
What are scissor lifts usually used for?
What Is A Scissor Lifts Used For?
- Types of Scissor Lifts. Scissor lifts are of three types; hydraulic, electrical and diesel, and pneumatic. ...
- Mining and Transportation Industry. There are also many industries that use scissor lifts. ...
- Distribution Industry. ...
- Manufacturing Industry. ...
- Construction Industry. ...
- Furniture Industry. ...
- Landscaping Industry. ...
- Entertainment Industry. ...
How to use a scissor lift safely?
- Understand the Risks. Before diving into how to safely operate a scissor lift, it’s important to understand what risks these present.
- Risk Management Tips for When You Operate a Scissor Lift. Knowing the risks a scissor lift presents is one thing. ...
- The Golden Rule: Always Stay Safe. ...
Is fall protection required in a scissor lift?
scissor lift properly. Safe scissor lift use . includes properly maintaining the equipment, following the manufacturer’s instructions, providing workers training and needed personal protective equipment (PPE), and implementing safe work practices. Fall Protection. Scissor lifts must have guardrails installed to prevent
How much does scissor lift rental cost?
- A 20′ personnel lift has an average rental cost of $120 per day and $360 per week.
- A 26′ x 46′ scissor lift has an average rental cost of $140 per day and $425 per week.
- A rough terrain scissor lift has an average rental cost of $185 per day and $695 per week.

What are considered aerial lifts?
Items to look for include: An aerial lift is any vehicle-mounted device used to elevate personnel, including: Extendable boom platforms, • Aerial ladders, • Articulating (jointed) boom platforms, • Vertical towers, and • Any combination of the above.
What classification is a scissor lift?
Group classification is determined by whether the lift stays within the tipping lines or moves beyond the tipping lines. “Group A” MEWPs move vertically but stay within the chassis or tipping lines. Scissor lifts are an example of this group.
What is the new term for aerial lifts?
mobile elevating work platformsAccording to ANSI A92, aerial lifts are now referred to as mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs). MEWPs are classified into two groups: Group A and Group B.
Do scissor lifts go higher than aerial lifts?
However, most scissor lifts have working heights that range from 20 to 40 feet. Scissor lifts tend to have less vertical elevation than other types of aerial lifts. Despite the lower vertical elevation, scissor lifts do carry more weight than most other types of aerial lifts.
What type of equipment is a scissor lift?
construction liftA scissor lift is a type of construction lift, which is machinery equipped with a platform to elevate workers and loads to high areas. Construction lifts include different types of scissor lifts and boom lifts — however, there are key differences between them.
What is the OSHA standard for scissor lifts?
Scissor lifts must have guardrails installed to prevent workers from falling (see 29 CFR 1926.451(g) or 29 CFR 1910.29(a)(3)(vii)). Employers should train workers to: Check to see that a guardrail system is in place before working on the scissor lift. Only stand on the work platform; never stand on the guardrails.
What is the OSHA standard for aerial lifts?
Employees shall always stand firmly on the floor of the basket, and shall not sit or climb on the edge of the basket or use planks, ladders, or other devices for a work position. A body belt shall be worn and a lanyard attached to the boom or basket when working from an aerial lift.
Is a scissor lift a mobile elevated work platform?
Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) are specifically designed to aid workers with this type of work, but there are several different types of MEWPs, including boom lifts and scissor lifts, to choose from. Both boom lifts and scissor lifts can help workers reach elevated areas but have very different capabilities.
Does OSHA require aerial lift training?
Yes, aerial lift certification is required by OSHA. Your employees can't legally operate aerial lifts, scissor lifts, aerial work platforms (AWPs), or mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) without training.
What are the two types of aerial lifts?
Aerial lifts fall into three main categories – scissor lifts, boom lifts and telehandlers. Although they may seem very similar, each one serves a unique purpose and is best suited for different jobs and environments.
What is the highest a scissor lift can go?
Standard scissor lifts extend to a height range of 20 to 60 ft. The tallest scissor lifts can rise to more than 120 feet. Restricted weight scissor lifts can elevate higher because they are generally customized for a particular operation to carry workers and materials to elevated heights.
Is a boom lift an aerial lift?
What is an Aerial Lift? Aerial lifts, or boom lifts, are classified as vehicle-mounted devices used to elevate personnel. They can lift workers both vertically and horizontally to reach exterior building structures, windows, trees, and power lines.
What are examples of 3A MEWPs?
The common electric scissor lift is an example of a 3A MEWP. This is because Type 3 Group A MEWPs feature: A vertically-lifting platform contained with the tipping lines (Group A) A platform that can be moved while elevated and is controlled from within the platform (Type 3)
What is another name for a scissor lift?
Sometimes you will hear of a scissor lift referred to by one of these names for its technical classification: Mobile, elevated work platform (MEWP) Aerial work platform (AWP) Elevated work platform (EWP)
What is a Group B mobile elevating work platform?
Group B MEWPs, including all mobile elevating work platforms that do not fit into Group A, are primarily boom lifts, which move vertically in addition to extending a hydraulic arm beyond the chassis and outside tipping lines.
What is an example of a group a mobile elevating work platform?
Examples of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) include vertical lifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, and aerial bucket trucks.
What is the difference between an aerial lift and a scissor lift?
The difference between an aerial lift and a scissor lift is that scissor lifts can only extend horizontally, and do not have the same reach power. Think of aerial lifts as a more versatile elevated work platform.
What is a scissor lift?
According to OSHA, scissor lifts are “mobile supported scaffold work platforms used to safely move workers vertically and to different locations in a variety of industries including construction, retail, entertainment, and manufacturing. ”. Unlike aerial lifts, scissor lifts can only move vertically, directly above the base.
What is an aerial lift?
For aerial lifts, OSHA uses the same definition as American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which considers the following vehicle-mounted rotating and elevating platforms as aerial lifts: Aerial lifts, or boom lifts, are classified as vehicle-mounted devices used to elevate personnel.
Does CertifyMeOnline certify scissor lift operators?
Fortunately, CertifyMeOnline knows exactly how to train and certify scissor lift operators. Our training courses are for all AWP workers. If your employees need OSHA certification for any of the following work platforms, contact us today!
Can a scissor lift be vertical?
Unlike aerial lifts, scissor lifts can only move vertically, directly above the base. It’s the recognizable crisscross style beams that move the lift platform straight up and down. All scissor lifts are considered scaffolding, whether it’s a vertical scissor lift or aerial scissor lift. Additional differences between what is a scissor lift ...
Do you need to teach workers about scissor lifts?
If you have scissor or aerial lifts for your business, you need to teach your workers about these machines. This ensures your workers can operate any type of lift in accordance with OSHA standards.
Is a scissor lift an aerial lift?
Even though scissor lifts and aerial lifts are often grouped together, they are completely different. And as far as OSHA is concerned, scissor lifts are not aerial lifts. There’s been confusion about the classification of scissor lifts and aerial lifts across many worksites in the United States.
What is an aerial scissor lift?
An aerial lift is any vehicle-mounted work platform that can move vertically and/ or horizontally. Some aerial lifts can even rotate around a vertical axis.
How to use a scissor lift?
OSHA says that employers should ensure that workers adhere to the following general fall protection measures when utilizing scissor and aerial lifts: 1 Ensure that guardrails conforming to the requirements of 1910.23 (e) are present and in good repair. 2 Close access gates or openings. 3 Stand firmly on the floor of the bucket or work platform. 4 Do not climb or lean over guardrails or handrails. 5 Keep work within easy reach to avoid leaning away from the lift. 6 Do not use planks, ladders, or other devices as a working position.
Why is personal fall protection different for scissor lifts?
The reason for this is because the design and function of a scissor lift is different from that of an aerial lift, thus posing varying degrees of risk for falls.
What is fall protection OSHA?
OSHA says that employers should ensure that workers adhere to the following general fall protection measures when utilizing scissor and aerial lifts: Ensure that guardrails conforming to the requirements of 1910.23 (e) are present and in good repair. Close access gates or openings.
Why are aerial lifts dangerous?
Aerial lifts are used to lift workers to difficult work positions that aren’t able to be accessed by other equipment, even scissor lifts. This is also why aerial lifts are extremely hazardous. Lifting a worker up and out can make the lift extremely unstable if not operated correctly.
Why are scissor lifts used?
Scissor lifts and aerial lifts have replaced ladders and scaffolding in many general industry workplaces due to their mobility and flexibility in allowing workers to perform certain job tasks. Using this equipment poses serious hazards which OSHA says can and does lead to worker injuries and death.
How high can you go in an aerial lift?
OSHA requires fall protection at four feet above a lower level at 1910.23 (c). A worker may enter or exit an aerial lift (at heights above four feet ) provided that fall protection such as guardrails or a fall arrest system is used while the worker moves between the lift and the working surface.
What is the difference between scissor lifts and scissor lifts?
The main difference between aerial lifts and scissor lifts is the direction in which they extend. While scissor lifts can only extend vertically from their base , aerial lifts can extend both vertically and horizontally.
What is an aerial lift?
An aerial lift is a vehicle mounted platform that rotates and elevates. These devices include vertical towers, aerial ladders, articulating boom platforms, and more. Aerial lifts are also called boom lifts and are basically any vehicle mounted piece of equipment used to elevate a person.
How do scissor lifts work?
The scissor lifts work by way of crisscrossed beams that push a platform upward as they straighten. Another difference between aerial lifts and scissor lifts has to do with fall protection.
Why are aerial lifts more dangerous?
Aerial lifts require more protection because they are inherently more dangerous. A scissor lift extends upward and outward, which puts the machine at risk of falling due to imbalance. There are some other safety measures that are required for both scissor lifts and aerial lifts.
Can you move a person horizontally?
The person can also be moved horizontally if necessary. Articulating boom lifts are capable of navigating aground obstacles that would make the job dangerous or impossible otherwise. A scissor lift on the other hand carries a person or persons vertically with less reach than an aerial lift.
Can you climb over guardrails?
Work should be in close reach, as mentioned above; leaning over the guardrails is not permitted .
Is a scissor lift an aerial lift?
A scissor lift does not directly align with the specifications of an aerial lift, but it does with that of a scaffold. It is for this reason that OSHA does not provide provisions for scissor lifts alone; they are included as scaffolds because they can be defined as mobile scaffold lift platforms.
What is a scissor lift?
Scissor lifts are mobile supported scaffold work platforms used to safely move workers vertically and to different locations in a variety of industries including construction, retail, entertainment and manufacturing. Scissor lifts are different from aerial lifts because the lifting mechanism moves the work platform straight up ...
When to use scissor lift outside?
Use the scissor lift outside only when weather conditions are good .
Why is it important to position a scissor lift?
Positioning the scissor lift to avoid crushing or electrocution hazards is important for safe use. Crushing hazards are present in workplaces using scissor lifts and may expose workers nearby, even those not working on the scissor lift.
Why should employers maintain scissor lifts?
Employers should regularly maintain scissor lifts to ensure that they are safe to use (e.g., prevent the lifting mechanism from collapsing). Manufacturer’s maintenance and inspection instructions will generally include how to:
How fast can a scissor lift go?
Scissor lifts rated for outdoor use are generally limited to wind speeds below 28 miles per hour. Ensure that safety systems designed to stop a collapse are maintained and not bypassed. Never allow the weight on the work platform to exceed the manufacturer’s load rating.
When to use ground guides for scissor lift?
Use ground guides when operating or moving the scissor lift around the workplace.
What is the ANSI standard for scissor lifts?
They can be found in ANSI A92.3-2006 (Manually Propelled Elevating Aerial Platforms) and A92.6-2006 (Self-Propelled Eleva ting Work Platforms).
What is a scissor lift?
Scissor lifts are hydraulic platforms that raise and lower heavy loads and workers. The scissor lift design allows the platform to be raised directly above the base. This provides unique stability and distinguishes the scissor lift from other aerial lifts.
What is the best electric scissor lift?
Electric scissor lifts are generally considered to be the best for indoor use, small-to-medium load capacities, on flat, paved surfaces. Because its intended use is for indoor job sites, an electric scissor lift often has a tighter turning radius and can move around warehouse aisles. However, it has a lower maximum capacity, lower torque, and requires charging periods up to 6-8 hours per 4-hour shift, on average.
Why are telescopic boom lifts not intended for internal use?
Because telescopic boom lifts are designed to reach so high, they are not intended for internal use. Because of this, telescopic boom lifts are powered by internal combustion engines.
What are the different types of aerial lifts?
The Complete Guide to Aerial Lifts. Aerial lifts fall into three main categories – scissor lifts, boom lifts and telehandlers. Although they may seem very similar, each one serves a unique purpose and is best suited for different jobs and environments. Read this guide to learn everything you need to know about aerial lifts.
How high can an articulating boom be?
Because of its design, the articulating boom is able to fold up more compactly when the machine is not in use. Articulating booms can be used indoors or outdoors. They can reach heights anywhere between 30 and 140 ft. and tend to have a load capacity between 500 and 1,000 lbs.
How high can a boom lift go?
A hydraulically powered arm moves the bucket up and down. These can reach heights anywhere between 40 and 185 ft. and can carry anywhere between 500 – 1,000 pounds depending on the machine.
Why do businesses use scissor lifts?
More businesses are investing in scissor lifts to increase productivity and decrease cost. In particular, a scissor lift is ideal for heavy duty loading and unloading or in permanent or semi-permanent installations ...
Why are rough terrain forklifts considered PITs?
Rough terrain forklifts are considered to be PITs because of their function of carrying materials.
What type of machinery isn't powered?
Firstly, let’s scratch off any type of machinery that isn’t powered. This would include your powered pallet lifter jacks (not self-propelled), and manual pallets. It would also include anything that was made to push earth around such as front-end loaders and bobcats as well as dump trucks and F150s.
Is a yard tractor considered an industrial truck?
Yard Tractors. Approved for over-the-road use, tractors designed by the Department of Transportation would not be considered as a powered industrial truck. However, any yard tractor not designed by the DoT would satisfy the PIT ruling since it would be designed to pull different material.
Which is higher, a scissor lift or an aerial lift?
A: An aerial lift goes much higher than a scissor lift. Plus, a scissor lift extends only straight up from the base, while an aerial lift extends across and over the wheel base.
What is the difference between a boom lift and a scissor lift?
A main distinction between scissor and boom lift certification is that scissor lift activity is more indoor-oriented. But that’s just one difference; in order to become compliant, you have to know even more with your boom lift and scissor lift training. AerialLiftCertification.com will show you everything you need to know, and more!
What is a Boom Lift?
Simply put, a boom lift is a device used to elevate workers safely. The boom lift is controlled by a hydraulic mechanism and reaches higher than scissor lifts.
What is scissor lift certification?
Scissor lift certification is required by OSHA for any worker that uses this type of equipment. Scissor lifts are used for construction, surveillance, window glazing, assembly, maintenance, and many other applications.
How to contact ALC for scissor lift training?
We also offer lifetime support, along with renewal training for aerial boom lift & scissor lift operator certification, too! Sign up today, or call our office at 888.278.8896. Thanks for considering ALC for your boom and scissor lift certification!
What are the hazards of a boom lift?
Hazards for these lifts are similar, and include overhead dangers, falls from height, unstable terrain, and more. With boom and scissor lift certification from ALC, you’ll know all about scissor lift vs boom lift hazards – which are unique to each, and how to prevent them from happening in the first place!
Why do scissor lifts have bridges?
This is because of the rig’s limitation to vertical movement. Working a scissor lift also has its share of unique challenges.
What is an Aerial Lift?
Aerial lifts are also known as Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP). They are large vehicles that use booms or other means to lift personnel up to a desired work area. There are many different kinds used for reaching heights differently, such as side by side or right under.
What Other Kinds of Aerial Lifts Are There?
There are many different types of aerial lifts. They all raise employees to work at heights, but they do so in different ways that depend on working circumstances. All of them have similar controls and components as well, such as platform controls, ground controls, outriggers, and guardrails.
Are Telehandlers Considered Aerial Lifts?
Telehandlers are considered to be both aerial lifts and forklifts. They use a hydraulic boom to lift heavy objects –meeting the description of a forklift– and are designed to travel through rough terrain outdoors.
OSHA Standards for Aerial Lifts
There are specific standards that OSHA has in place for aerial lifts that are crucial to working safely with them. These are the primary standards OSHA has outlined for aerial lifts:
Training Opportunities
Using an aerial lift is no simple task, as you can see from all the hazards that come with it. Basic safety training is required for all workplaces, but some employers and states may have additional training requirements.
