How to stay safe when using an electric scissor lift
Electric Scissor Lifts lead the way with clean technology and low emissions. However, that’s not all they’re useful for.
Electric Scissor Lifts are a type of access platform designed to allow people to work at height safely, they are designed to move people and materials up and down. This means they can handle any job that would require a ladder, tower, or scaffolding. They’re ideal for both indoor and outdoor work.
When using an Electric Scissor Lift, it is important to be aware of the safety hazards involved. To prevent potential accidents and injuries, you need to ensure you and your employees are following the appropriate guidelines for public safety and health. Keep reading to find out how to use an Electric Scissor Lift safely.
Ensuring your employees are trained and certified
In the UK, employers are legally required to ensure their employees are trained in the safe use and operation of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) such as an Electric Scissor Lift. There are a few different training bodies in the UK, however the most popular one for MEWPs is IPAF.
When they take the IPAF operator course, your employees should learn the skills and knowledge required to operate a scissor lift in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and industry best practice. They will also learn how to conduct pre-use checks, an understanding of MEWP regulations and guidance, and give consideration to safe operating methods and hazards. Any employee who has successfully completed the course from IPAF will be issued with an PAL Card.
Of course, if you’re operating powered access machinery anywhere other than the UK, you will need to find out what safety guidelines for construction are in place in that country.
Undertaking pre-operation inspections
If you’re asking: How often do Electric Scissor Lifts need to be inspected? The answer is any time a new operator is due to start using an Electric Scissor Lift. Before they start using the machine, they should carry out a pre-operation inspection to ensure the machines is safe to use before they start.
This inspection should include:
- Checking relevant documentation is on the machine.
- Checking wheels and tyres.
- Checking oil and fuel levels.
- Checking hydraulic fluid levels and looking for leaks.
- Looking for any damage, such as dents, weld or metal cracks.
- Checking decals and signage are clean and legible.
- Ensuring each part of the machine is functioning properly.
- Inspecting accessories and attachments.
- Overhead and ground-level function checks.
- Always refer to manufacturers operators manual.
How to maintain your machine
As well as daily pre-operation inspections, Electric Scissor Lifts require continued maintenance throughout their lifespan to ensure they are safe to use and working to the best of their ability. As well as using the manufacturer’s manual for guidance, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have published guidelines for scissor lift maintenance.
To stay compliant with these guidelines, the key areas to check on your machine are below (this list is not exhaustive):
- Fluid levels
- Wheels and tires
- Steering and brakes
- Emergency controls
- Air, electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems
- Insulating components
- Mechanical fasteners and locking pins
- Cables and wiring
- Outriggers and stabilisers
- Guardrails
Further considerations
Consideration should also be given to the surroundings when elevating and driving the equipment. It is always good practice to survey the area and walk the route before starting work. Major hazards can include uneven ground, overhead objects and obstacles, and moving vehicles and pedestrians.
If you’re planning to operate your Electric Scissor Lift outside, you also need to be aware of the weather conditions you’re working in. For more detailed information on the weather conditions your machine is best suited to, check the manufacturers guidelines.
JCB’s Electric Scissor Lifts
Designed by JCB with the benefit of 75 years engineering and manufacturing experience, the Electric Scissor Lift range from JCB Access has been developed to meet the needs of rental companies and contractors worldwide.
To support the safety of your workers and the quality of your machine, every model in the range has been certified to EN280 and complies with the latest ANSI and CSA legislation ensuring the highest product quality standard.
Click here to find your perfect model from the JCB Electric Scissor Lift range.