Fall protection equipment like a harness required in any general industry setting where a worker's fall risk is greater than 4 feet. Construction regulations require fall protection equipment for heights greater than 6 feet.

According to OSHA, a scissor lift is considered mobile scaffolding when the platform only moves vertically. An aerial lift is classified as a vehicle-mounted platform because it has the ability to move vertically and horizontally.

Scissor lifts use a control box with selector dials to move vertically and horizontally. Control boxes will include an emergency stop button and a joystick with left and right steering capabilities. We also offer scissor lift operator certifications for those who need it.

Electric scissor lifts are intended mainly for indoor work, though some models can be used outdoors too. They rely on a battery for power, tend to be at the shorter end of the height spectrum and are suitable for movement over smooth or solid slab surfaces. Some models are equipped with non-marking tires designed to avoid leaving unsightly black marks on the floor. Standard scissor lifts typically can't drive into small spaces, but smaller, electric-powered scissor lifts often fit where other scissor lifts don’t.

Rough-terrain scissor lifts are often diesel- or gas-powered and can handle uneven, rough or muddy terrain. They can reach heights of 50 feet or more and typically have a larger work platform compared with electric scissor lifts.

Scissor lifts are essential tools for all sorts of projects because they are often the best and safest way to reach an elevated work area. These machines lift workers and their tools vertically to where the maintenance or repair work needs to be done by using a scissor mechanism that raises and lowers an aerial work platform. Scissor lifts come in a wide array of types and sizes, from 10-foot compact electric lifts to 70-foot diesel lifts. Electric scissor lifts are ideal for indoor use, while rough terrain lifts can handle uneven or muddy terrain. Diesel scissor lifts can carry more weight and travel faster, but they emit fumes. Learn more about scissor lift types in our Project Uptime article.

There are two load capacities to consider: the weight capacity and the personnel limit. It’s important to adhere to both for compliance with OSHA standards and safety. If you’re below the total weight capacity for a given lift, that does not mean you can add another worker to the platform.

Capacities vary greatly. At the low end, a 10-foot electric scissor lift can handle a 550-pound load and is rated for two people, while a 50-foot diesel model can lift 1,500 pounds and is rated for up to six people.

For the heaviest loads, use a lift with strengthened scissor braces to prevent swaying.

Your primary consideration when choosing a unit to rent is what scissor lift size and height you need. 19-foot lifts are popular because they reach high enough to access ceilings and ductwork inside buildings with 10-foot ceilings and will fit through a standard doorway even with the guardrails in position. Their narrow width makes them highly maneuverable.

30-foot lifts are a good choice for work around power poles and telephone lines, while 50-foot to 60-foot lifts can reach very tall treetops or sixth-floor exteriors. For high utility work, there are 60-foot to 70-foot scissor lifts.

Most but not all manufacturers refer to the height of the platform itself, which in practical terms gives you about 6 more feet when you consider the height of the worker (the working height).

Platform size can significantly affect efficiency and safety on the jobsite. Wider platforms offer better access and require less repositioning time as the job progresses, but you need to be sure the lift will fit in the space available.

Some scissor lifts can be fitted with powered deck extensions, which give workers more forward horizontal reach.

If you’re working on uneven or sloped terrain, opt for four-wheel drive, available on many rough-terrain scissor lifts and even some electric scissor lifts (which may also feature pothole guards).

Ground clearance is another potential consideration. If you need to navigate very rough terrain or travel over debris, you might want to look for a model with higher ground clearance and specialized tires.

The scissor lift mechanism is a unique design that allows scissor lifts to raise workers to significant height, and bring them safely back down, despite their compact footprint. Learn how the mechanism works in conjunction with the other components of these handy aerial lifts.