Before operating a scissor lift, the operator must carry out a documented pre-start inspection on every shift. If any defect or fault is identified, the machine must be taken out of service immediately, tagged, and reported to the responsible person. Do not attempt to operate a machine with known defects.

1. 1
   Check the Operator’s Manual and Risk Assessment Before operating any scissor lift, read the manufacturer’s operator manual for that specific machine. Confirm that a suitable risk assessment and method statement (RAMS) have been prepared and approved for the work. Do not proceed without them.
2. 2
   Carry Out a Walk-Around Visual Inspection Walk the full perimeter of the machine. Check the chassis, scissor arms, platform guardrails, and base frame for visible cracks, deformation, or damaged welds. Inspect entry gates and mid-rails for integrity. Check that all placards and safety labels are legible and in place.
3. 3
   Inspect Hydraulic System for Leaks Check all hydraulic hoses, cylinders, fittings, and the fluid reservoir for signs of leakage. A machine with active hydraulic leaks must not be operated. Loss of hydraulic pressure while the platform is elevated can result in uncontrolled lowering.
4. 4
   Check Tyres and Wheels Inspect tyres for cuts, damage, foreign objects, or uneven wear. Verify correct tyre pressure where pneumatic tyres are fitted. Check that wheel nuts are secure. Tyre condition directly affects machine stability, particularly on uneven or sloped surfaces.
5. 5
   Confirm Fuel or Battery Charge Level Verify that there is sufficient fuel or battery charge to complete the planned work without interruption. Running out of power while at height may leave the operator unable to lower the platform and require emergency retrieval.
6. 6
   Test All Controls and Safety Devices at Ground Level Before elevating, test all platform and base controls, emergency stop switches, the tilt alarm or sensor, and the emergency lowering function. Confirm the pothole protection bars deploy correctly and that the overload indicator is functional. Do not raise the platform until all devices respond as expected.
7. 7
   Confirm Personal Protective Equipment Ensure you are wearing all required PPE before boarding the platform: safety footwear, high-visibility clothing, and a hard hat where required by site rules. Confirm a full body harness is available and that the anchor point inside the platform is rated for fall arrest use.
8. 8
   Complete and Sign the Pre-Use Inspection Record Record all inspection findings on the machine’s pre-use inspection checklist. Note any defects found, the battery or fuel level, the date, and your name and operator number. This record must be kept as part of the maintenance history and may be required in the event of an incident investigation.

Scissor lifts are regulated elevated work platforms. The specific legislation, licensing framework, and training requirements differ between the United Kingdom and Australia. Both frameworks are set out below.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for workplace health and safety regulation in Great Britain. Falls from height are the single largest cause of fatal injuries in the workplace: the HSE reports that falls from height consistently account for the greatest number of fatal injuries to workers each year across all industries. The primary legislation governing work at height is the Working at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR 2005), which applies in Great Britain and applies to all employers and self-employed persons who carry out work at height.

Under the Working at Height Regulations 2005, duty holders must:

In Australia, workplace health and safety is regulated at the state and territory level under harmonised Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, which is based on the model WHS Act and associated regulations developed by Safe Work Australia. The primary instrument covering elevated work platforms is the model WHS Regulations, specifically the provisions relating to plant and structures and high-risk work licensing.

Operating a boom-type elevated work platform with a boom length of 11 metres or more is classified as high-risk work in Australia, and operators must hold a current High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) in the relevant EWP class (WP) issued by the WHS regulator in their state or territory. Scissor lifts with a maximum working height below 11 metres do not require a HRWL in most Australian jurisdictions, but operators must still be trained and competent.

Correct shutdown and post-use reporting are part of the operating procedure, not optional add-ons. Defects left unreported create hazards for the next operator and may constitute a breach of legal duty.

1. 1
   Lower and Stow the Platform Return the platform to the fully lowered travel position. Confirm the scissor arms are fully retracted before driving the machine.
2. 2
   Park on Level Ground and Apply the Parking Brake Drive to the designated parking area. Park on firm, level ground. Apply the parking brake before exiting the platform. Confirm the machine is stable before stepping off.
3. 3
   Shut Down and Isolate Switch off the engine or isolate the battery. Return all controls to the neutral or off position. Remove the key or engage the isolation lock to prevent unauthorised use of the machine.
4. 4
   Record and Report Any Defects Record any defects, damage, or abnormal behaviour observed during the shift on the machine’s inspection record. Report defects immediately to the plant manager, site supervisor, or hire company. Tag the machine out of service if a defect could affect safe operation. Never leave defects unreported.
5. 5
   Recharge (Electric Models) For electric scissor lifts, connect the machine to its charger at the end of each shift. Confirm the charge connection is secure and the charger is operating normally. A machine returned with a flat battery creates delays and potential safety issues for the next operator.