Scissor Lifts What goes up Will come down

Scissor lifts are large pieces of versatile equipment that are commonly used inside warehouses, factories and on construction jobsites. However, scissor lifts can be dangerous when not properly maintained and serviced, used inappropriately or used by an untrained operator. Scissor lifts are classified as a type of man lift.

Has your supervisor taught you

• Legislation and standards as pertaining to elevated work platforms• › Recent statistical information, workplace incidents, and the requirement

for training• › Elements of pre-work planning• › Conducting a pre-use check and visual inspection• › Employer and worker responsibilities• › Load limitations and calculations• › Machine specific features• › PPE• › Stability• › Working from heights• › Platform types• › System components• › Safely operating an elevated work platform in the field

Train and Re-Train Training must also be specific to the type of scissor lift the employee will operate. Employers must stress the importance of workers to follow the established safe work practices and manufacturers’ recommendations for operating scissor lifts safely. Training must include the following elements:• Employer's established safe work practices;• Manufacturers' recommendations for safe operation; • Hazards associated the scissor lift and worksite; • Procedures for dealing with and reporting potentially hazardous situations; and• Trainee demonstration of safe operational use of the lift.

• Documentation of operator training must be maintained for a minimum of three years. Employers should retraining scissor lift operators as necessary. Operator retraining should occur as equipment or work conditions change. Additionally, retraining scissor lift operators is necessary if circumstances (e.g. near misses) lead the employer to believe operators do not have the skill set required to operate the equipment safely.

Aerial/Scissor Lift Operator Safety Training

Before Operation

Before operation the operator

shall:

1. Read and understand

the manufacturer’s

operating instructions

and user’s safety rules.

2. Understand all labels,

warnings and

instructions.

3. Ensure all occupants of

the aerial platform wear

appropriate personal

safety equipment.

Common is to everyone

Some of the common occupational hazards associated with the use of scissor lifts include the following:• The lift tipping-over or a worker falling off the platform if the lift is:• Operated in unfavorable weather conditions (i.e. high winds, snow, sleet, hail or

rain);• Positioned on soft or un-level ground or surfaces;• Positioned on weak utility covers (i.e. sprinkler valve boxes); • Overloaded with heavy objects; • Used without guardrails;• Driven on uneven, unstable ground, while the lift is in an elevated position; and • Elevated and the brakes have not been properly set.• Electrocution, if the lift makes contact with overhead electrical or power lines.• Crushing, if the lift platform comes into contact with overhead structures (i.e.

beams, ceilings, etc.)

Scissor Lifts Accidents

• The most common types of accidents involving a scissor lift:

– Tip-Over • caused by misapplication of the machine,

obstacles

– Misuse of the Equipment• Machines marked "Use on level surface only"

• Used outdoors for the sake of economy or availability, often resulting in tip-overs

– Lack of Maintenance

Mobile Scaffolding Accidents

A worker on a self-propelled scissor lift was installing bolts to connect two large overhead steel beams. The platform controls were not protected against inadvertent operation.

The worker inadvertently activated the lever for controlling elevation.

The platform elevated. The worker was pushed firmly onto the control lever when he was caught between an overhead beam and the elevating platform’s guard rail.

The platform continued to rise, fatally crushing the worker.

What should be done to prevent a similar incident?

• Use only elevating work platforms with controls that are protected against inadvertent operation!

Mobile Scaffolding Accidents

A window washer was killed when the elevated scissor lift he was operating flopped sideways, throwing him to the pavement below. He died shortly afterward from massive head and back injuries.

At the time of the accident, the window washer was repositioning the self-propelled scissor lift. The lift was equipped with an operational tilt sensor that automatically lowers the operator's lift platform when the tilt exceeds three degrees to any side.

He was operating the lift on an eight-degree slope, exceeding the slope capacity by five degrees. However, the wires leading to the tilt sensor had been intentionally disconnected, leaving the window washer without any tilt protection.

What should be done to prevent a similar incident?

• Conduct routine equipment inspections

• Verify functionality of all safety devices

• Do not override safety devices

UNSAFE CONDITIONS

Workplace InspectionBefore the aerial/scissor platform is used and during use, the

operator shall check the area in which the lift is to be used for possible hazards such as, but not limited to:

1. Drop offs or holes.2. Slopes., Bumps or floor obstructions.3. Debris.4. Overhead obstructions and electrical conductors.5. Hazardous locations.6. Inadequate surface and support to withstand all load forces

imposed by the aerial platform in all operating configurations.7. Wind and weather conditions.

8. Contact with ceiling and overhead objects.9. Close proximately of workers.

Fall Hazards

Leaning or climbing over scaffold guardrails could result in a fall off the scaffolding

Horseplay on a scaffold could have serious consequences

Ice, snow, rain and liquids on platform can cause slips/possible fall….keep as clear/dry as possible

Slips or trips on equipment, tools, etc., used on the scaffold platform. Keep it tidy!

Proper use of scaffold ladder – Always maintain 3 points of contact on ladder (both hands and one foot, or both feet and one hand, at all times while climbing/descending

Lack of Fall Protection puts workers in great danger!

Scissor Lift Capacity• Never exceed the rated load

of a scissor lift!

• Lifts must be capable of supporting its weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load.

• The stall load on the hoist mechanism must not exceed 3 times the rated load.

What is the rated load of the scissor lift you are working on? They can be

found on the name plate.

Fall Hazards

Fall Protection is normally not required for scissor lifts

1. Guardrails remain up.2. Do not lower or stand on guardrails weight, only applied force, 3. Do not use ladder or any other object to gain height.

Working on Scissor Lifts• Never work on a lift that is

covered with ice, snow or other slippery materials.

• Employees may not work on lifts during high winds or storms unless:

– A competent person determines it is safe.

– Employees are protected by wind screens or fall arrest systems.

• Debris should not be allowed to accumulate on platforms.

Working on Scissor Lifts• Makeshift devices, such as

boxes and barrels, cannot be used to increase the working level height of employees.

• If loads are being hosted near the lift, tag lines must be used to prevent the load from contacting the scissor lift.

Protection from Falling Objects• Employees must wear hard hats.

• If there is a danger of falling objects from the scissor lifts, the area below must be barricaded and employees prevented from entering.

• If employees need to access the areas beneath scaffolding, toe boards, screens and canopies must be used to protect employees from the falling object hazards.

What work behaviors lead to falling object hazards? How can they be avoided?

Government Required Inspection

Government requires that scissor lifts be inspected. scissor lift Pre-Shift Inspection ReportAt the start upWhen the scissor lift is out of your sight

Workplace Pre-Shift Inspection ReportBefore you move the scissor lift into the areaAt the start of workAnytime you are away from the lift

Copies must be kept on fileNew sheet for each time checkedThese reports will be gone over in detail during the Practical

Training portion.

Scissor Lift Inspections• Scissor lifts must be inspected in

accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

• They must be inspected by a competent person for visual defects before each work shift.

• Workers should perform a quick visual inspection before each use.

• They also must be inspected after any event that may affect the lifts integrity.

Pre-Inspection

Pre-Start Inspection

Before each day or at the beginning of each shift, the aerial and/or scissor lift shall be

given a visual inspection including but not limited to the following:

1. Operating and emergency controls

2. Safety devices

3. Personal protective devices

4. Air, hydraulic, and fuel systems leaks

5. Cables and wiring harnesses

6. Loose or missing parts

7. Tires and wheels

8. Placards, warnings, control markings, and operating manuals (must be legible)

9. Outriggers, stabilizers and other structures

10. Guardrail system

11. Other items specified by the manufacturer

Type: Scissor/Vertical

A scissor/vertical lift has a platform that CANNOT be positioned completely beyond the base and is used to position personnel, necessary tools, and materials at elevated work locations. Scissor/vertical aerial work platforms are power operated (motorized) with primary functions controlled from the platform.

Moving Scissor Lifts• Must be stabilized to

prevent tipping during movement.

• Employees may not ride on scissor lifts while moved unless they are made aware of the move and the scaffold meets the requirements

Moving Scissor Lifts With Employees On The Platform

• Occupied scissor lifts should not be moved unless absolutely necessary.

• If occupied scissor lifts must be moved, the following requirements must be met:

1. The surface on which the lift is being moved is with 3 degrees of level, and is free of pits, holes, and obstructions.

2. The scissor lift is moved at a speed no greater than 1 foot per second.

3. No employee is on any part of the lift that extends beyond the wheels.

4. The height to base width ratio of the scaffold during movement is two to one or less, unless the scaffold is designed and constructed to meet or exceed nationally recognized stability test requirements.

5. The employee is aware that the lift will be moved.

Fall Protection: When and Why

Fall protection is required due to the potential for being bounced out of lift or from climbing out of the basket. A harness is required to be worn when on the platform you must be and be tied off at all times. Remember to inspect the harness prior to use!

Scissor Lift Fall Protection Requirements• Scissor lifts with compliant guardrails do not

require fall protection.

• Employees on a lift platform must be protected by guardrails that:

– Have a minimum 200 lbs top rail capacity.

– Have a top rail height of 38 inches to 45 inches.

• Work that requires leaning, heavy lifting, or other circumstances may require fall protection even with adequate guardrails.

• Personal fall arrest systems used on scaffolds must be attached to a vertical lifeline, horizontal lifeline, or to a scaffold structural member.

Fall Arrest Systems

• Fall arrest systems include:

– Full-body harness

– Lanyards

– Rope grabs

– Lifelines

– Lifeline anchorage points

– Riggings

Fall Arrest Systems

• Know the application limits of the system being used (see manufacturer recommendations)

• Proper anchoring and tie-off techniques

– Never attach yourself to unstable anchors

• Deceleration distance and elongation of lanyards

– Make sure that the lanyard is not too long (include stretch distance)

Falling Object Hazards

• Tools, equipment, materials, ice, etc. can fall from work activities on platform, potentially injuring personnel below

• Hardhat required for all users on, and persons working below, scaffold

• Place tools and other equipment or materials away from edge of platform

• Protective zones below scaffold also protect workers from falling objects

Electrical Hazards

Electricity has the power to shock, burn, and kill; not to mention cause fires or explosions

Electrical hazards encountered on a scaffold can be from power tools and equipment

Misused or damaged extension cords

Contacting overhead power lines

- Always stay at least 10 feet away!

Overhead Hazards

• ASSUME all electrical parts and wiring are ENGERGIZED unless known otherwise.

• Avoid contact with 0 to 300V

• Over 300V to 50KV the Minimum Safe Approach Distance is 10 feet. The distance increases as the voltage increases.

• Trees

Electrical Hazards

• If a fellow worker does come in contact with an energized power source, do not rush to assist them. Immediately call 911, try to shut off the main power source, and follow the directions of the emergency rescue medical personnel

Danger Zone

Electrical Safety• Because metal frame scaffolds are conductive, power tools, cords, etc.,

that suffer insulation failure can electrify the entire scaffold. This poses a risk of electrocution not just to the worker holding the tool, but also to everyone who contacts the scaffold.

• GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupters) are required for any outdoor or wet condition work using electrically powered equipment

Power Cords• All power cords used on scaffolding will be properly grounded and

inspected prior to and during work, and will be approved for outdoor or wet conditions when applicable

• Do not hang equipment on power cords/lines

• Never mix/match 2 prong power/extension cords with 3 prong tools/equipment

• Do not set equipment on power cords where they could cut/abrade them

• Do not place cords where they could become a tripping hazard

Portable Electric Tools• Scissors lifts can conduct

electricity.

• An insulation failure in a power tool can electrify the whole structure.

• All portable electric equipment must be protected by a ground fault current interrupter (GFCI) or a company Assured Equipment Grounding Conductor Program.

A ground fault current interrupter is a critical safety device.

Wind Hazards

Wind is an additional concern of any aerial/scissor lift operator who operates outdoors. How does wind effect the lift?

1. Creates additional force on the platform.2. Does not actually add any additional weight, only applied force,

however your machine does not know the difference.3. Wind can be different above roof levels.4. Additional force caused by the wind can cause tip over.5. Follow the manufacturer’s rules for operating in wind.

Is it POSTED?

Other Hazards:Getting Crushed/Pinched

• Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of

working with a scissor lift is the potential

for having a limb or other body part pinched

or crushed in the scissor arms or between

the top rail and overhead structure

• These arms collapse down upon each other at multiple joint locations

when the platform is lowered, all of which serve as entryways for

potential injury

• Ensure command of platform controls at all times to avoid “over-lfting”

• NEVER put your hands or feet under the platform of the scissor lift

unless you need to perform maintenance. In which case, you will need

to disconnect the power and insert safety bars, which prevent the

platform from collapsing.

– Keep flames and sparks away. DO NOT smoke near batteries

– Wear protective apron, gloves, and goggles when working with batteries

– Make sure that a properly functioning eyewash and safety shower are positioned near the charging area. Immediately flush eyes with cold water if electrolytic acid is splattered into them

– Turn Emergency Power Disconnect Switch to “OFF”

– Connect charger AC plug to proper voltage source

– Charge batteries. DO NOT leave charger unattended for more than two consecutive days. Severe overcharging and battery damage may result if charger fails to turn off

– Disconnect charger from power source

– Normal charging will take 10 -14 hours

Battery Changing and Charging

Maintenance Program• It is important to follow

the manufacturers recommended maintenance program.

• Maintenance records should be maintained for at least three years.

Employer’s Responsibilities

The employer is required to:

• provide every employee with training;

• maintain the scissor lift in a safe operating condition;

• purchase scissor lifts that conform to ANSI and CSA standards.

• So now the written test and then the practical test