Hazard Alert on Scissor Lifts

07.26.2011
HR & Safety

OSHA has issued a hazard alert about the dangers of using scissor lifts to film events and functions.

Last October, a college student employee was killed while filming football practice from a scissor lift that was blown over by high winds. The worker, who reportedly was not trained to properly operate the equipment, raised the lift more than 39 feet into the air on a day when winds exceeded 50 miles per hour.

The alert lists the hazards with scissor lifts as using the equipment during high winds or bad weather; overloading the equipment with heavy objects; removing the guardrails during operation; and driving the lift on uneven or unstable ground.

OSHA recommends employers minimize scissor lift hazards by ensuring safe work practices, says OSHA, including inspecting the lift before use; safely moving, positioning and stabilizing the lift; selecting safe work locations; and identifying weather conditions that prevent use. Employees should also be trained to operate and maintain the lift according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

For details on the hazards and requirements for using scissor lifts, see OSHA’s Scaffolding eTool and Safety and Health Topics page on scaffolding.

Related Program: Aerial and Scissor Lift Train-the-Trainer, September 23, in Wallingford. Details

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