Preparing to work at height? Well, the likelihood you might need a scissor light might just come into mind. But where do you start? To help maximise your productivity and to get the most out of your rental, we have devised this article &#;a guide to choosing the right scissor lift for the job&#;. So let&#;s get you set to reach for the skies with these unique pieces of equipment.
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To start with, if we understand what a scissor lift is, we can get a better idea of how it can benefit your project.
Scissor lifts are specialised pieces of equipment consisting of a raised platform which is mounted on hydraulic extendable legs. Somewhat like an accordion. These legs are attached to the platform in a crisscross manner and are extended using hydraulic fluid. Hence the name &#;scissor lift&#;. This allows operators to work at whatever height they need to with ease. Especially when required to be flexible.
Unlike aerial lifts and boom lifts, scissor lifts support their platforms directly underneath themselves, allowing for larger platform capacity. These high manoeuvrable pieces of equipment allow users to navigate within the tightest of spaces, either in or outdoors. However, before jumping in to hire a scissor lift there are some considerations you need to consider.
To ensure that you get the exact scissor lift you need for the job, you should bare in mind the following factors:
What is the maximum height that you need to work from? It may seem like an obvious consideration, however, there may be obstacles that you may need to consider, when getting the machine to where it needs to be operated. For indoor work, you will need to know the size of the access and exit points. As well as, it is always worth noting the minimum working height to cover the smaller parts of your project. This will avoid you splashing out for additional equipment.
Scissor lift platforms are designed to be housed vertically within the machine&#;s base. However, sometimes accessing some parts of your project from one fixed position can be troublesome. It is worth noting if the equipment has an extendable platform feature. This will allow you to be more flexible when working at height. Extendable platform features can affect your overall reach as the centre of gravity changes as it extends. It is worth discussing the specification of the available equipment with your supplier to ensure it can fulfil your requirements.
Knowing the load capacity of a scissor lift will help you determine, how many people, or how many materials can be lifted to the machine&#;s maximum reach. The last thing you need is a machine that doesn&#;t offer the capabilities you need. This could effectively slow your project down and cost you money overall. You can discover load capacities on the specifications of scissor lifts, however, if you are unsure, you should speak to your supplier directly.
Safe assess to the environment that you are working in is important to guarantee the machine is suitable. The most common scissor lifts are electrically powered and are not suitable for uneven surfaces. Therefore, you may need to reconsider your options if this is the case. If you are working on smooth flat surfaces, you will be good to go.
Scissor lifts can be used in several different applications for both indoor and outdoor work. Some examples of applications are:
If you are considering using a scissor lift, the great news is that you don&#;t need a licence to hire or rent one. However, if you intend to use a scissor lift for commercial application, then to remain compliant with government legislation, you will require an NPORS operator&#;s licence.
An operator&#;s licence can be obtained through an accredited training organisation and only take 1 day to complete. An NPORS certificate lasts 5 years and is a standard requirement to be able to operate this equipment. In fact, if you are looking to obtain an NPORS certificate for scissor lifts, WHC Hire recommends Vally Plant Training which offers on-site training and testing in the UK.
Scissor lifts can start from as little as £90.00 +VAT per day or £180.00 +VAT per week. This cost excludes delivery, or additional requirements such as generators to charge the machine. For the most up-to-date costs to hire a scissor lift, you should always contact your supplier directly.
6m Electric Scissor Access Platform JCB SE 10m Electric Scissor Access Platform JCB SEThere are several potential hazards and safety protocols you need to be adhered to, especially when working at height.
The most common hazards that you should be aware of are:
As you are probably already aware, the construction industry is one of the most dangerous sectors to work in. With the addition of working at height, the risk only increases. Specific safety protocols should always be followed. It is essential that when from a scissor lift that the correct PPE and safety harness is worn to prevent falling from height.
Falls are one of the top causes of fatalities in construction, therefore you should always take care when operating the machine. In addition to securing yourself, you should ensure that any tools or materials that are being used on the lift are secured safely also. Unsecure tools or materials could cause injury if they are to fall on anyone working close to the base of the machine.
Even though scissor lifts are designed to raise workers and materials, you must always adhere to the weight restrictions. The same applies to machines that have an extendable platform. In some cases, you may not be able to have two men work from the platform if you require the platform to extend.
Surpassing the recommend and tested weights will risk the chance of the machine tipping or falling over. If at any point you feel unsafe whilst using a scissor lift you should stop. Tipping can be a common risk during heavy winds and stormy weather. Remember if it is not safe to use the equipment, do not risk it.
If you are working close to a power line with a scissor lift, you must understand the additional risk. Before even hiring a scissor lift, you must investigate the voltage of the powerline you have to navigate. Remember, electricity can jump, therefore a safe working distance needs to be established. For more information on working near electrical cables, we advise you to read the health and safety guidance on working near powerlines.
Most scissor lifts are operated by electricity, which is ideal for a cleaner and more eco-friendly operation. However, they do have their limitations. The vast amount of electric scissor lifts is not suitable for work on grass.
Electric scissor lifts are only suitable for use on flat even ground such as inside buildings, on smooth paved areas or on tarmac. If you are working on rough terrain, then you may need to reconsider what type of aerial equipment you may need to complete your project.
Looking to hire a scissor lift in the UK? WHC Hire Services offers a range of electric JCB scissor lifts ranging from 19 to 34FT for all types of construction and maintenance applications. Our continuous investment into the quality of our plant and tool hire equipment, allows us to bring our customers the latest equipment available on the market.
For more information on our scissor lift product range click here or to get your hire underway, call
Want more information on Self-propelled Scissor Lifts? Feel free to contact us.
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With so many choices of scissor lifts, how do you know which one is right for the job at hand? First, you'll need to evaluate the job that needs to be completed and its surrounding workspace. Ask yourself the following questions:
Keep reading to determine the best scissor lift choice for your jobsite.
Will there be wind present where you're working? If so, you'll need to make sure you choose a scissor lift that's rated for work in a windy environment. If wind speeds are above 28 mph, work in a non-wind rated scissor lift can become dangerous, creating a potential tip-over hazard.
Pro Tip: Make sure to check a lift's outdoor ratings as many scissor lifts have two ratings: one for indoor use and one for outdoor use.
What are the ground conditions the scissor lift will be working on? If the ground is rough and uneven, a rough terrain lift should be chosen as they're designed to work in those conditions. If you'll be working on a firm level surface, an electric slab scissor lift would be the best choice.
Upper control on the Hy-Brid Lifts Pro Series with indoor/outdoor selection.
Areas with raised floor panels can only be accessed with lightweight scissor lifts.
Will the location of work be hard to get to? As jobsites get more complex, the ability to get equipment like scissor lifts into a small room at the end of a hallway becomes more difficult. To combat this, manufacturers produce a variety of models for varying jobsite complexities, such as small compact push-around and zero-turn scissor lifts, to allow access into areas a larger traditional scissor lift wouldn&#;t be able to access.
Pro Tip: For maximum maneuverability, consider a compact zero-turn scissor lift. These mobile elevating lifts offer precise movements to help operators navigate even the trickiest jobsite.
Are there any delicate or restricted weight areas the lift will need to work on or drive over? This is an easily overlooked aspect of any job. While it may be easy to get a lift where it needs to go, it might have to travel over sensitive floors, such as tile, which could easily be cracked by the weight of a standard scissor lift. Another scenario is work that needs to be done on a multistory building&#;will the elevator be able to support the weight of a scissor lift or will you need to have other equipment to get the scissor lift to the higher floors?
Pro Tip: A lightweight scissor lift is less likely to damage sensitive flooring due to low floor load pressures and can fit into most personnel elevators.
How high is the work that needs to be done? While height might seem relatively straight forward, you'll need to ask yourself where are all possible areas you'll need the scissor lift to access. Scissor lift platform height is measured from the ground to the work platform. Working height is measured from the ground to the operator's height, typically 6 ft above platform height. Choosing a lift that's too big can easily lead to lost productivity, increased jobsite damage, and increased chances of injury. Choosing a lift that's too small can also increase the chance of injury as operators may be tempted to misuse the equipment by standing on the rails or using a ladder on the lift platform to reach a work area, presenting a fall hazard.
Pro Tip: Depending on the job, you might need more than one lift size to maximize safety and productivity.
Does the floor need to be protected from hydraulic oil drips? Take a look at the jobsite and determine if there are finished floors that would be damaged if hydraulic fluid leaked onto it and consider the cost of potential clean up and rework. Cleaning up a leak from hydraulic fluid can be expensive, but there are solutions to this problem. Many scissor lifts come with lift diapers, which wrap underneath lifts to catch potential leaks, and all-electric models are available, which eliminate leaks altogether. You can also choose a scissor lift that has a fluid containment system already built-in.
Pro Tip: While hydraulic oil containment solutions are an upgrade to lift diapers, you need to make sure that they can contain all of the machine's hydraulic fluid if need be. The LeakGuard&#; Fluid Containment System by Hy-Brid Lifts offers 110% fluid containment for maximum leak protection.
The Hy-Brid Lifts LeakGuard&#; Fluid Containment System with 110% coverage.
Frame damage caused by a scissor lift too large for this application.
Is precision maneuverability important? Not all lifts are created equal and a machine that doesn't have precise control presents the risk of accidentally damaging finished walls, door frames, and more, creating costly repairs. Anytime hydraulics are used for driving or steering, you sacrifice precision maneuverability that's vital to preventing damage.
So, what are your options to increase control of your scissor lift? The best choice is to use a scissor lift that has electric drive and steer with proportional controls, allowing you to make precise movements at a controlled speed. To further increase maneuverability, look for a scissor lift with a low inside turning radius. It's not all about turning radius though; you'll also need to choose a lift with a compact footprint.
Pro Tip: To lower potential rework costs, choose a scissor lift with proportional electric drive, low inside turning radius, and a compact footprint.
Will the lift have to pass through multiple doorways? While this might sound like an odd question, the new ANSI A92.20 standard for scissor lift design mandates that railing heights be increased from 39 in to 43.3 in to increase operator safety. You might be saying &#;So what,&#; but a significant portion of scissor lifts need to have their rails folded down to fit through standard doorways. Not only does this take extra time, but it also lowers operator productivity to pull pins and fold down rails to go through doorways, then set the rails back up in order to use the lift again. Having a scissor lift with folding rails can also cost you money if the rails are not folded properly and the door frame gets hit by a part of the railing.
Pro Tip: Hy-Brid Lifts offer compact scissor lift designs with working heights up to 25 ft that don't require folding rails to fit through doorways.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Mobile Scissor Lift.