Yes!
Working on scissor lifts always carries risks, and you are required to complete specific training and hold a valid licence to be able to operate scissor lifts in Australia.
Which licence do you need to operate a scissor lift?
There is significant misinformation circulating about licencing for scissor lifts and other EWPs.
In Australia, before you can operate scissor lifts of ANY HEIGHT, you need to complete a nationally recognised training course with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), either:
RIIHAN301E - Operate elevating work platform unit of competency, or
Elevating Work Platform Association (EWPA) Yellow Card.
The unit of competency and EWPA Yellow Card not only covers scissor lifts, but can also cover other types of EWP, with the following machine classes:
SL - scissor lifts of any height
BL - boom lifts under 11m
VL - vertical lifts
TL - boom type trailer lifts under 11m (optional)
What does scissor lift training include?
Scissor lift training can be completed in 1 day and covers the theory and practical use of scissor lifts including:
hazards, environmental issues, risks and control measures
emergency procedures, PPE, communication and coordination activities
pre start and post start inspections and checks in line with Australian Standards and workplace procedures
operating elevating work platform and using safety devices
stabilising the elevating work platform
monitoring hazards and risks to ensure safety of all people, plant and equipment
responding to monitoring systems and alarms
shutting down equipment in line with workplace procedures
checking cleaning, maintaining and storing EWPs
The theory component of the course involves learning about the types of elevating work platforms, their characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations, as well as key policies, procedures and relevant standards for operating elevating work platforms.
The practical component involves students operating elevating work platforms safely, effectively and efficiently following legislative requirements and workplace procedures to carry out work activities.
Keep in mind, if the scissor lift you hire is different from the models used in training, then on site familiarisation is critical because there can be significant differences in the controls and design. Everyone using the scissor lift should be trained and make sure they know safety and emergency procedures.
Also please note, if you are using any boom type elevating work platform which has the capacity to go over 11m in reach, you must hold a different licence. This includes any boom lift, truck mounted boom, or trailer mounted boom over 11m, even if you are operating them under the maximum height, you are still required to hold a High Risk Work Licence WP. The TLILIC0005 - Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (boom length 11 metres or more) course provides the formal training and accredited assessment which will allow you to apply for a Queensland HRW Licence WP for Boom Type Elevating Work Platform over 11m. Read more about our EWP Boom over 11m course for HRWL WP.
What are the risks when using scissor lifts?
Remember! As long as operators are properly trained in the safe use of the equipment and are aware of hazards in the area, scissor lifts can be a safe and reliable way of working at heights.
Training is required so that the following risks are avoided when operating a scissor lift.
1. Falling from heights - Operators can fall from the platform
2. Tip-overs or collapse - Scissor lifts can tip over if not used on level ground or if overloaded
3. Electrocution - Contact with overhead power lines can cause electrocution
4. Entanglement and crushing - Loose clothing or body parts can get caught in the lift mechanisms
To avoid these risks, make sure you are properly trained by a reputable RTO.
HiReach Training offers the EWP Yellow Card operator training for scissor lifts, which includes both the nationally recognised unit of competency and the EWPA Yellow Card.
Read more about our EWP Yellow Card operator course for scissor lifts.
We also offer this course as a combined course including Working Safely at Heights in our 1 day Heights + EWP Yellow Card training course.
Read our related articles on licencing for Elevating Work Platforms: