Scissor lift safety rules

Powered access equipment, known as MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms), including scissor lifts and boom lifts, is essential for safe and efficient work at height across various industries. However, ensuring scissor lift safety is non-negotiable, that’s why regulations from the HSE are in place to protect workers and the public from potential hazards. Adhering to these scissor lift safety rules is a legal requirement for all employers to ensure workplace safety compliance.

So, let’s delve into the main scissor lift safety rules that businesses must ensure before thinking about organising a hire.

Understand the HSE Standards for scissor lift safety

What are the HSE Standards 

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sets stringent standards, primarily under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) and the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR), which govern all MEWP use. Compliance with these standards is non-negotiable. It involves regular equipment maintenance, proper training, and adherence to safety protocols. 

Under the HSE regulations, the category of Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) advises best practices in accordance with The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. HSE guidance mandates a site-specific risk assessment, which includes a scissor lift safety checklist and a plan for managing traffic routes to segregate MEWPs from pedestrians. The key issues for any site to consider as part of the HSE standards and their risk assessment are:  

• MEWP hazards 

• Controlling the risk 

• Training and competence  

• Inspection, maintenance and examination 

Learn the MEWP Hazards 

Under the HSE scissor lift safety checklist, the most common fatal and serious injuries occurring on sites across the UK involving MEWPs arrive from: 

Entrapment  

Entrapment hazards occur when an operator is crushed between the basket and a fixed structure, like a steel beam. Modern lifts often feature secondary guarding or anti-entrapment controls as a primary control measure.. An even greater risk is an operator getting trapped from the platform controls, meaning there isn’t an option to turn the machine off. 

Overturning 

Particularly on sites with uneven or rough terrain, platforms overturning is a monumental risk to workforces operating MEWPs. This is why it is crucial for sites requiring powered access to choose the correct scissor lift because it can lead to fatal and serious injuries when MEWPs are not stable. For example, a rough-terrain diesel scissor lift (often equipped with 4×4 capability and outriggers) is required for unmade ground, whereas a slab electric scissor lift is only suitable for firm, level surfaces, such as a concrete floor.

Falling 

Falls from the platform are a critical risk. To prevent this, operators must use a personal fall protection system (PFAS), typically a full-body harness and short lanyard attached to the designated anchor point in the basket.

Collison  

A bigger risk to busier sites with lots of workers on is vehicles colliding with each other or nearby objects. Workforces should take great care when operating scissor lifts, especially on busy sites.  

Control the risk 

It is understood that by creating a risk assessment and controlling the risk, sites will become a safer space for all workforces in the UK. One way of reducing the risk is using personal protective equipment (PPE), which is mandatory foWr all live sites across the UK. Helmets, harnesses, and safety gloves are essential for protecting your workforce, ensuring that all personnel wear appropriate PPE can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. 

Ensure training and competence. 

Training is a cornerstone of site welfare and safety. Any operator must be competent, typically proven by holding a valid IPAF PAL Card (Powered Access Licence), which provides category-specific training (e.g., 3a for scissor lifts, 3b for booms). This training includes understanding the controls, safety mechanisms, and emergency procedures. Well-trained operators are less likely to cause accidents. 

Conduct regular inspections, maintenance and examinations. 

Keeping detailed records of equipment inspections, maintenance, and training sessions is vital. Documentation helps track compliance and identify areas for improvement. It also serves as a reference in the event of any incidents or audits. Conducting regular inspections is crucial. Operators must perform a daily pre-use inspection (part of their due diligence) to check for defects, which is separate from the mandatory 6-monthly LOLER examination (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) required by law. Identifying issues early can prevent accidents and ensure smooth operations. 

To summarise

Ensuring safety with powered access equipment is a multi-faceted approach. Regular inspections, proper training, compliance with regulations, and the use of advanced technology are all crucial. By fostering a safety culture and investing in safety measures, businesses can protect their workforce and enhance operational efficiency. Always prioritise safety to create a secure and productive working environment.