Some gates use a latch to lock the guard rail in place. If you can’t open the door, look for a locking mechanism where the door meets the frame of the machine and flip it up to unlock it. Never operate a scissor lift without securing the gate on the side rail.
If you need to restart the machine after using the emergency shut off button, simply pull the button out and use the key to restart the scissor lift.
You’re more likely to have an accident or lose control of the lift if it’s moving quickly. The fast setting is usually reserved for warehouse workers that only use a scissor lift to access higher shelves in a specific location where the lift doesn’t need to be driven.
The joysticks on scissor lifts will almost always flip back to the center so that the lift stops moving when you release the joystick. When going up, stay alert and look above and around you to ensure that you don’t strike anything while moving up. Make sure that nobody is standing nearby the lift while you’re raising it.
Before you move a lift down, look over the rails to make sure that it’s safe. The rails fold on one another as a scissor lift lowers, and a person may be injured if they’re touching the lift when it starts moving. As you move down, look down to keep an eye out for people passing by. Do not lower a scissor lift if someone is within 20 feet (6. 1 m) of the lift.
Depending on where you live, it is usually a safety violation to move a scissor lift if the platform is raised.
You cannot raise or lower the platform while the lift is in drive mode, so always lower the platform before using this switch.
The “fast” position is usually used to navigate rows in a warehouse where the lift doesn’t need to go left or right.
Scissor lifts can’t turn at sharp angles; it usually takes multiple control inputs to turn the lift around sharp corners.
While driving the lift, always look at the ground where you’re driving the lift to watch out for obstructions or changes in the texture of the floor. If you’re outside, look up once every 2-3 seconds to make sure that you aren’t at risk of running into a powerline or tree. If you move the joystick back and forth while changing directions at the same time, you may knock the scissor lift over or fall off of the platform. In addition, you may run into an obstruction or hole if you move too quickly, which can disrupt the lift or knock you off.
The nylon strap will extend 6 feet (1. 8 m) before locking, so you have plenty of room to move around on the platform.
If you do run out of energy while the platform is raised, you’ll need someone else to charge the battery or fill the tank for you before you can get back down. (If this isn’t practical there should be a manual pressure relief valve on the scissor lift allowing it to be lowered regardless of battery or fuel status - consult the manual or manufacturer for this. ) The vast majority of scissor lifts are electric.
If you’re unsure if a scissor lift is safe to use, have a certified mechanic inspect the machine before using it.
Operator certifications for scissor lifts usually take less than a week to earn. In some states and countries, you are required to take a class on scissor lifts before you are allowed to operate one. However, these safety certifications are optional everywhere else. While it changes depending on where you live, scissor lifts are usually considered to be a type of scaffolding. Standing on scaffolding does not typically require a certification. [18] X Trustworthy Source US Occupational Safety and Health Administration U. S. government agency responsible for setting and enforcing workplace safety standards Go to source