Accessorizing Your Scissor Lift

Safety accessories - Flood lamps, flashing beacons and travel and tilt alarms can create a safer environment for workers on the platform and those on the ground. Floodlights provide illumination when working in areas where natural light is at a minimum. Flashing beacons visually let operators know when the machine is moving or in operation, while a travel alarm sounds a warning tone when the unit is in motion. Tilt alarms sound when you're working unsafely on uneven terrain.

Safety check
For any accessory, it's best to consider those approved by the manufacturer of your scissor lift. "The effects of these accessories to performance, functionality, capacity, stability and intended use require that each accessory be properly designed, tested and approved by the manufacturer," says Bazzarella. "Use of unapproved accessories can be dangerous."

"Check with your distributor if you want to add an accessory to make sure it's a proper one," advises Dovey. "If it's manufacturer approved, it will give you peace of mind. Contrived or homemade end user-provided devices sometimes used on aerial work platforms may or may not be properly designed and efficient for the intended purpose. They could contribute to a hazardous condition for the operator or surrounding personnel. So it's best to use only those approved by the manufacturer."

Scissor Lift Safety Tips

Add-on accessories can help to increase safety while operating scissor lifts. However, nothing replaces following the proper operating procedures.

In addition to reading the operator's manual and becoming certified in scissor lift operation, Arxcis trainer LeRoy LaMar advises scissor lift operators to double-check the following:

• Weight - Verify that the weight of individuals, tools and materials on the platform does not combine to exceed rated capacity.
• Load distribution - Check the operator's manual for load distribution requirements.
• Operator - For emergencies, designate a person to operate ground controls should the original operator become incapacitated.
• Path - Ensure the travel path is firm and level.
• Hazards - Survey the scene for hard-to-see overhead obstacles.
• Platform practices - Be sure platform workers know not to climb on rails, use ladders on the platform or push/pull objects outside the platform.
• Inspection - Confirm the pre-shift inspections have been performed, checking for the following:
• Ground and platform controls are labeled and functioning properly.
• Safety devices are operational.
• Batteries have adequate charge, fuel tank is full and fluids are at appropriate levels.
• No structural damage or worn parts exist.
• Tires are in good condition.

LeRoy LaMar can be reached at LeRoy@arxcis.com. Arxcis offers The Hard Hat Training Series customizable training kits. For more information, visit www.hardhattraining.com.