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Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts are machines that are described by OSHA as being "movable scaffolds." They are able to lift large, heavy loads that are well balanced as well as employees, and to move them safely to and from high elevations. Because these machines are classified as heavy machinery and are mobile, there are several different safety requirements that apply to the maintenance and use of scissor lifts.

  1. Movement

    • Scissor lifts can be driven or moved on wheels to make them easily usable in different places. While scissor lifts are designed to move employees or heavy loads up or down from heights, employees are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift while it is being relocated. This is to help ensure that employees do not fall from the scissor lift while in use. To help avoid injury, all employees working with and surrounding a scissor lift must be informed of movement before the operator releases the safety brake to move the lift.

    Fall Protection

    • While scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, they are required to adhere to the same safety standards as scaffolding to make sure that employees do not fall from the lift when in use. This includes guard rails placed around the perimeter of the lift, slip guards and a lock that must be engaged on the entrance to the lift platform while the lift is in use. An employee should also make sure that any heavy loads or other items on the lift platform are securely fastened down before the lift is moved to make sure that nothing falls from the lift or causes an employee also on the lift platform to be injured.

    Emergency Stop and Brakes

    • A scissor lift should be outfitted with an emergency stop button, both on the lift platform and with the controls at the bottom of the lift. This is to allow either the worker on the platform or the lift operator to stop the progress of the lift in case of emergency. The lift should also be equipped with emergency brakes. This is to prevent the lift from falling as well as to keep the lift from rolling when in use. The emergency brakes on the wheels should be engaged after the lift is moved and before it is in use to make sure that it makes no sudden movements with someone on the lift platform.

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