We at Safety Blog value our readers and make it a point to consider their needs when coming up with blog articles. In this post, we will answer a reader’s query on scissor lifts.

Reader asks: “There seems to be confusion about wearing fall protection on scissor lifts. Would it be possible for you to do an article about this?”

The Safety Blog answers: “Dear Reader, thank you for your query. You may or may not wear fall protection on scissor lifts. Here’s the full article.”

Scissor lift is one kind of aerial lift mainly used in construction and the general industry. If we closely study OSHA’s regulations on aerial lifts, we will see that fall protection is not required. Instead of fall protection, OSHA requires a guardrail system that is properly designed and maintained. However, if the guardrail system is not enough or if the worker leaves the safety of the lift’s platform, OSHA requires an additional fall protection device. In such cases, you may use a personal fall arrest system.

Depending on the [legal] activity on the aerial lift or when you deem it necessary to use a fall protection system, by all means, please use one.

Some reminders on scissor lift use:

1. Follow company policy on the operation of the lift.

2. Be familiar with OSHA regulations. Apply them. Take note that aside from following the minimal federal regulations requirements, you should also follow your state and local regulations.

3. Be trained both in the classroom and in the actual workplace. Keep a record of your trainings.

4. Participate in workshops and seminars. Some of these are free.

5. Consult the scissor lift’s manual for specifics.

6. Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment like hard hats, safety shoes, safety gloves, reflective vests or clothing, safety glasses and hearing protection. Maintain it well.

7. For more information, consider the aerial lift training kit offered by Safety Services Company.

To avoid falls from the scissor lift:

1. Make sure that you have inspected the machine before using it – mechanical parts, batteries and hydraulics. Sudden jerking, tipping and even stopping might prove to be dangerous.

2. Check all controls each day to make sure they are in safe working condition. [29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(i)].

3. Check the surface of the ground. Is it hard enough? Is it sloped and slippery? Are there ground depressions, holes and drop-offs?

4. If working on an incline, install wheel chocks if they can be safely installed [29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(vii)].

5. Inspect the work environment. Is it free from obstructions? Is there enough space for the machine to move around? Are there overhead hazards?

6. What’s the weather condition? Is it too windy? Is there lightning?

7. Do not overload the lift [29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(vi)].

8. Make sure that there is even distribution of workers, tools and other equipment across the platform.

9. Wear a body belt and a lanyard attached to the basket [29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(v)].

10. Close all gates. Keep all chains and rails secured. Do not exit the platform while it is elevated. Do not climb out onto the rails.

11. Stand firmly on the floor of the platform. Do not sit nor climb on the edge or use planks, ladders and other devices for a work position [29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(iv)].

12. Remember to hold on while you are being elevated. Do not play around while on top.

13. Always face the direction of your travel.

14. Do not allow someone to lean a ladder against the lift.

15. Maintain your machines well. Have it checked by authorized persons only.

Working in heights while riding aerial lifts is quite dangerous. It is therefore very important to assess your work activities and follow all safety precautions before carrying on.