PennCoat, Inc : Good Painting Practice : Scissor Lift Inspection

Scissor Lift – Checklist for Inspection

With a lot of painting jobs, a scissors lift will be just as vital as the paint and its accessories.  A scissors lift is a motorized vehicle with a platform that can be raised or lowered vertically. There is a control box on the lift’s platform, that allows the operator to control the scissors lift while on the platform.  From the platform, the operator can drive the scissors lift while erected in the air, and also control how high the scissor lift is erected.  The lift derives its name due to the criss-cross pattern formed by its folding supports when the lift is raised. There are several types of scissor lifts used in industries, classified on basis of their movement as – pneumatic, hydraulic and mechanical. Also, scissor lifts are available in different sizes, capacities and platform sizes. Each type of scissor lift has suited applications in various industries.

Scissor lifts are primarily used to access high areas at workplace such as ceilings, top end of storage racks or upper surface of industrial machines. Scissor lifts are also used in industrial painting of structures, ceilings and other high altitude areas. Because scissor lifts allow people to reach and work at high altitudes, they do come with a risk, and should be used with caution. Any person operating the scissor lift should be well trained to use this equipment.  Otherwise it can lead to hazardous incidents. There are some checklist points about scissor lift that you should note down –

  • Before using the lift, perform an inspection of the lift to see whether it is mechanically safe or not. Check if there are any loose or missing parts and fittings in the lift. Get them fixed immediately.
  • Also, test emergency controls and safety devices to ensure they are working. Check condition of tires and their inflation. Tires that have worn out should be replaced immediately or it will become risky to move and operate the lift.
  • Check for hydraulic hose and level of fluid in the lift.
  • Once you have tested emergency controls, check the equipment for any signs of leakage of oil, fluid, air or fuel.
  • Check railings and rear closure of platforms along with fasteners.
  • Raise the platform to full height for testing. Also, check the working of brakes, both control boxes, operation of pothole system and steering.
  • The Person operating the scissor lift must wear protective gear, and should be a qualified mechanic.
  • Also, inspect the area where lift will be operating. Check for overhead electrical wires, loose cables, panels, gas or chemical lines and other utilities.
  • Inspect the slope of area, holes, drop-offs, unstable floor surfaces as well as any other form of obstruction like debris.

A scissors lift can increase accessibility for any job.  But this advantage needs to be taken with considering, as tt is very important to inspect scissor lift and their operating environment to prevent danger and hazardous conditions for workers. Appropriate safety is vital to avoid accidents, and to ensure quality paint jobs.

Contact PennCoat, Inc. for satisfied industrial painting and epoxy flooring installation.