A scissor lift is essentially a type of mobile scaffolding that allows you to work at a height. It comprises a platform supported on cross beams so that it can be moved up and down. The lifting mechanism in a scissor lift works vertically only.
Safety using scissor lifts
According to the Health and Safety Executive, working at a height is one of the most frequent causes of both injury and fatality at work. To try to alleviate this risk, it is essential that the work is only carried out by people who have the skills and training to do it safely.
Collective protection working at a height
Equipment that does not require the person working at height to act for it to be effective is called collective protection. Examples include scissor lifts, permanent or temporary guardrails, and tower scaffolds; however, users must be appropriately trained in their use. An example is the IPAF course Mobile Elevated Work Platform, which is provided by specialists such as https://globalflt. Training must be appropriate and updated as needed.
Where are scissor lifts used?
Scissor lifts are used in a wide range of workplaces. You will often see them in hospitals, factories and schools, where they are used to carry out work on ceilings. They are also used to replace lights, fix cables and pipes, and for redecoration. Other uses include fixing power lines, hanging signs, general maintenance, warehousing, and recording and filming.
Types of scissor lift
There are two basic types of scissor lift: the electric scissor lift and the rough terrain scissor lift. In general, electric scissor lifts are used for building repairs, installing fixtures and window cleaning. They are manoeuvrable, quiet and do not have any emissions, making them most suitable for indoor jobs.
In contrast, rough terrain scissor lifts are more suited to industrial settings and construction. They can cope with rough terrain and are four-wheel drive, so they can traverse off-road surfaces.
Whichever type of scissor lift you use, it is essential it is positioned correctly before it is operated.
Related: Four ways to become a forklift driver
Low-rise and high-rise models compared
Scissor lifts are popular because they tend to be safer, more economical and easier to use than many other kinds of lifting equipment. Their design allows them to raise heavy loads well, and different versions suit different jobs.
Low-rise scissor lifts are used for lifting and placing heavy objects at or near floor level. They can be lowered whenever needed and are generally reliable, safe and simple to operate, although they can cost more than high-rise models.
High-rise scissor lifts are the most common type and are the norm in warehouses and factories. Part of their appeal is speed: they can raise and lower loads quickly, which saves time when goods need to be moved often. They are also built to cope with heavy, repeated use, which makes them a practical choice for busy sites where the lift will be working throughout the day.