A Comprehensive Guide To Safe Scissor Lift Platform Operation

The success of our construction, warehouse and industrial sectors depends on a skilled workforce in combination with specialised equipment. Keeping the wheels of production turning, these industries use a range of machinery to make their tasks easier. One versatile and innovative piece of equipment that stands out to us at Edmolift is the scissor lift table. This unique piece of machinery comes in a range of sizes and is suited to various applications, making your job that much easier.

Our blog is a comprehensive guide to scissor lift tables, how and where you might use one, as well as how to operate this piece of machinery safely. Keep reading to discover more about scissor lift tables and how they shape the way organisations operate.

Understanding Scissor Lift Tables

Scissor lift tables are useful pieces of equipment, used in a variety of applications. They are a versatile tool, taking their name from the shape of the scissor mechanism that they use to operate. These pieces of equipment are mostly used for reaching objects at a height and lifting bulky or heavy loads. With more and more individuals struggling with back pain, muscular problems, or being unable to lift heavy items, a scissor lift table can be the ideal solution.

Common Types Of Scissor Lift Tables

There are a range of scissor lift tables out there, and we’ve broken down some of the most common ones you might come across.

Single Scissor Lift Table

Single scissor lift tables feature an X-shaped arm, allowing them to expand, lifting the platform. These are some of the most common types of scissor lift tables, often used in warehouses and industrial organisations to transport goods.

Heavy-Duty Scissor Lift Table

These scissor lift platforms are specially designed to be continuously used throughout the day, and you would most commonly find them in organisations that require constant use of scissor lift tables.

Double Horizontal Scissor Lift Table

Double scissor lift platforms have two sets of scissors, side by side, giving a much larger platform. These lifts are used for wider loads, usually in woodworking or manufacturing businesses.

Hydraulic Scissor Lift Table

Powered by hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic scissor lift tables operate smoothly and effectively. This type of scissor lift table is extremely useful in car garages and workshops.

Mobile Scissor Lift Table

These scissor lift platforms are even more versatile, with wheels that allow easy transportation to make movement and transportation easier. They can be very useful for inventory and managing stock.

Uses Of Scissor Lift Tables

As we’ve mentioned, scissor lift tables can be used for a wide variety of applications. But what are they, and where might a scissor lift platform be useful?

• Warehouses – Warehouses and stock rooms also hold a lot of items high up, and a scissor lift table can make it much easier to access these items. Lifting bulky items and things like pallets, as well as loading vehicles are just a few of the ways that scissor lift tables can make warehouse tasks easier.

• Industrial Applications – The same goes for industrial applications, lifting heavy and dangerous equipment can be made safer with a scissor lift table, and getting up high can also be made much more convenient.

• Workshops – In workshops, you may also see scissor lift tables being used. Furniture shops or workshops with wood and metal can make great use out of scissor lift tables for carrying and transporting heavy items.

How To Safely Use A Scissor Lift Table

While scissor lift tables are primarily used to make tasks safer and more convenient, safety precautions should still be taken when using this equipment. Since the loads being lifted can often be heavy and even dangerous, operating your scissor lift table with caution is crucial. Read below to understand how a scissor lift table can be operated safely.

Employee Training

First and foremost, employee training is a key part of operating these machines safely. Every employee should be thoroughly trained and qualified to operate these machines. For machines that need to be operated by certified users, it is important that anyone using this machine has the relevant training and qualifications.

Inspect Before Use

Inspecting your machinery before use is another crucial thing that needs to be done in order to secure the safety of other employees and the goods being transported. If you do spot signs of visible damage, do not use the scissor lift table, as this could put others at risk. For hydraulic scissor lift tables, ensure that you check the hydraulic oil levels, as well as the battery fluid. Ensure that nothing is leaking before you start to use your hydraulic scissor lift table. 

You should also check all components and labels on your machine. This includes electric components, wiring, hydraulic cylinders, nuts and bolts. Faulty components should be noted and the scissor lift table should not be used under any circumstance.

Safety Guidelines

When operating scissor lift platforms, it’s crucial that safety guidelines are followed. This is to ensure that anyone on your site is safe, and that the equipment is used properly. While each scissor lift table will have different safety guidelines, some key things to remember are:

• Use the correct lift for the correct load weight (overloading can put you and others at risk of injury)
• Keep heavy loads in the centre of the lift table, as this can help you avoid tipping.
• Any abnormal noises or sounds may indicate a problem. If this occurs, stop operating and investigate the issue. It could be something small such as a fluid top-up, but it could be indicative of a bigger issue.

Emergency Procedures

All staff members should be trained and aware of the emergency procedures when using a scissor lift table. In the event of an accident or a malfunction with your equipment, proper procedures need to be followed to ensure the safety of all employees or visitors.

Edmolift: Premium Scissor Lift Table Manufacturer

As one of the UK’s leading scissor lift table manufacturers, we can provide you with the best machinery for your factory, warehouse or retail facility. Whether you’re looking for a compact scissor lift table or a heavy-duty loading bay lift, we have the solution for you. We offer a range of expert scissor lift table manufacturing services, where we can also create custom scissor lift table solutions for your business.

Workplace safety is one of our top priorities at Edmolift, where all our project directors are trained to IOSH Level 4 standards. We also hold ISO 9000 accreditation, which illustrates our commitment to unbeatable quality standards across our scissor lift table range.

Our heavy-duty scissor lift tables and other products are built with a 15-20-year minimum life expectancy, so you can rest assured that you’re choosing a premium product when you buy from us. If you do require repairs or servicing, our engineering team is on hand to provide prompt assistance.

Take a look at our current product catalogue to find out more about our full scissor lift table range, or speak to us directly to enquire about our approach to lift safety.