How To Operate A Scissor Lift

With any heavy machinery, safety is a priority. Scissor lifts are highly effective machinery used for tasks in warehouses, such as stacking inventory, as well as exterior jobs like sign maintenance and window work. While they are a hugely popular and effective machine, worksites must understand the legal and training requirements to operate a scissor lift. The person driving the lift must be qualified and experienced, and, if in training, must be responsibly monitored by a professional. This means that while anyone can use a scissor lift, you must successfully meet the necessary industry standards.

For instance, the recognised certification for operators of scissor lifts under 11 metres is the EWP Yellow Card. You may not understand what exactly this is, which is fine! That’s why this guide is here to help. We’ll explore all the legal requirements you need to know about operating scissor lifts and dive into all of our tips for becoming a safe and effective driver. 

Understanding the legal requirements

Firstly, let's get into an Elevating Work Platform (EWP) Yellow Card. This is the key industry certification to prove you have the knowledge and ability to safely operate a scissor lift, as well as boom lifts under 11 metres. While the Yellow Card itself is an industry standard, not a government licence, it is the direct way to comply with the legal requirement under the PCBU WHS Act 2012 that mandates essential training. This certification is nationally recognised and respected. The training must be completed with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

To enrol in the course and gain your certification, there are a few prerequisites you need to confirm:

• You must be 18 years or older.
• The training must be conducted by an accredited RTO. We recommend confirming their SafeWork NSW accreditation to ensure quality and compliance.
• You must be able to speak, read, and comprehend English at a level suitable for the safe performance of high-risk work.
• You must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the course (or at any time while operating an EWP).

If you are interested in acquiring your Yellow Card or any other machine licence, All Lift can assist you. We organise key training modules, including the Forklift Licence (LF Class), EWPA Yellow Card, EWPA Telehandler Gold Card, and Machine Familiarisation Training.

Knowing your potential hazards

It is imperative that scissor lift operators are fully aware of potential hazards both on the machine and in the immediate work area. Understanding these risks is the first step toward identification and mitigation before an incident occurs. These are some common hazards you need to be aware of:

• Crush or pinning: A risk, particularly when the lift is being moved or raised near fixed structures or overhead beams.
• Falling from height: This can occur if the lift tips over due to ground instability or if the operator reaches too far out from the platform.
• Environmental factors: Changes in weather, such as high winds or rain (especially for electric lifts), can affect stability and operation.

Never exceed the safe working limit

To ensure the safety of operators and surrounding workers, you must never exceed the unit’s manufacturer-specified safe working limit (S.W.L.).

The combined weight of the following must be included in your calculation and must never exceed the S.W.L:

• The individual weights of all operators.
• The total weight of all tools, materials, and equipment on the platform.

Ignoring the S.W.L. will increase the risk of accidents, including the unit tipping over, operators falling from the platform, or materials falling and injuring those below. Always check your limit before operating any scissor lift. 

Prioritise stability

For mobile scissor lifts, the unit's stability should be safely tied to the ground on which it is operating. The unit should always be operated on solid, flat ground to minimise the risk of tipping and falling.

All scissor lifts have a manufacturer-specified maximum slope or tilt for both movement and elevation, which is clearly stated on the lift’s rating plate and in the product manual. Ignoring this specific limit increases the risk of the unit becoming unstable and potentially tipping over. Always check your surface first.

Take advantage of built-in safety features

Not all scissor lifts are built equally. Businesses should prioritise acquiring modern lifts that feature the highest level of built-in safety to protect their workers.

These engineered safety features are a fantastic and important addition to many modern scissor lifts:

• Guard rails: Essential for keeping workers securely inside the platform. 
• Spring-loaded gates: These automatically lock to prevent accidental opening at height, ensuring tools, materials, and personnel remain secure.
• Overhead warning systems: Provide audible warnings when the platform is raised near an overhanging object, helping the operator avoid crush or jamming risks.

The model and type of scissor lift you choose will directly impact your operational safety and performance. When you hire from All Lift, you can be assured you are receiving equipment you can rely on. We stock trusted and leading brands like LGMG, Skyjack, and Genie, allowing you to be confident in the equipment's reliability.

When you purchase with All Lift, you will be met with prompt delivery (often with a same-day turnaround option) and top-of-the-range machine servicing to minimise your operational downtime. Our knowledgeable team is ready to assist you in selecting the most suitable scissor lift for your specific requirements. 

Need a scissor lift ASAP and don’t have the necessary training or legal requirements? We also provide skilled, experienced operators who not only know the machines they operate but are also incredibly familiar with the processes and procedures of worksites.

Contact All Lift Forklifts today to speak about your project, and we'll guide you towards the perfect scissor lift solution at a competitive rate.