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    TBT - 037 Scissor Lifts

    Uploaded by

    Rich Pellett
    The document provides safety guidelines for operating scissor lifts. It notes that while scissor lifts are commonly used, accidents still occur when safety procedures are not followed. The guidelines include 10 points: 1) Do not move the lift while elevated. 2) Do not use guardrails for anything other than safety barriers. 3) Be aware of overhead and ground hazards before raising the lift. 4) Consider weather conditions such as strong winds. 5) Do not use additional equipment to gain height on the platform. 6) Only allow trained operators. 7) Perform regular maintenance and checks. 8) Do not overload the lift. 9) Use ground guides when operating or moving. 10) Safety is the top priority.

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    TBT - 037 Scissor Lifts

    Uploaded by

    Rich Pellett
    34 views4 pages
    The document provides safety guidelines for operating scissor lifts. It notes that while scissor lifts are commonly used, accidents still occur when safety procedures are not followed. The guidelines include 10 points: 1) Do not move the lift while elevated. 2) Do not use guardrails for anything other than safety barriers. 3) Be aware of overhead and ground hazards before raising the lift. 4) Consider weather conditions such as strong winds. 5) Do not use additional equipment to gain height on the platform. 6) Only allow trained operators. 7) Perform regular maintenance and checks. 8) Do not overload the lift. 9) Use ground guides when operating or moving. 10) Safety is the top priority.

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    Toolbox talk

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    The document provides safety guidelines for operating scissor lifts. It notes that while scissor lifts are commonly used, accidents still occur when safety procedures are not followed. The guidelines include 10 points: 1) Do not move the lift while elevated. 2) Do not use guardrails for anything other than safety barriers. 3) Be aware of overhead and ground hazards before raising the lift. 4) Consider weather conditions such as strong winds. 5) Do not use additional equipment to gain height on the platform. 6) Only allow trained operators. 7) Perform regular maintenance and checks. 8) Do not overload the lift. 9) Use ground guides when operating or moving. 10) Safety is the top priority.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    34 views4 pages

    TBT - 037 Scissor Lifts

    Uploaded by

    Rich Pellett
    The document provides safety guidelines for operating scissor lifts. It notes that while scissor lifts are commonly used, accidents still occur when safety procedures are not followed. The guidelines include 10 points: 1) Do not move the lift while elevated. 2) Do not use guardrails for anything other than safety barriers. 3) Be aware of overhead and ground hazards before raising the lift. 4) Consider weather conditions such as strong winds. 5) Do not use additional equipment to gain height on the platform. 6) Only allow trained operators. 7) Perform regular maintenance and checks. 8) Do not overload the lift. 9) Use ground guides when operating or moving. 10) Safety is the top priority.

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 4

    Toolbox Talk

    Scissor Lifts

    Scissor lifts are well known for their safety. They’re used by businesses across the country thanks to
    their reach and their ability to be both used indoors and outdoors. Their stability, ease of workspace
    and solid platform all contribute toward a safe environment.

    However, scissor lift accidents still occur. Over the past four years, five people have lost their lives
    due to the equipment they were using tipping. When investigated, it was discovered that the locking
    system had failed – something which may have been spotted if regular checks had been performed
    before the scissor lifts were used.

    1. Moving whilst elevated

    This may seem obvious, but as one of the top questions Google has been asked in relation to scissor
    lift use, it seems that it’s something people are still unsure of. Moving a scissor lift whilst its platform is
    elevated, especially at great height, is dangerous, even for those who are IPAF trained.

    Not only could it encounter uneven ground and tip, or meet overhead obstructions and cause
    damage, but the weight distribution of the equipment could also cause it to fall when moved. When
    moving a scissor lift that is in an elevated position, it’s important to ensure the area is fully scoped,
    that great care is taken, and that the equipment is moved slowly and deliberately.

    2. Do not utilise the guardrails for anything other than as a safety barrier

    The guardrails are the main safety feature of scissor lifts – not only do they help prevent operators
    from falling, but they also provide a handhold when the lift is elevating. There could be the
    temptation for some to use the guardrail as an extra bit of height and climb on them like steps.
    There have also been instances where ropes and chains have been attached to these rails and
    used to hoist up additional objects – these are incredibly dangerous practices and could easily
    result in a fall, or even the scissor lift tipping over.

    3. Be aware of where the scissor lift will be raised (uneven ground, electrical wiring, moving vehicles
    etc.)

    Safe scissor lift practice should always be followed when deciding where to elevate the platform. The
    area should be surveyed and if there are any potential dangers, it should be considered unsafe to
    raise the scissor lift in that spot.

    TBT – 037 Scissor Lifts


    Toolbox Talk
    Uneven ground can be a very real danger; scissor lifts require solid, flat ground to maintain their
    stability. Additionally, overhead electrical wiring should be avoided – a scissor lift should be a
    minimum of 10 feet away from this hazard.

    Moving vehicles are also a danger to be avoided – if there is a chance of any type of traffic coming
    too close, then the area should be shut down around the scissor lift, including barriers to ensure the
    safety of the scissor lift operators.

    4. Take into consideration the weather

    The weather is the greatest enemy of a scissor lift. Strong winds can result in the stability of a scissor
    lift becoming compromised, in turn resulting in the scissor lift tipping over. It’s generally advised that
    scissor lifts shouldn’t be raised outside when there are winds stronger than 28mph, however it’s
    important to check the manufacturers wind rating.

    5. Do not use anything on the platform to gain additional height (ladders, buckets, steps etc.)

    If your scissor lift isn’t tall enough to reach the area your operatives need to work on, they might
    become tempted to elevate themselves that bit more by using a ladder on the platform. Not only is
    this ridiculously dangerous (as when on said ladder, the operative would be above the guardrails and
    more susceptible to falling) but it can also compromise the weight vs height distribution of the scissor
    lift.

    If the scissor lift being used isn’t tall enough, then it shouldn’t be used for the job.

    6. Only allow trained workers to use a scissor lift

    Any workers who use a forklift (operate, move & work on) should have the correct training before
    they’re allowed to operate the equipment. IPAF and MEWPs training is vital to gain a PAL (Powered
    Access Licence) and covers all aspects of scissor lift use.

    7. Regular maintenance and checks.

    Not only should checks be carried out before the daily use of a scissor lift, but the lockout and lift/drive
    cut out switches should be tested to make sure that they’re working correctly. These help stabilise the
    scissor lift and help to prevent incidents such as those mentioned above. Guardrails should also be
    checked to make sure that they’re in good working condition.

    TBT – 037 Scissor Lifts


    Toolbox Talk
    Regular maintenance should also be carried out to help ensure that your equipment is kept in tip top
    condition and work ready. We service our cars to make sure they work properly – the same should go
    for scissor lifts too.
    Every six months, your scissor lift will also require a Thorough Examination to ensure that it is safe for
    use, in respect, an MOT for your scissor lift.

    8. Do not overload the scissor lift

    Overloading the platform can cause the scissor lift to become more and more unstable the higher the
    platform is elevated. Minimum equipment should be taken up by operators, for their own safety and to
    protect the forklift itself.

    9. Use ground guides when operating or moving a scissor lift (and always lock in place when
    stationary)

    Whilst you often have rather good peripheral vision when operating a compressed scissor lift (after all,
    you’re still working at height), you can’t necessarily see everything. By having an additional body on
    the ground, you can have a guide who can see everything, advise you on dangers to avoid and help
    to guide you safely to your destination.

    10. Safety first

    If risk assessment and/or company policy demands it, wear the appropriate safety gear such as a
    safety harness and/or hard hat.

    Delivered By:

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    TBT – 037 Scissor Lifts


    Toolbox Talk
    Scissor Lifts
    Name Position Held Date Signature

    TBT – 037 Scissor Lifts

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