Scissor lifts help you work at height safely and effectively. To make sure the job goes smoothly and without incident, there are a few checks you need to make every day before using your scissor lift.

Ground check

Firstly, make sure that the area itself is a safe place to use a scissor lift. The area should be level, and any unnecessary equipment should be cleared away. Any obstructions that cannot be moved should be identified so that the operator can avoid them. The same goes for any potholes or indentations on the surface. The operator should also be aware of any overhead obstructions, particularly power cables or other electrical conductors, as the lift is designed to work at height.  If you are working outside, you should beware of extreme weather conditions — excessive wind can be dangerous, and you should never use the lift if there is a danger of lightning. Finally, try to keep unnecessary personnel away from the lift, particularly members of the public.

Visual inspection

Next, you should inspect the machine itself. This is a quick visual inspection to make sure there are no obvious problems with the scissor lift. You should check the wheels and tyres of the lift to make sure they are properly inflated and not worn. You should also check the fluid levels, such as oil and fuel, and make sure that the battery is fully charged. Make sure that all safety features are present and working properly — this includes harnesses and gates, as well as personal protective equipment for the operatives to wear. If you notice any problems with the lift, they should be repaired before the machine is used.

Function test

Finally, make sure that the lift is working properly before you use it for the job. The manufacturer's manual will give a step-by-step guide of the tests you need to do to ensure that the lift is in full working order. Any malfunction needs to be detected before it is used, so don't skip this test. You should ensure that all the machine's functions are working properly. If anything doesn't work as it should, do not use the scissor lift and ensure that it is properly repaired before running through all the checks again.

These preliminary checks are not optional but are vital for the safety of your operatives. If you have any further questions, just talk to your scissor lift company for help.

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