidelines for safe scissor lift operation.OSHA 1910.29(b) outlines training requirements.
• Regular inspections are crucial. Check controls, guardrails, brakes, and look for mechanical issues before each use.Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Ensure proper stabilization on firm, level ground before operating. Use outriggers when necessary. Avoid working in high winds (over 28 mph).A Notre Dame student died in 2010 when his lift tipped over in high winds exceeding 50 mph.
• Always wear appropriate PPE like hard hats and safety goggles.Never exceed the lift’s load and height limits.Don’t use ladders or scaffolding for extra height.Maintain a safe distance from power lines (OSHA standards 29 CFR 1910.269, 29 CFR 1910.333, and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart V).
• Only trained and certified operators should use scissor lifts. OSHA standard 1926.454 mandates training on hazards and safe operation.

Follow OSHA and ANSI Scissor Lift Guidelines

Safety first, folks! Scissor lift operation isn’t a guessing game. It’s all about following the rules. OSHA, the big boss of workplace safety, lays down the law in standards like 1910.27 and 1926.451.

These standards cover everything from fall protection to pre-use checks. ANSI, another safety guru, chimes in with standards like A92.3-2006 and the newer MH-29-2020 for stability.

These guidelines aren’t suggestions, they’re your lifeline. Think of them as the instruction manual for staying safe up high. Ignoring them? That’s a recipe for disaster. So, crack open those manuals.

Get familiar with the rules. Your well-being depends on it. Scissor lift certification training at The Forklift Academy can help you understand these guidelines inside and out.

Want a stable lift? Check out ANSI MH-29-2020. This standard tackles stability head-on. OSHA’s 1910.29(b) adds another layer of protection for your scissor lift training. These rules cover training requirements for operators.

The Forklift Academy offers a scissor lift train the trainer kit, a valuable resource for your team. Remember, proper training keeps everyone safe. Follow the rules, and you’ll be lifting like a pro in no time.

Safety is not the absence of danger, but the presence of mindfulness.

Conduct Regular Inspections

Sticking to OSHA and ANSI rules is key, but regular checks are just as vital.Think of it like checking your car before a road trip.

1. Check controls:Test the lift’s controls. Make sure they work smoothly. No jerky movements allowed.
2. Inspect guardrails:Guardrails keep you safe.Check them for damage.Loose bolts are a no-go.
3. Examine brakes:Brakes are your friends.Test them before each use.You need them to stop safely.
4. Look for mechanical issues:Check for leaks, cracks, or anything unusual. Report problems immediately.Don’t take chances.
5. Follow manufacturer guidelines:Your lift’s manual has specific inspection instructions.Follow them closely.They know their stuff.

Ensure Proper Stabilization Before Use

Level ground is key. Look for a spot away from drop-offs, holes, slopes, and debris. Think flat and solid. Outriggers are your friends. Use them. They make the lift much more stable.

This is super important. A Notre Dame student died in 2010. High winds over 50 mph tipped his lift. Proper stabilization could have saved him. Check your surroundings. Wind speeds below 28 mph are safe for outdoor use.

Good weather is a must. Don’t risk it in a storm.

Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Gear up! Hard hats protect your head from falling objects. Safety goggles shield your eyes. This is part of working safely. OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.451(g) and 29 CFR 1910.29(b) cover these rules.

Proper PPE use keeps you safe on the job. Don’t skip this step.

Think of PPE like a superhero costume for work. It’s not just a rule, it’s common sense. Protect yourself from hazards. PPE is your friend.

Safety doesn’t happen by accident.

Never Exceed Load and Height Limits

Safety gear protects you. Respecting the scissor lift’s limits protects everyone. Overloading is a recipe for disaster. Avoid exceeding the manufacturer’s load rating.

Maintain proper load capacity. Never exceed the limits. Don’t try to sneak in “one more thing.” That “one more thing” could send the whole platform tumbling. Also, pay attention to the height limit.

Reaching too high can make the lift unstable. It’s like stacking blocks too high. Eventually, the whole thing comes crashing down. Don’t use external equipment, like ladders or scaffolding, to gain extra height.

This is incredibly dangerous. It compromises the lift’s stability. Work smart, not high.

Operate on Firm and Level Surfaces

Keeping your scissor lift within its limits is key. Just as important is the ground beneath it. Solid and level ground is a must. Think of it like building a house. You need a good foundation.

A stable base prevents tipping. Choose level surfaces. Avoid worksite hazards. These obstacles can create instability. This instability could lead to accidents. Pick your spot carefully.

A little foresight goes a long way.

Avoid Standing or Climbing on Guardrails

Solid ground is key, but so are those guardrails. They’re there for a reason. Think of them like the seatbelts of a scissor lift. Verify they’re installed correctly before you even think about going up.

Never stand or climb on them. They’re not designed to hold your weight like that. You risk a nasty fall. The work platform is your safe zone. Stay put on the platform. Keep your work within easy reach.

This prevents leaning. Leaning too far over the guardrails is a recipe for disaster.

Use a Safety Harness When Required

A safety harness can save your life. Think of it as your backup singer when you’re on a scissor lift stage. OSHA’s got your back with rules like 29 CFR 1926.451(g) and 29 CFR 1910.29(b) about fall protection.

These rules exist for a good reason. Falls are serious. A harness and lanyard system keeps you connected to the lift. This setup prevents a nasty tumble. Check your harness for damage before each use.

Report any problems right away. Your safety is the top priority.

OSHA also wants you to be careful around power lines (29 CFR 1910.269, 29 CFR 1910.333, and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart V). Electricity and scissor lifts don’t mix well. A harness won’t save you from a shock.

Maintain a safe distance. Always check for overhead power lines. Stay far, far away from them. This distance keeps you and your coworkers safe.

Only Allow Trained and Certified Operators

Untrained folks on a scissor lift? Hard pass. Want to know more about scissor lift safety? Read on!

Scissor Lift Certification Training

OSHA wants everyone safe. That’s why they made standard 1926.454. It says workers need training on scissor lift hazards. Employers must teach about the risks. Think about tipovers or falls.

Workers must show they know how to use a lift safely. They can’t just hop on and go. Proper training keeps everyone safe and sound. Good training also covers maintenance. Let’s talk about keeping those lifts in tip-top shape.

Scissor Lift Train the Trainer Kit

Want to teach others about scissor lifts? A Train the Trainer kit can help. These kits give you everything you need to run your own training program. Employers must train workers.

This training covers safe operation. It includes manufacturer instructions. Think material handling. Consider weight limits. Remember worksite hazards like electrical wires. Train the Trainer kits help you cover it all.

They make training easy and effective. You can teach your team the right way to use a scissor lift. This keeps everyone safe and productive. These kits offer a great way to build a strong safety culture.

Perform Regular Maintenance and Repairs

Scissor lifts need regular TLC. Keeping them in tip-top shape keeps you safe.

1. Check controls before each use.Make sure they work right.
2. Inspect guardrails.They keep you from falling.
3. Test the brakes.Good brakes are key for safety.
4. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.They know their stuff.
5. Report any problems.Get them fixed right away.
6. Routine maintenance is vital.It keeps your lift running smoothly.

Now, let’s talk about wrapping things up.

Conclusion

Staying safe on a scissor lift isn’t rocket science, but it does take smarts. Following these ten simple rules can prevent a trip to the ER. Think of it like this: a little caution goes a long way up.

Keep your wits about you, and you’ll be good to go. So, stay safe up there!