What training is required for scissor lifts?

OSHA does not prescribe training requirements for scissor lifts used in general industry; however, the agency says in a July 2011 Hazard Alert that operators need to be trained. Specifically, OSHA says training must be based on the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations outlined in the operator’s manual for each lift, as well as safe work practices established by the employer. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) also says employers must train both operators and maintenance personnel in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations, as well as those outlined in applicable ANSI standards. The ANSI standards covering scissor lifts are:

• A92.3 – Manually Propelled Elevating Aerial Platforms
• A92.6 – Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms

Following the recommendations of the manufacturer, as well as those outlined in the applicable ANSI standard, will help ensure that operation, maintenance, and safety features specific to each scissor lift are clearly understood.

Specifically, ANSI says that prior to operating a scissor lift, operators must be both trained and evaluated. That training must be equipment specific and include information on:

• Location, purpose, and use of manuals;
• Pre-start inspections;
• Operating instructions;
• Purpose and use of controls;
• Safety features;
• Placards and decals;
• Warnings; and
• Safety rules and regulations.

ANSI says that training regarding proper and safe operation of the lift must include (but is not limited to) information on the following:

• Fall protection
• Slope and grade
• Stabilization
• Securement
• Capacity and ratings
• Loading
• Clearances and other precautions
• Entanglement
• Electrical hazards
• Driving
• Travel speeds
• Personal protective equipment
• Safety measures while working on the platform
• Fueling
• Battery charging
• Modifications
• Worksite and work area hazards
• Reporting malfunctions, and hazards

If used for construction work, employers must comply with 1926.454, “Training requirements” as OSHA considers a scissor lift as scaffold as referenced in a February 23, 2000, and August 1, 2000, LOIs.