HSE issue safety warning

The HSE and the HSE NI have co-operated to bring a safety alert to the attention of users of scissor lifts.

Users of certain types of scissor lifts are being advised to make daily safety checks after five people were killed in three separate incidents across Europe when they overturned. The alert, which has been issued by the HSE, warns service and maintenance engineers and those in the construction industry who use or lease out JLG 500RTS and 400 RTS scissor lifts, to make sure that safety critical components are working correctly.

In all three fatal overturn incidents over the last four years, the:

• oscillating axle which allows the machine to be driven on uneven ground with the platform in the transport position failed to lock when the platform was raised;
• lift/drive interlock system did not work, allowing the platform to be elevated above 6.7m without the stabilisers being deployed.

Owners of both these types of scissor lifts are being advised to ensure that the oscillating axle lockout system and the lift/drive cut out switches are checked for correct functioning (in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations) before the machine is next used. Users should also complete daily inspections and function testing of both elements.

HSE inspector Richard Clarke commented, “Though this safety alert is primarily to warn those who own and use these specific models of scissor lift, and those with similar interlock systems, it should serve as a reminder to all users of mobile elevating work platforms that there is a need to regularly maintain, inspect and test the equipment. This isn’t just recommended by manufacturers, but is also required by law.”

The safety alert can be viewed in full at www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/scissorlifts.htm.

For more information, see the:

• Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations SI 1998/2307;
• Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations SR 1999/304.