Can anyone use a scissor lift?

Scissor lifts are a little underrated. Yeah ok, they don’t have the grit clout of the forklift, or telehandler but they are arguably one of the most useful machines you can have on your worksite. It cannot be said enough how convenient it is to achieve high reaching jobs, close up. Scissor lifts allow you to reach heights of up to 19m in a very safe and effective way. Although it might not seem as technically advanced as other machines, a licence and training is still required to operate a scissor lift if you want to work safely, and be highly employable as an operator.

With that, it’s important to note that any heavy machinery should not be driven by anyone who is not qualified, experienced, or (in the case of training) responsibly monitored by a professional. So, the answer is: yes anyone can use a scissor lift… if you successfully meet the standards the industry requires. 

The licence usually assigned to scissor lift operators under 11m is an EWP (Elevated Work Platform) Yellow Card. You don't legally require a licence to operate a scissor lift under 11m, but the training provided to achieve the EWP yellow card is the same as is legally required to operate a scissor lift under the PCBU WHS Act 2012, and it is a nationally recognised and respected certification.

What is the Yellow Card?

The EWP Yellow Card Training Program is a way to ensure you have developed the knowledge and ability to safely operate a scissor lift (and other EWP machines) with boom lifts under 11 metres. Once the program is completed, you are awarded the certification that works like a licence would in terms of demonstrating your capabilities operating a scissor lift. The program must be completed with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

How does scissor lift licence training work?

Conveniently, scissor lift licence training can take just eight hours and is a combination of both practical and written teaching and testing. In the course, you’ll learn everything from safely operating scissor lifts, to understanding operational checks and inspections and identifying and preventing hazards. 

There are no prerequisite classes to take before the training, and you’ll be supplied an EWP Operator Licence (the Yellow Card) upon successful completion. This will include proof of training, a photo ID card and be placed on a national database. If you require to operate a scissor or boom over 11m you will need to go for your WP licence.

What is the eligibility criteria for a scissor lift licence? 

While you don’t need to complete any other training courses, there are other requirements you need to tick off before you’ll be able to take the scissor lift ticket course. 

These are:

• You must be 18 years or older to take the course.
• The course must be done with a Registered Training Organisation that has been assessed by a SafeWork NSW accredited assessor. Be sure to ask this before enrolling so you don’t waste time and money on non-accredited venues.
• You must be able to speak, read and comprehend English at a level deemed suitable for the safe performance of EWP operation and high risk work.
• You must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the course (or at any time during the operation of an EWP).

What are the benefits of getting a scissor lift licence?

If you are wanting to work as a scissor lift operator, it is vital you successfully complete the course and obtain the licence. However, the licence is an extremely useful accreditation for multiple reasons. Scissor lifts are commonly used on a range of worksites, inside and outside, and can be useful for personal projects. Having the licence can make you an incredibly valuable asset to any worksite team and will always be looked upon favourably in the industry.

Having a licence also means that you are trained to the highest standard in worksite and operational safety. You are significantly reducing the risk of hurting (or worse) yourself and anyone else on site with your knowledge of safety standards, as well as hazard awareness and prevention. 

Do All Lift Forklifts and Access Equipment offer operator training?

Yes! If you’re interested in acquiring a Yellow Card, or any other machine licence, our training modules include:

• Forklift Licence (LF Class Licence) 
• EWPA Yellow Card Licence (EWPA Yellow Card)
• EWPA Telehandler Licence Gold Card (EWPA Gold Card) 
• Machine Familiarisation Training
• WP licence

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Contact us today for more information.