READER INQUIRES ABOUT

FALL PROTECTION ON
SCISSOR LIFTS
Scissor lift is one kind of aerial lift mainly used in construction and the
general industry. If we closely study OSHA’s regulations on aerial lifts, we
will see that fall protection is not required. Instead of fall protection, OSHA
requires a guardrail system that is properly designed and maintained.
However, if the guardrail system is not enough or if the worker leaves the
safety of the lift’s platform, OSHA requires an additional fall protection
device. In such cases, you may use a personal fall arrest system.

Depending on the [legal] activity on the aerial lift or when you deem it
necessary to use a fall protection system, by all means, please use one.

Some reminders on scissor lift use:

1. Follow company policy on the operation of the lift.

2. Be familiar with OSHA regulations. Apply them. Take note that aside
from following the minimal federal regulations requirements, you should
also follow your state and local regulations.

3. Be trained both in the classroom and in the actual workplace. Keep a

record of your trainings.

4. Participate in workshops and seminars. Some of these are free.

5. Consult the scissor lift’s manual for specifics.

6. Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment like hard hats,
safety shoes, safety gloves, reflective vests or clothing, safety glasses and
hearing protection. Maintain it well.

7. For more information, consider the aerial lift training kit offered by Safety
Services Company.

To avoid falls from the scissor lift:

1. Make sure that you have inspected the machine before using it –
mechanical parts, batteries and hydraulics. Sudden jerking, tipping and
even stopping might prove to be dangerous.

2. Check all controls each day to make sure they are in safe working
condition. [29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(i)].

3. Check the surface of the ground. Is it hard enough? Is it sloped and

slippery? Are there ground depressions, holes and drop-offs?

4. If working on an incline, install wheel chocks if they can be safely

installed [29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(vii)].

5. Inspect the work environment. Is it free from obstructions? Is there

enough space for the machine to move around? Are there overhead
hazards?

6. What’s the weather condition? Is it too windy? Is there lightning?

7. Do not overload the lift [29 CFR 1926.453(b)(2)(vi)].

8. Make sure that there is even distribution of workers, tools and other
equipment across the platform.

9. Wear a body belt and a lanyard attached to the basket [29 CFR
1926.453(b)(2)(v)].

10. Close all gates. Keep all chains and rails secured. Do not exit the
platform while it is elevated. Do not climb out onto the rails.
11. Stand firmly on the floor of the platform. Do not sit nor climb on the
edge or use planks, ladders and other devices for a work position [29 CFR
1926.453(b)(2)(iv)].

12. Remember to hold on while you are being elevated. Do not play around
while on top.

13. Always face the direction of your travel.

14. Do not allow someone to lean a ladder against the lift.

15. Maintain your machines well. Have it checked by authorized persons

only.

Working in heights while riding aerial lifts is quite dangerous. It is therefore

very important to assess your work activities and follow all safety
precautions before carrying on.