Scissor lifts

Re: Scissor lifts

I was advised by a HSE Inspector in 2007, that when using a scissor lift, the type of lanyard should be a short one designed to prevent the employee actually falling from the scissor lift, as they have found that the most severe injuries they have come across have been when someone has been brought up short by a harness after falling, and been left dangling in the harness.
Unless very swift rescue is then effected, the likelihood of death from suffocation due to the tremendous pressure compacting the chest area, or serious internal injuries, is a very real possibility.
So, this inspector was of the opinion that lanyards should be used that restrict the employee from falling from the platform in the first page.
I hope this info. helps shed light on the subject.

democrat | 12:58 14.01.2008| Report this answer as unsuitable

Re: Scissor lifts

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 recommend that personal fall protection is used to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall, and collective protection measures are given priority over personal protection measures. Hence before considering personal protective measures you should consider collective protective measures.

If the access method selected is the scissor lift, adequate guard rails in place would be considered a collective protection measure. However, one needs to carry out a risk assessment for the work activity and consider weather conditions, ground conditions, height of working, possible obstructions, possibility of overturning, etc.

The lanyard and harness should be used (however it may not be practical to wear the safety harness and lanyard for the work activity and other collective protection measures such as nets, airbags may need to be considered). Use of such would be determined by the resultant risk assessment and safe system of work.

Comprehensive details are provided in the HSE publication available at www.hse.gov.uk/construction/pdf/fallsqa.pdf

Regulation 26 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 covers mobile work equipment and states that anyone using powered access equipment must be trained and accredited. This is also covered in Regulations 5 and 6 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Safe use of scissor lifts is covered in BS 8460:2005 Safe Use of MEWPS Code of Practice.

Anonymous | 15:57 07.09.2007| Report this answer as unsuitable