Do You Need a License to Operate Scissor Lifts?

A type of aerial lift, or elevating work platform, scissor lifts are used in a variety of industries – from warehousing to construction. The name of the lift comes from the way the supports of the platform unfold as it is raised into the air. The platforms are typically raised using hydraulics or electrical motors. Scissor lifts can extend from 6.4 meters at the tallest height to as high as 18.8 meters. As with other different kinds of machinery, it’s important to know how to use a scissor lift safely to avoid mishaps including falls from elevation, tilting equipment on soft ground, and incidents caused by overhead powerlines among others.

What does the law say about operating aerial lifts?

There are many different tiers when it comes to workplace safety in British Columbia. There are WorkSafeBC regulations as well as those set by unions, workplaces, CSA standards, and more. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety requires employers to ensure that self-propelled boom-supported and vehicle-mounted elevating work platforms are certified annually. Just like the platforms themselves, OH&S requires operators of aerial lifts to have the ‘appropriate education and training to do the job safely. Operators of scissor lifts need to renew their certifications every three years. So, depending on where you are, you may not need a ‘license’ to operate a scissor lift you do need to be certified to do so. 

Scissor lift training

A scissor lift training course helps you learn the skills you need to safely operate a scissor lift. Be aware that this training is different from the working at heights training you may be mandated to complete if you are working on a construction site. 

At Clockwork Safety & Equipment Training, we offer a Scissor/Vertical Mast Lift Training Course as well as a Combined Scissor/Aerial Boom Lift Course if you need training in both classes of A.W.P’s.

Is in-person aerial lift training better than online?

Our courses are offered in person at your place of work. While online training courses can comply with government regulations, they only provide the theory without the practical hands-on knowledge you need for real safety. In-person training allows your employees to practice their skills under the watchful eyes of the instructors and receive personal feedback. This allows your employees to hone and apply the skills they learn immediately in their work environment. 

Our training programs can typically be completed within 6 – 8 hours of a working day.

What do the scissor lift training programs entail?

Our training programs cover both the theory and practical aspects of scissor lift operation and are broken into phases so the information can be easily absorbed. 

Phase 1:

The training starts with understanding the theory behind the safe operation of aerial lifts. It includes a review of the rules and regulations surrounding their operation, main parts and functions, inspections, fall protection, and more.

Phase 2:

This is the theory evaluation phase. Any shortcomings in retention can be addressed on-site. 

Phase 3: 

During the practical training phase, employees are given a demonstration of how to inspect and use the equipment. 

Phase 4:

This is the practical evaluation phase. Employees operate the equipment with the instructors present and receive real-time feedback on their performance. 

Why do employees need to be recertified to operate aerial lifts?

Equipment is regularly updated, and health and safety rules and regulations are prone to change on a regular basis. Not being able to give WorkSafeBC inspectors the information they want can open up a whole new can of worms. Additionally, when someone has been doing a job for a while, it can be easy to get complacent which can put your employees in danger. Recertification courses ensure that your employees have the up-to-date knowledge they need to carry out their jobs safely and competently. 

At Clockwork, we are committed to offering high-quality safety education at rates you can afford. Get in touch with us if you have any questions and book a training for your workplace today. We’re happy to help!