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The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released an updated hazard alert that highlights specific hazards present in workplaces where scissor lifts are used, and defines specific controls employers must implement to prevent incidents. Below are excerpts from this important OSHA alert; the entire alert can be downloaded via this link: Working Safely with Scissors Lifts.

According to OSHA, employers are responsible for keeping workers safe when using scissor lifts and must comply with the agency’s 29 CFR standards, including attention to Fall Protection, Stabilization, Positioning, Maintaining and Training Workers.

Fall Protection

Scissor lifts must have guardrails installed to prevent workers from falling (see 29 CFR 1926.451(g) or 29 CFR 1910.29(a)(3)(vii)). Employers should train workers to:

• Check to see that a guardrail system is in place before working on the scissor lift.
• Only stand on the work platform; never stand on the guardrails.
• Keep work within easy reach to avoid leaning away from the scissor lift.

Stabilization

Employers should ensure that scissor lifts are stable and will not tip over or collapse. Some safe work practices to ensure safe, stable conditions for scissor lift use include:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe movement.
• Select work locations with firm, level surfaces away from hazards.
• Use the scissor lift outside only when weather conditions are good, generally limited to wind speeds below 28 miles per hour.

Positioning

Positioning the scissor lift to avoid crushing hazards is important for safe use. Scissor lifts present crushing hazards similar to vehicles and other mobile equipment at worksites. Employers should train workers to be watchful when:

• A moving scissor lift is near a fixed object.
• A moving vehicle and the scissor lift are operating closely.
• The scissor lift passes under a fixed object, such as a door frame or a support beam.
• Positioning the scissor lift to avoid electrocution, arc flash, and thermal burns is important for safely using scissor lifts near energized power lines. Since electricity can arc or jump from the power line to the scissor lift or worker, electrocution can occur even if neither the scissor lift nor the worker touches the power line.

Maintaining Scissor Lifts

Employers must regularly maintain scissor lifts to ensure that they are safe to use (e.g., prevent the lifting mechanism from collapsing). Manufacturer’s maintenance and inspection instructions will generally include how to:

• Test and inspect controls and components before each use.
• Ensure that guardrail systems are in good working condition.
• Verify that brakes once set will hold the scissor lift in position.

Training Workers

Employers must provide workers training on hazards, including how to work safely with or near scissor lifts. (29 CFR 1926.454). Training must, at a minimum, include:

• Manufacturer’s instructions for operating the scissor lift vertically and while in transit.
• How to handle materials on the scissor lift, including weight limits.
• Other worksite hazards workers may encounter when working on a scissor lift (e.g., contact with electrical wires).
• Reporting any equipment defects or maintenance needs.

Genie applauds OSHA’s efforts to communicate employer’s responsibilities in keeping workers safe with their scissor lift hazard alert. Safety training is a critical part (as is maintenance, jobsite hazard assessments, machine selection and more) in helping to ensure that scissor lift operators are kept safe. Safety does not need to be complicated, but it does need to be taken seriously each and every time a piece of equipment is used. We believe with a few simple steps, operators can be educated and trained to operate scissor lifts, as well as other aerial work platforms, safely and efficiently in a wide variety of applications. Genie takes safety seriously, and while OSHA offers to help with compliance assistance, Genie is also there for support.

If you have any questions regarding scissor lift product safety, this OSHA alert or any other scissor lift-related topics, please feel free to contact us anytime at 800-536-1800.

For more information on operator safety training for scissor lifts, please contact us at AWP.Training@Terex.com.