How to Learn Scissor Lift Operation Safety Online

Written by Staff Writer | Edited by Michael Purser

Scissor lifts make it easier to reach high work areas safely, but they also pose serious safety concerns if operated incorrectly. Anyone who uses this type of equipment must understand how to handle it properly, perform inspections and recognize potential hazards.

Quality training is key to preventing accidents and building confidence while handling an elevating machine the right way. So, if you're wondering how to safely and efficiently operate a scissor lift, this guide is for you.

What Is a Scissor Lift and How Does It Work?

To get technical for just a moment, a scissor lift is a type of Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) as defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). More broadly, OSHA considers them to be a type of mobile scaffold.

These machines are controlled from the work deck, raising workers and tools vertically using a crisscrossed support system that extends like scissors. The work deck moves up or down, powered by hydraulic, electric or pneumatic systems. Operators use a control switch to raise or lower the equipment smoothly.

Unlike boom lifts or forklifts, this kind of aerial device doesn’t extend horizontally. It only goes up and down, helping personnel reach high places more safely. Operators need to understand the equipment and comply with OSHA standards, which outline safe operating limits and inspection expectations. That requires getting trained on the equipment and learning how to manage machinery safely.

What Are the Different Types of Scissor Lifts?

Models may use a variety of power sources for either the platform or the scaffold motion. Each is suited to different environments:

• Electric: Typically designed for indoor use, this type of chassis produces no emissions and operates quietly.
• Diesel: Provides power and traction for moving the vehicle across outdoor surfaces.
• Hydraulic: Uses pressurized fluid for smooth, powerful movement of the scissors.
• Pneumatic: By using air pressure instead of liquids, specialized lifts can provide cleaner power more suitable to sensitive environments.

All power sources are governed by their own safety rules in addition to the usual device-specific standards and OSHA’s general safety standards under the OSHA General Duty Clause.

Six Safe Lift Operation Tips

Before you start working on an elevated surface, you need to follow a few key steps to reduce your risk and increase your efficiency. Let’s walk through them together.

Step 1: Inspect the Equipment

Before using any kind of equipment, you should always go over it and look for anything that might cause safety problems. Check for damage, leaks or malfunctioning controls. It’s a good idea to follow a standard inspection checklist to confirm that tires, guardrails and electrical systems are in proper condition. This is job number one when it comes to preventing accidents.

Be aware of other hazards in your area, such as any existing physical hazards or electrical hazards that may impact how you work.

Step 2: Review the Work Area

The work deck is the area you stand on. Before raising the work deck, make sure you’re on stable ground to prevent tipping over. Because of physics, the further the scissors extend, the less stable the entire lift becomes. To compensate, make sure the surface is level and clear of holes and debris. Also, check for any obstacles that would prevent you from raising the equipment, such as overhead power lines.

Besides general heavy machinery training, it’s smart to get specific training on work zone safety to better identify these hazards before operation.

Step 3: Check Load Capacity Guidelines

Manufacturers provide load capacity guidelines for every model. Never exceed these load limits. Overloading the machine is just asking for trouble and may lead to tipping or mechanical failure.

Remember, capacity includes the weight of people, tools and anything else you put on the platform.

Step 4: Use Proper Fall Protection

Operators and occupants must follow all safety rules related to fall prevention. Do not disable the guardrails or leave gates open. Avoid leaning over the edge or putting unbalanced loads on the deck. Distribute weight evenly to avoid tip-overs.

Falls are the leading cause of death in construction, so make sure anyone operating equipment has completed a high-quality fall prevention program.

Step 5: Operate Controls Carefully

Use the main control switch on the deck to raise and lower the machine slowly. Never drive forward or backward while elevated. Use smooth, steady motion to prevent sudden jolts that could cause falls or dropped materials.

Step 6: Follow Shutdown Procedures

When the job is done, lower the deck completely. Then, turn off the power and secure the unit according to jobsite safety procedures. If you notice any odd noises or other equipment problems, report them for maintenance immediately and log them for review.

Routine maintenance and recordkeeping are vital parts of heavy equipment operation. A trained expert is better equipped to know when something isn’t quite right, making it easier to report suspected faults and keep the next person operating the machine safe, too.

Common Hazards

Even a trained individual can get hurt or cause damage if they ignore site conditions or equipment limits. The most frequent incidents include falls, tip-overs on uneven ground and contact with electrical lines — which can be deadly.

Users must also be aware of weather conditions. Once elevated, high winds can turn a routine task into a serious risk. Always monitor wind speed, follow manufacturer guidelines and never operate a MEWP outdoors during severe weather. Maintain a safe distance from power lines and never modify guardrails or safety devices.

The best prevention strategies combine inspection, proper fall protection and load capacity guidelines. Completing fall prevention training gives operators the skills needed to recognize these dangers before they cause accidents.

What Should Be on Your Inspection Checklist?

A consistent inspection checklist helps keep equipment safe and compliant. While every checklist might look a little different, here are some of the key items you should check before each use:

• Examine tires, wheels and hydraulics for leaks or wear.
• Operate entry gates for secure latches.
• Test control buttons and emergency stop functions.
• Assess the strength of guardrails and harness anchor points.
• Check warning labels and decals for visibility.

If you find any issues, don’t use the machine. Take it out of service and report it immediately. These checks are a required part of daily operation and exist to keep you, and anyone working around you, safe.

Lift Maintenance Tips

Being proactive about maintenance helps prevent accidents and downtime. Operators trained in safety procedures can identify wear and act early before minor issues turn into big problems. Besides safety, proper maintenance will also extend the life of your device and ensure reliable operation.

Here are a few key maintenance tips to follow:

• Lubricate moving parts regularly.
• Replace worn tires, hoses and hydraulic components promptly.
• Keep batteries fully charged and stored properly.
• Inspect control cables for damage.
• Remove debris from the machine before storage.
• Log all maintenance activity for compliance records.

Every trained worker should understand the basics of identifying common physical hazards and electrical hazards so problems can be reported quickly. These steps keep both people and machinery safe.

What Safety Rules Should Every Operator Follow?

Careful attention to basic safety rules helps avoid the most common causes of accidents. Anyone operating heavy equipment should:

• Stay within load capacity guidelines.
• Maintain three points of contact when entering, exiting or climbing ladders.
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) suited to the task, such as hard hats and harnesses.
• Keep the work surface clear of tools and debris.
• Never override or disable safety controls.
• Avoid power lines and other overhead obstacles.

We’ve mentioned power lines here a few times for good reason. Coming into contact with power lines, especially with metal objects like these, is a common cause of serious workplace injuries.

How to Improve Efficiency While Staying Safe

You want to do your job safely, but you also want to do it efficiently. How do you do that? Three ways:

• Learn the right skills.
• Be aware of the job and surroundings.
• Get consistent training — including regular refreshers.

When you know how to handle equipment properly, projects run faster and with fewer interruptions and mistakes. You may want to consider online training to make it easier to learn safety concepts without even leaving the house.

In addition to scissor lift-specific courses, you can also build the general skills you may need through OSHA 10-Hour Construction training or OSHA 10-Hour General Industry training.

Why Equipment Training Is Essential

Meeting scissor lift training requirements is critical to understanding inspection, maintenance and safe operation. OSHA requires that only trained and authorized personnel operate aerial lifts.

Employers must verify that operators receive both formal instruction and hands-on evaluation. Our Aerial and Scissor Lift course teaches inspection routines, load management and more. Refresher training is also required whenever equipment, tasks or jobsite conditions change.

If you routinely operate other powered industrial trucks (PITs), you may also want to consider taking some of our other PIT courses to expand your skill set.

Why Choose OSHA Education Center for Online Safety Training

We offer trusted, high-quality online training that helps workers and employers meet industry standards. All of our courses are provided 100% online in a self-paced format and offer an instantly downloadable Certificate of Completion.

If you have an internet connection, you can work through the lessons on your timetable. The program remembers where you left off. Even if you have to take a break, you can get right back to where you were. Break lessons down into bite-sized chunks or even complete required training during breaks or at lunch without leaving the jobsite.

Courses align with OSHA’s safety requirements and help you stay compliant — and safe — on the job.

Take the Next Step Toward Safer Operations

Operating a scissor lift safely starts with proper training and consistent attention to inspection and maintenance. When you’re ready to strengthen your safety knowledge, enroll in our Aerial and Scissor Lift Certificate course.

You’ll learn everything you need to work safely, protect your coworkers and make sure your jobsite is compliant.