Everyone loves scissor lifts. They're easy to operate, convenient to use, versatile enough for both indoor and outdoor applications, and generally safe when operated correctly. However, one of the biggest concerns for anyone working at heights is fall safety. OSHA's fall protection requirements for scissor lifts are straightforward, but many people think they don't go far enough. Many scissor lifts can raise workers up to 60+ feet above the ground. A fall from that height could cause serious injury, and at 60 feet, it would almost certainly be fatal. While scissor lifts are typically considered safe, accidents do happen. Some argue that as long as the operator is properly trained and follows procedures, accidents are nearly impossible. But this overlooks numerous risks present on any job site that can pose a deadly threat to workers at heights. We’ll delve deeper into these challenges later. OSHA's general fall protection requirements mandate that employers provide fall protection for employees working at heights of four feet or more in general industries, and six feet or more in construction settings. For scissor lift usage specifically, OSHA requires fall protection for workers on the elevated platform. This includes using either personal fall arrest systems or guardrails. Employers are also responsible for ensuring that scissor lift equipment is inspected prior to use and maintained in good condition. In addition to these general and specific fall protection requirements for scissor lifts, OSHA mandates that employers provide fall protection training for their employees. This training must cover the correct usage of fall protection equipment and the hazards associated with working at heights. Employers must also maintain records of employee training, including dates, names of trained employees, and types of training provided. Fall protection for scissor lifts is quite simple. Either guardrails or fall arrest systems must be used. Let’s explore both options. Most scissor lifts come equipped with guardrails. As long as the lift has guardrails encircling the entire platform and they meet OSHA specifications, they provide sufficient fall protection. Even on specialty scissor lifts that can reach heights of 100+ feet, the only fall protection requirement is a guardrail between 35"-45" high to keep the worker from falling. However, many in the industry disagree with these minimal standards. OSHA requirements represent the bare minimum safety standards, and while striving to exceed them is ideal, some argue that even the minimum is insufficient. At certain heights, workers should be required to wear a personal fall arrest system in addition to the guardrail system. Some companies have already implemented policies requiring workers to use additional fall protection when on a scissor lift. A personal fall arrest system (PFAS) consists of a full-body harness, a lanyard/lifeline, and an anchor point that work together to stop a fall and prevent the worker from hitting the ground. PFAS systems are highly effective in preventing injuries and fatalities in the event of a fall. Most scissor lifts come with anchor points. A worker would need to wear a full-body harness and attach it to the anchor point with a fall lanyard or an SRD. Learn more about SRDs and retractable devices. In some scenarios, like when a worker needs open access off one side of the lift, certain guardrails may need to be removed. In these cases, OSHA requires the use of a personal fall arrest system in addition to the remaining guardrails. The controversy surrounding OSHA's relatively relaxed fall safety standards for scissor lifts stems from numerous documented cases of workers being ejected from the lift due to various reasons. These incidents often result in severe injuries and even fatalities. You can review OSHA's accident logs on their website to see examples for yourself. One notable case from 2021 involved a worker moving a scissor lift over an unmarked hole covered with plywood. The weight of the lift broke the plywood, tipping the lift and ejecting the worker, who subsequently died from the fall. One of the most critical best practices for fall protection on scissor lifts is conducting pre-use inspections. Before using a scissor lift, employers should thoroughly inspect the equipment to ensure it is in good working order. This involves checking for any damage, wear and tear, and ensuring that all safety features are functioning correctly. By performing pre-use inspections, employers can guarantee that their workers are using safe and reliable equipment. Proper usage and operation of scissor lifts are also key to fall protection. Employers must ensure that their workers receive proper training on how to safely operate the equipment, including moving around the platform and using fall protection gear. Workers should also be educated about the hazards of working at heights and trained to recognize and avoid them. We hate to mention this, but regular maintenance is another essential best practice for scissor lift fall protection. Employers should arrange for routine servicing and maintenance of the equipment to keep it in optimal condition. This includes inspecting and replacing worn or damaged parts. Regular maintenance helps prevent accidents by identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate. Employers should establish safety protocols and procedures for working with scissor lifts that go beyond OSHA requirements. This includes having emergency plans in place for accidents and incidents, as well as providing appropriate signage and warning labels to remind workers of potential hazards. Such measures will make workers aware of dangers and prepared for emergencies. It’s important not only to understand OSHA regulations but also industry standards. These standards are established by organizations such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Standards Organization (ISO). These standards offer additional guidelines and recommendations for fall protection on scissor lifts beyond what OSHA mandates. One relevant industry standard for fall protection on scissor lifts is ANSI A92.20-2018, which covers the design, construction, testing, and maintenance of mobile elevating work platforms. This standard specifies requirements for fall protection on scissor lifts, such as the necessity of guardrails when the platform is elevated and the requirement for personal fall arrest system anchors on the platform. Another relevant industry standard for scissor lift fall protection is ISO 12100-1:2010, which focuses on the safety of machinery. This standard includes requirements for the design and construction of scissor lifts to ensure their safe use. It includes specifications for fall protection systems and supports. At PowerPak, we’re not in the business of selling scissor lifts. However, this topic is significant for us since we are a safety company, and our mission is to ensure that workers and companies have quick access to the safety equipment they need. Waiting two to three weeks for a safety harness or fall protection device will only result in workers continuing without the necessary equipment. Read more about how to properly use safety harnesses PowerPak operates on four core principles. We deliver as fast as possible, with many orders going out the same day. If you're within our delivery area, your order will usually be delivered to you via a PowerPak van or truck within a day. No backorders. If you see a product listed in our buyer's guide, it’s in stock. We maintain an inventory of all our products to avoid any delays in fulfilling your order. 30-minute response time. Whether you contact us by phone, email, or chat, we promise to respond as quickly as possible. No need to wait 24 hours just to place an order. Finally, we are leaders in the utility and infrastructure sectors. With over three decades of experience, we’ve been dedicated to keeping workers safe. Explore our offerings at PowerPak.net. Poclain Hydraulic Piston Motor Ningbo Hengnuo Hydraulic Drive Co.,Ltd , https://www.hnhydraulic.comFall Protection and Scissor Lifts
Scissor Lift Safety Requirements
Types of Fall Protection for Scissor Lifts
Guardrails
Fall Arrest
Best Practices for Scissor Lift Safety
Industry Standards for Scissor Lifts
ANSI Standard
ISO Standard
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Fall Protection and Scissor Lifts
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