Different Uses for Scissor Lifts
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Scissor lifts can be applied to many different uses and industries. Though they are more limited in movement than other aerial work platform types, such as boom lifts and cherry pickers, scissor lifts can provide a versatile function for a variety of projects and requirements.
Scissor lifts come in many shapes and sizes – from narrow and compact platforms for use in warehouse aisles or to access small doorways, to industrial sized lifts to reach heights of over 20 metres.
A scissor lift is a temporary lifting platform, unlike a permanent structure like an elevator. It is also different to a crane, since it has a limited safe working load (SWL) – normally under a ton – and can only move on a vertical plane rather than side to side or ‘up-and-over’.
The main industries that use scissor lifts on a regular basis tend to be within maintenance and construction – for lifting equipment or personnel to working heights and reaching otherwise difficult-to-reach areas to carry out repairs or building work.
Many other industries utilise aerial work platforms (AWPs), but ones that frequently use scissor lifts in particular include:
- Warehouses and storage facilities – a cost-effective way of storing large quantities of goods in a limited area is to make use of the full height of the facility. This means a lift will be required to reach, store and collect stock from higher levels.
- Loading bays – rather than a permanent lift solution, a scissor platform can provide easy loading of goods or personnel to a variety of heights.
- Delivery and logistics – goods that are too heavy to be loaded by hand may need the assistance of a work platform to get them on to a delivery vehicle.
- Transport – in a large, multi-level facility, lifts are often employed to transport products and equipment to higher floors using the scissor action – for example roll-cages and pallet lifts.
- Assembly lines – sometimes assembly stages involve heavy lifting, or require access to a high height. An aerial work platform makes this easy and safe for the operator.
- Disability access – this type of AWP is often found in specialist access equipment for the disabled, to carry people safely from one level to another in the form of disability lifts.
- Aviation – self-propelled and trailer/truck-mounted lifts are often used in the aviation industry, for aeroplane and hangar maintenance, repair and access.
- Railway – scissor lifts provide excellent access for work and maintenance on railway equipment, and come in compact models for ease of access in narrow areas.
- Events and entertainment – these lifts are sometimes used by the entertainment industry for filming, stunts and constructing sets.
- Rescue – the fire department sometimes have use of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) like this to reach people who are trapped.
There are many other applications of scissor lifts to be found in various industries, but in all instances, safety should be paramount. Operatives should be correctly trained to use aerial work platforms by an accredited training facility, and must adhere to the safety guidelines for that particular model.
Scissor lifts are versatile, adaptable and come in many different sizes, working heights and weights, to suit a range of industries. For more information, get in touch with your local powered access provider.
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Source by Joanne Morris