Scissor lifts are often overlooked, but they are a highly practical machine to have on a worksite, offering safe and efficient access to high areas. While they may not have the same rugged appeal as forklifts or telehandlers, scissor lifts can reach heights of up to 19m. Operating a scissor lift requires training to ensure safety and employability as an operator. It is essential to remember that any heavy machinery should only be operated by qualified, experienced individuals or those under professional supervision during training.
In Australia, a license or certification is not required to operate a scissor lift, but it is necessary to be trained and competent in its use.
Under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations, employers have a legal obligation to ensure that all workers who operate plant equipment, including scissor lifts, have received adequate training and instruction on how to operate the equipment safely.
The training should cover aspects such as:
- Hazard identification and risk assessment
- The use of safety equipment, such as harnesses and guardrails
- The proper operation of the scissor lift, including the controls and emergency procedures
- The weight limits of the equipment
- The positioning and stabilisation of the scissor lift
- The use of the lift in various weather conditions
If a person operates a scissor lift without proper training or instruction, they may be putting themselves and others at risk, and this could lead to serious accidents or injuries. Employers and individuals who breach WHS regulations regarding the use of scissor lifts could face legal and financial consequences.
To operate a scissor lift under 11m, one can obtain an EWP Yellow Card certification. Though not legally required, this certification demonstrates that the individual has received the necessary training to operate a scissor lift safely and effectively under the PCBU WHS Act 2012. The EWP Yellow Card Training Program is offered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and is nationally recognised and respected. Upon completion, individuals are awarded certification that acts as proof of their ability to operate a scissor lift.
