Category: Equipment Rental

Those working in construction may end up needing to use a scissor lift at some point. While these pieces of machinery are extremely helpful in certain situations, they can also be dangerous. It’s important to know how to properly operate a scissor lift in order to ensure safety.

If you own a scissor lift or are considering renting one, read the scissor lift safety tips listed below:

• Know the machine: Do you know how to use a scissor lift? An essential part of scissor lift safety is understanding all the machine’s controls. This usually means investing in some sort of training program. There’s currently no certification required for scissor lift operation; however, it’s always best to learn all you can about a machine before attempting to operate it. It’s especially important to know where the scissor lift’s emergency stop button is located. That way, you’ll know exactly how to shut down the equipment should an emergency occur.
• Testing equipment: Another important part of scissor lift safety is providing the equipment with routine inspections and testing. This is best left to professionals experienced in scissor lift operations. Routinely testing your equipment will help ensure that it doesn’t stop working during operation. Components of a scissor lift that are especially important to test include the brakes and the emergency stop button.
• Avoid falls at all costs: Falls are a major cause of injury when using a scissor lift—that’s why it’s important to check all the guardrails as well as the platform before stepping onto a scissor lift. Be sure to also check for signs of rust, and avoid leaning on the guardrails.
• Invest in proper maintenance: Nothing keeps a scissor lift running smoothly more than routine maintenance. That means scheduling maintenance with the manufacturer or another scissor lift professional in the area. Just make sure anyone you work with has plenty of experience in scissor lifts. If you’re renting a scissor lift, you could easily set up a maintenance schedule with the rental company.
• Be aware of the surrounding area: It’s important to never operate a scissor lift in a dangerous area. That means clearing away all possible hazards, including power lines, before bringing the scissor lift in. It’s also important to park the scissor lift on level ground. If the ground is uneven, the scissor lift will likely have trouble stabilizing. You should never attempt to use a scissor lift on uneven ground, as its balance will likely be thrown off.

Renting a scissor lift

While some people prefer to own their own heavy machinery, this isn’t an option for everyone. Heavy machinery is extremely expensive—not to mention the storage fees you may have to pay. Instead, consider renting the equipment from a reputable dealer. This will help you save money and avoid the maintenance fees that go along with owning heavy machinery.

At Ram Rent-All, Inc., we have a variety of heavy equipment available for rent, including air compressors, Bobcats, carpet cleaners, jackhammers, scissor lifts and much more. Contact us today for information on pricing or for more information on how to safely use a scissor lift.