For construction, industrial, and mining industries, scissor lifts are crucial in any working environment. However, before hiring your equipment, it’s good business practice to understand exactly what you need with your access equipment hire.
With the right knowledge, you can then confidently hire the right model and get the job done to the best standard. In this expert guide, we explore the core essentials you need to know before.
Essential Things to Know Before Hiring a Scissor Lift
Below are the crucial considerations to keep in mind when making a hire. It’s important to evaluate your specific situation, this way you know how best to spend your budget.
Understand Your Workspace
Determine if you need to work indoors, outdoors, or both. This is a crucial step, as if you hire the wrong model you may not be able to complete a job. In fact, there are various project considerations you need to know before getting started. These include:
- Working height and how far up you’ll need to reach (the equipment can vary, ranging from 20 to around 60 feet).
- Scissor lift weight capacity of the equipment (it’ll need to withstand workers, tools, materials etc.).
- Site location and where you’ll be using the lift
- Frequency of use and if the equipment will need maintenance
Electric slab scissor lifts are perfect for indoor use but aren’t recommended for outdoor use. They’re quiet, fast, and sustainable to use.
Whereas rough terrain scissor lifts are much more suitable for outdoor use. Hybrid models bridge the gap and allow you to cover tasks in either workplace.
Obtain a Scissor Lift License
Operating elevated work platforms can be dangerous, so you need to be industry compliant.
Before hiring this equipment, as the employer, you will need to hold an EWP Operator Ticket and a High-Risk Work License. These cover the hazards of working above, and below, 11 metres. The EWP Operator Ticket results in a yellow card and takes around two days to complete.
It’s also your duty of care as an employer to meet Australian health and safety standards. So, this scissor lift license will help you meet compliance standards. The equipment must be safe and secure, with guardrails and fall protection, and all workers must be trained on how to use it.
Size of the Workspace
Some scissor lifts are better suited to working in confined spaces, while others work best in large open areas with plenty of room for maneuverability. Knowing how much room you have to work with will influence your hiring decision—you need equipment that matches your setting.
The good news is that a wide variety of models are available to suit every workspace.
Considering Additional Accessories and Equipment
You may need to support your project with further equipment. This can include:
- Outriggers or stabilisers if you’re working on uneven surfaces
- Extension decks for extra workspace
- Fall arrest systems for maximum health and safety
Again, this requires evaluating your project to understand your exact needs. You can then add these accessories to your hire to ensure worker productivity.
Choose a Reputable Scissor Lift Service
While hiring equipment that’s low in cost may be tempting, it’s essential to place your business interests and worker safety first. Hire from reputable providers with:
- High-quality equipment
- Years of experience
- Strong reviews from customers
- Flexible contracts
- Excellent customer service
- On-site maintenance support (for technical issues)
These are the minimum expectations you should be looking for to support your project needs. Reputable providers will offer all of the above, and more, as part of complete service.
Choose Quality: Hire Scissor Lifts From Onsite Rentals
At Onsite Rentals, we offer a wide range of access equipment to reach heights. With flexible contracts, the latest innovative technology, and an expert technical support team, we’re always on hand to help you get the job done. Contact us today for a quote: 13 40 40.
What are the Dos and Don’ts of Scissor Lifts?
Under Australian law, you must have the correct qualifications to use this equipment. You should also evaluate your workplace to determine the most suitable model to use, any additional accessories that will support safety, and fully understand the manufacturer’s load rating.
You should not disregard the manufacturer’s rules for use. You should also ensure you’re using the right lift for the right environment, such as indoors or outdoors.
Do You Need a License for a Scissor Lift?
Yes. You’ll need two licences under Australian law:
- EWP Operator Ticket
- High-Risk Work Licence
These are nationally recognised across Australia. And both take a short amount of time to obtain (around two days) and will allow your business and workers to operate the machinery successfully.
How Likely is a Scissor Lift to Fall Over?
If you don’t follow the manufacturer’s instructions, scissor lifts may topple over. To limit the risk of this hazard, ensure workers hold the correct license and are fully trained to use the equipment. You can also buy stabilisers and other accessories to offer structural support to the equipment.
