Everyone loves scissor lifts. They're easy to operate, convenient to use, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. When it comes to safety, one of the biggest concerns for anyone working at heights is fall protection. OSHA fall protection requirements for scissor lifts are quite straightforward, but many people think they are too lenient.
Many scissor lifts can raise workers up to 60 feet or more above the ground. A fall from the maximum height of any aerial platform can cause serious injury, and a 60-foot fall from a scissor lift is almost always fatal. While scissor lifts are generally considered safe, accidents still happen.
Some argue that if the scissor lift operator is properly trained and follows the correct procedures, it's nearly impossible to cause an injury or accident. However, this overlooks numerous factors on any job site that pose a significant risk to workers operating at heights. We’ll delve deeper into this later.
Scissor Lift Safety Requirements
OSHA’s general fall protection requirements state that employers must provide fall protection for employees working at heights of four feet or higher in general industries, and six feet or higher in the construction industry. For scissor lift usage specifically, OSHA mandates that fall protection must be provided for employees working on the elevated platform of a scissor lift. This includes using personal fall arrest systems or guardrails. Employers are also responsible for ensuring that scissor lift equipment is regularly inspected before use and kept in good working condition through proper maintenance.
Beyond the general and specific fall protection requirements for scissor lifts, OSHA also demands that employers provide fall protection training for their employees. This training should cover the correct usage of fall protection equipment and the hazards associated with working at heights. Employers are also required to maintain records of employee training, including the date of training, the names of those trained, and the type of training provided.
Types of Fall Protection for Scissor Lifts
Fall protection for scissor lifts is relatively straightforward. As mentioned earlier, either guardrails or fall arrest systems need to be used.
Guardrails
Most scissor lifts come equipped with guardrails. As long as the lift has guardrails around the entire perimeter of the platform and they meet the required OSHA specifications, you’re all set. Technically, this is all the fall protection a worker needs. Even on specialty scissor lifts that can reach heights of 100+ feet, the only fall protection requirement is a guardrail between 35†and 45†high to prevent workers from falling.
This is where many in the industry disagree. OSHA standards represent the bare minimum safety requirements, and everyone should aim higher than that. Many argue that at certain heights, workers should be required to wear a personal fall arrest system in addition to the guardrail system. Some companies have even implemented policies requiring workers to use additional fall protection when operating a scissor lift.
Fall Arrest
A personal fall arrest system (PFAS) includes 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. Personal fall arrest systems are highly effective in preventing injuries and fatalities in the event of a fall. Most scissor lifts come equipped with anchor points. A worker would need to wear a full-body harness and attach the harness to the anchor point with a fall lanyard or a self-retracting device (SRD). Learn more about SRDs and retractables.
Sometimes, guardrails on scissor lifts need to be removed, particularly when a worker needs open access to one side. In these cases, OSHA requires the use of a personal fall arrest system in addition to the remaining guardrails.
The reason there is so much debate over OSHA's fall protection standards for scissor lifts is that there have been numerous incidents where workers were ejected from the lift due to various reasons. Often, these incidents result in severe injuries or death. You can check out the OSHA accident log on their website to see examples for yourself. A notable case from 2021 involved a worker driving a scissor lift over an unmarked hole covered by plywood. The weight of the lift broke the plywood, tipping the lift and ejecting the worker, who subsequently died after falling.
Best Practices for Scissor Lift Safety
One of the most critical best practices for fall protection on scissor lifts is performing pre-use inspections. Before using a scissor lift, employers should thoroughly inspect the equipment to ensure it is in good working condition. This involves checking for any damage, wear and tear, and making sure all safety features are functioning correctly. By conducting pre-use inspections, employers can guarantee that their workers are using safe and reliable equipment.
Proper usage and operation of scissor lifts are also crucial for fall protection. Employers should ensure that their workers receive proper training on the correct usage of the equipment, including how to safely move around the platform and how to use fall protection equipment effectively. Workers should also be made aware of the hazards associated with working at heights and trained to recognize and avoid them.
We shouldn’t have to emphasize this, but regular maintenance is another key best practice for fall protection on scissor lifts. Employers should make sure the equipment is serviced and maintained regularly to keep it in optimal condition. This includes inspecting and replacing worn or damaged parts. Regular maintenance helps prevent accidents and injuries 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 procedures in place in case of an accident or incident, as well as providing appropriate signage and warning labels to remind workers of potential hazards. This ensures that workers are aware of the risks and know what actions to take in an emergency.
Industry Standards for Scissor Lifts
It's important to not only understand OSHA requirements but also industry standards. These standards are set by organizations like the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Standards Organization (ISO). These standards provide additional guidelines and recommendations for fall protection on scissor lifts beyond what OSHA mandates.
ANSI Standard
One industry standard that is relevant to 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 includes specific requirements for fall protection on scissor lifts, such as the need for guardrails when the platform is elevated and the requirement for personal fall arrest system anchors on the platform.
ISO Standard
Another industry standard that is relevant to fall protection on scissor lifts is ISO 12100-1:2010, which covers the safety of machinery. This standard includes requirements for the design and construction of scissor lifts to ensure they are safe to use. This includes specific specifications for fall protection systems and support structures.
How Can PowerPak Help?
At PowerPak, we are not in the business of selling scissor lifts. However, this topic is important to us because 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 lead to workers proceeding without the necessary equipment.
Learn more about how to properly use safety harnesses.
PowerPak is built on four basic principles. We deliver as quickly as possible; shipment orders often go out the same day, and if you are within our delivery range, your order will typically be loaded into a PowerPak van or truck and delivered to you within a day.
No backorders. If you see a product in our buyer's guide, it's in stock. We maintain an inventory of all our products to eliminate any delays in your order.
30-minute response time. It doesn’t matter how you contact us—whether by phone, email, or chat—we will respond to you as soon as possible. No need to wait 24 hours just to place an order.
Lastly, we are leaders in the utility and infrastructure industry. We have over three decades of experience keeping workers safe.
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