Guardrails and Guidelines: Staying Safe on Scissor Lifts
Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), including scissor lifts, play an essential role in accessing high-risk areas in construction, demolition, and other industries. However, improper use or insufficient safety measures can lead to severe incidents, including falls from height. A recent tragedy involving a fatal fall from a scissor lift highlights the need for businesses to review their equipment safety practices.
This article delves into the importance of MEWPs, discusses the role of harness use in scissor lifts, and explores when alternative MEWP types may be more appropriate. By understanding these considerations, businesses can ensure safe operations in hazardous environments.
The Value of Scissor Lifts in High-Risk Work
Scissor lifts are versatile, providing a stable platform for working at height. Their compact design makes them ideal for:
Indoor tasks in areas with restricted space, such as warehouses and factories. Scissor lifts can manoeuvre easily in tight areas, offering precise access to overhead fixtures or equipment.
Straight vertical access to overhead structures. They provide a stable and efficient solution for tasks that don’t require horizontal movement, such as ceiling repairs or lighting installations.
Short-term projects, such as maintenance, inspections, or light construction tasks. Their ease of setup and portability make them an efficient choice for quick, repetitive jobs.
Despite their utility, scissor lifts must be used appropriately to ensure safety.
Key Safety Practices for Scissor Lifts
Understand Manufacturer Guidelines:
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for operation and maintenance. This includes following specified weight limits, operational procedures, and regular servicing schedules.
Ensure the lift’s maximum load capacity is not exceeded. Overloading the platform can compromise its stability and lead to accidents.
Conduct Risk Assessments:
Assess the work environment for hazards such as uneven ground, overhead obstructions, and weather conditions. These factors can affect the safe operation of the lift.
Verify that scissor lifts are suitable for the specific task. If the task involves significant horizontal reach or complex access, consider alternative MEWP types.
Review Operating Procedures:
Keep standard operating procedures (SOPs) up to date to reflect changes in equipment, tasks, or safety standards.
Ensure these SOPs provide clear, actionable guidance for workers and include steps to mitigate identified risks.
Train and Verify Competency:
Staff must be adequately trained and deemed competent to operate scissor lifts. Training should cover both practical operation and safety protocols.
Regular refresher training is recommended to maintain skills and awareness. This ensures operators remain informed about any updates to equipment or safety guidelines.
Harness Use in Scissor Lifts
Harnesses in MEWPs, including scissor lifts, are a debated topic. While they are not typically required for fall arrest purposes in scissor lifts, they may still have a role:
Risks of Harness Use in Scissor Lifts:
Scissor lifts are designed with guardrails to prevent falls. Over-reliance on harnesses could lead to misconceptions about safety and improper use.
In case of an overturn, a harness may cause the worker to be suspended in an unsafe position, creating additional risks.
Harnesses as Fall Restraints:
Harnesses can be used as a fall restraint system to keep workers within the lift’s basket. This is particularly important in scenarios where the worker may lean or reach beyond the basket’s boundaries.
They are suitable only when workers operate directly under or alongside the work area, ensuring they remain within the confines of the handrails. Workers must remain mindful of these limitations to avoid unnecessary risks.
When Other MEWPs Are More Suitable
Not all tasks are suited for scissor lifts. In situations where scissor lifts are impractical, other MEWP types may offer better alternatives:
Boom Lifts:
Boom lifts are ideal for tasks requiring horizontal outreach, such as accessing areas obstructed by equipment or structures. For instance, they are commonly used for window cleaning on high-rise buildings or accessing large machinery.
These platforms are designed for use with harnesses, providing additional fall protection and versatility.
Articulated Boom Lifts:
Articulated booms are useful for navigating complex or confined spaces, such as working around piping, trees, or scaffolding. Their jointed-arm design allows them to reach over or around obstacles effectively.
They are particularly beneficial in industries like utilities or tree maintenance, where precise manoeuvring is required.
Telescopic Boom Lifts:
These lifts provide long-distance access, making them suitable for tasks requiring greater elevation and reach, such as wind turbine maintenance or construction on tall structures.
Their straight arm allows for efficient access to hard-to-reach areas without the need for repositioning the base unit.
General MEWP Safety Tips
To enhance safety across all MEWP types, follow these best practices:
Pre-Use Inspections:
Inspect MEWPs daily before use, checking for mechanical issues, damage, or wear. This includes testing controls, checking hydraulic systems, and ensuring guardrails are secure.
Environment Checks:
Identify and mitigate hazards such as unstable ground, strong winds, or overhead obstacles. For example, scissor lifts should not be used on slopes without proper leveling equipment.
Monitor Load Limits:
Ensure the combined weight of workers, tools, and materials does not exceed the MEWP’s capacity. Overloading can affect stability and increase the risk of tipping.
Emergency Preparedness:
Have clear procedures for emergencies, including a plan for prompt rescue if a worker becomes trapped or incapacitated. Ensure all operators and ground crew know how to operate emergency lowering systems.
Final Words
Scissor lifts and other MEWPs are indispensable tools in high-risk environments, but their safe use requires vigilance. By understanding their capabilities, adhering to best practices, and recognising when alternative MEWPs are more suitable, businesses can minimise risks and safeguard workers.
Take this opportunity to revisit your organisation’s MEWP policies, ensuring they are robust, up-to-date, and focused on the safety and well-being of all staff.
For more information, refer to the WorkSafe Best Practice Guidelines for Mobile Elevated Work Platform
