Safe Operation of Scissor and Boom lifts

1. Elevated work platforms allow us to safely perform various tasks and

maintenance at heights that otherwise may be unreachable.

2. These elevated working platforms come in various configurations.

3. One example would be a Boom Lift can maneuver a work platform beyond the
base of the vehicle.

4. Another example would be the commonly used Scissor Lift which will keep the
work platform over the base of the vehicle.

5. There are many different styles of lifts available from a wide variety of
manufacturers. Each type designed for various applications and site
conditions.

6. While each type of platform may look and perform differently, they all have one
thing in common; the potential for serious injury and death when operated in
an unsafe or improper manner. Improper operation may cause injury or death.

7. Electrocution, falls, crushed body parts, and tipping over are just a few
examples of the types of incidents that result from the unsafe or careless
operation of an elevated work platform.

8. Because of these dangers, only trained and authorized employees may operate
and aerial work platform. Employees, who have not completed the training or
do not have the authorization, may not operate a work platform.

9. Authorized operators have the responsibility not to allow unauthorized

personnel to operate the lift.

10. Pushing or pulling against objects while in an elevated position can generate
enough force to tip an elevated platform. This is just one example why
operators must take the specific training before being allowed to operate a
lift.

11. All operators must follow general training. This involves:

  Becoming familiar with the operator’s manual (where it is stored and the
important information that it contains).
 How to perform a pre-operational inspection.
 The location and purpose of all safety placards and decals.
 The operation and functions of the various directional controls and safety
devices.
 How to perform a route of travel and a workplace inspection as well as
why it is important to do so.
 As well as general safe operating procedures and practices to insure the
safety of both operators and pedestrians.

12. Many of these general training topics are covered in this video.

13. Before you become a certified operator, you will be required to operate the
platform in the presence of qualified person in order to demonstrate your
proficiency using the equipment.

14. One of the most important things to know about operating a work platform are
the factors that effect stability. They are:

Leverage:
 A small amount of force placed on one end of a lever can generate a
large amount of force on the other end.
 This principle is often very helpful. However it works against us
when applied to an elevated work platform.
 Raising a platform over a narrow base of support creates a long
lever arm. A small amount of sideways or horizontal force on the raised
platform can place enough force on the base to cause a tip over.
 When the platform can be extended beyond the base, such as in the
case of a boom lift, the leverage is even greater.
 The maximum amount of horizontal force a fully loaded lift can
withstand before tipping is called the Horizontal Load.
 This information can be found in the operator’s manual for each lift,
or on warning labels on the lift.
 It is surprising how little force is actually required to tip over a fully
elevated platform. For a regular scissor lift, it can be as little as 150 lbs
(667N).
 This is why you should never push away from, or pull against any
solid object while elevated in a lift.
Weight placed on the platform:
 Every lift has a maximum platform capacity which it is designed to
lift safely. This capacity can be found on the machine’s data plate, and in
the owner’s manual.
 Overloading the lift with excess tools, personnel and equipment,
can also cause the lift to tip over.
 Overloaded platforms are top heavy. They will become unstable at
less than full elevation. They may tip over under seemingly normal
conditions.
 Make sure you understand the platform’s capacity before using it.

Surface condition and ground slope of the work area:

 These two factors also affect stability.
 Work platforms are only designed to be safely elevated on a flat
level surface.
 They are not designed to be elevated on a sloped surface.
 They are not designed to travel on a sloped surface while elevated.
 If the lift is operated on a sloped surface, the stability
characteristics change. The sloped surface increases the effect of both
the leverage and the platform load. This may result in the lift becoming
unstable.
 When a wheel drops into even a small pothole, trench, floor drain or
any similar depression, the elevated lift may become unstable and lead to a
tip over.
 This is why inspecting the path of travel before using the lift is so
important. Especially if the lift will be elevated while moving.
 Even if you are familiar with the work area, inspect it for holes, drop
offs, curbs, slopes or any similar items which can lead to a tip over.
 Don’t for get to check for overhead obstructions while inspecting
the intended travel path and work area.
 Be especially cautious where there are overhead cranes working in
the area.
 If you plan to work in area where there is an overhead crane, it
should be locked off and tagged.

Other safe work practices:

 Make sure that the path of travel and work area can support the
weight of the platform.
  Check the capacity of all floors and floor coverings before crossing.
 Avoid soft soil conditions when outdoors. These may settle of shift
under the weight of the vehicle.
 Lower the platform when moving from one work area to the next in
order to maximize the stability of the lift.
 When it is necessary to move the lift small distances while in the
raised position, proceed slowly and cautiously while maintaining a clear
view of the travel surface.
 In all cases, keep a safe distance from drop offs, holes, ramps, and
other obstacles which may overturn the lift.
 Moving the lift while using ropes, cords or hoses can cause a tip
over if they get caught or tangled.
 Be sure that the lift does not get caught on anything solid while
moving up or down.
 Never hoist tools or supplies from an elevated lift.
 Never use the lift as a crane or for any type of lifting, other than
lifting personnel as intended.
 To insure your safety, in addition to following safe work practices,
you must make sure that the lift is in good operating condition. Whether you
are a new operator, or one with years of experience, you must always
perform a preoperational inspection prior to using the lift. This inspection
should be done before use each day or at the start of each shift.
 During your training, you will be taught how to inspect your lift.

15. Basic information for lift inspection:

 Locate operating manuals in storage compartment. They contain
important information and must stay with the lift at all times.
 All operators must be familiar with the operator’s manual. They
must refer to it when questions arise concerning the operation of the lift.
 Walk completely around the lift and look for fluid leaks, loose parts,
structural damage and any other conditions that might render the unit
unsafe.
 Check the tires for any defects such as cuts, bulges or embedded
objects. Make sure that they have the recommended amount of air
pressure.
 Air hoses, fuel lines and hydraulic lines should be visually inspected
for leaks or damage.
 Critical fluid levels should be checked, such as those contained in
the hydraulic and brake systems.
  Check wires and cables for worn or damaged areas.
 All guardrails, gates and safety devices should be in place and
secure. They should be in good condition with no cracked welds or missing
sections.
 Verify that any swinging gates only swing inward. They should
never swing outward.
 All safety and warning labels should be legible and in good
condition.

16. After completing these visual inspections, a functioning test of the operating
and emergency controls must be performed.
 Aerial work platforms have operating controls on the body of the
lift, as well as in the work platform. A switch is used to select which set of
controls is in operation.
 As part of the training, you will be instructed how to operate the
controls for the specific lift that you will be using.
 In general, the lift controls should move the lift in the same
direction that the control is moved.
 When released, the control should automatically return to a neutral
position which will stop the movement of the lift.
 Test the function of the controls on the body of the lift to insure that
each function operates properly.
 Be sure to test the emergency stop button to ensure its proper
operation.
 Next, test the function of the controls on the work platform to
ensure that they operate properly.
 If the lift has the added safety feature of a foot pedal in the
platform, the controls should not work unless the foot pedal is depressed.
Releasing the pedal, should stop all movement.
 Be sure to test the emergency stop button on the platform to ensure
its proper operation.
 The working platform contains the driving controls for the platform
itself. The lift can not be driven from the lower control panel.
 Test the forward, reverse and stopping functions.
 There is no brake pedal on these types of vehicles. Simply letting
go of the controls will stop the vehicle.
 If you discover any damage, defect or improper operation during
your inspection, mark the vehicle “out of service”. Report the situation to
your supervisor. Never use a damaged or defective lift.
17. Once you are confident that the vehicle is in good working order, and that the
intended path of travel and the work area are safe, it is time to mount the
vehicle.
 Inform any affected coworkers that you intend to move the vehicle
and make sure that no one is under, or around the lift.
 Face the machine and maintain 3 point contact (2 hands and 1 foot
or 2 feet and 1 hand) while climbing up and into the platform.
 Be sure not to use any operational levers as hand holds or grips
when climbing bon or off and stay clear of the foot controls.
 When driving the platform to and from the work area, maintain a
safe travel speed. You will need to adjust your speed based on changing
conditions such as congestion, visibility, inclines and other factors.
 Be aware that boom lifts can pivot around the base changing the
operator’s orientation. The same control movement which caused a right
hand turn while facing one way, will cause a left hand turn while facing the
other.
 Many lifts have markings which help the operator in gaining his
orientation before moving. When driving this type of lift, be sure that you
know which way the lift will go before moving it.
 Some vehicles have a large blind spot when driving from a lowered
position. A safety spotter may be required when this is the case.

18. After arriving at your destination, mark your immediate work area with cones
to alert other vehicles and pedestrians of your presence.

19. When using a boom lift, be sure that the marked off work area includes the
intended swing radius of the boom.

20. When raising or lowering the platform, keep hands and arm inside the rails.

21. Passing near a solid object creates a pinch point that can cause major injury.

22. Watch out for overhead obstacles to avoid hitting your head while elevating.

23. Take extra precautions to avoid high voltage power lines. Most elevated work
platforms are not electrically insulated and provide no electrical protection.
24. Most manufacturers recommend a 10 ft. safety distance for lines less than
50,000 volts. For lines of higher voltages, the minimum safe approach
distance increases as the voltage increases. These distances can be found in
the operator’s manual or the national electric code.

25. You should always wear any necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
when operating an aerial work platform. This usually means steel toed boots,
hard hat, safety glasses, safety harness and a lanyard.

26. On an articulating boom lift, the platform can move away from the base of the
vehicle, and in three dimensions. Because of these various directions of
movement and platform extension, a harness and lanyard is required to
prevent the operator from being ejected from the platform during any sudden
unexpected movement. In this application, the harness and lanyard are not
being used for fall protection. Instead, they are being used as a restraint
device to prevent the operator from falling over the rail.

27. A scissor lift works differently from a boom lift. The platform only goes
straight up or straight down and does not extend beyond the base. There is,
therefore, minimal risk of occupant ejection from the normal movement of this
type of platform and a restraint device is not normally required. However,
many companies still require the operator to wear a harness and lanyard.

28. In all cases when a harness and lanyard are used, the components should be
inspected to be sure that they are in good working condition.

29. The lanyard should only be connected to the lift manufacturer’s supplied
anchor point.

30. The best advice that can be given regarding safety while in an aerial work
platform is to stay inside the guardrails, and keep both feet on the floor.

31. Do not climb over the rails to access other work platforms. The lift is not to
be used as a personal elevator.

32. Avoid the temptation to get something that is just out of reach. If you can’t
reach it with both feet on the floor, reposition the vehicle, or find another way
to do the job.
33. Do not stand on or climb over the rail for any reason.

34. Do not stand on any item in a lift while trying to reach higher. Sing a ladder on
the lift can be a fatal mistake.

35. It is important to understand that in both the boom lift and the scissor lift, the
only true fall protection is the guardrail. Not the lanyard. Aerial work
platforms are not designed to withstand the horizontal load generated by a
person falling outside the guardrails while still tied off to the platform.

36. Another common fall protection mistake is to tie off to something outside the
platform. There is no reason to tie of to something outside the basket.
Remaining inside the guardrails and keeping both feet on the floor, assures
that you will not fall.

37. When operator’s tie off outside the basket, they can be seriously injured
should they, or a coworker decide to move the lift. This would cause them to
be dragged over the rail.

38. In the unlikely event of a hydraulic leak or failure, the basket will lower in a
smooth controlled manner. Should this occur, it is much better to descend
with the basket, rather than be left hanging from the rafters.

39. Aerial work platforms such as the boom lifts and the scissor lifts presented in
the video are a valuable tool that we can use to perform many elevated tasks
easier and safer than before.

40. It is up to us to use the information presented in this video to operate them in

a safe responsible manner.
 We must understand that it doesn’t take much horizontal force to tip
a raised platform. So never push or pull against solid objects from the raised
position.
 Uneven surfaces, slopes and holes, even small ones, can easily
cause the lift to tip over.
 Always perform a thorough preoperational inspection.
 Drive with caution.
 Inspect your intended work area and your path of travel.
  Understand that the many various types of lifts have unique
capacities, controls, functions and hazards. All of them can be found in the
operator’s manual.
 Always keep both feet on the floor and remain inside the guardrails
at all times while working on an elevated platform.

41. Following these rules, using good judgment and maintaining a commitment to
your personal safety when working above ground, will ensure that you come
down in the same condition that you went up in.