Scaffolding vs. Scissor Lift: Which Is Better?

Working at height requires a keen focus on safety. This starts with having the right equipment for keeping workers safe on the job. For years, scaffolding was the safest way to work above ground. But since the invention of scissor lifts and other aerial lifts, scaffolding has taken a back seat when it comes to worker safety.

It pays to know the ins and outs of the scaffolding vs. scissor lift debate. That way, your business can determine if scaffolding, scissor lifts, or a combination of the two best suits your workforce. 

Of course, if you require workers to complete tasks at heights, it is beneficial to provide these employees with aerial and scissor lift certification training. This ensures your workers can gain insights into the scaffolding vs. scissor lift debate. They can also get answers to important questions regarding scissor lift and scaffolding safety.  

What Is a Scissor Lift?

Scissor lifts are designed to help workers move safely at heights. They move vertically via a lifting mechanism that elevates or lowers a work platform as needed.OSHA requires anyone who uses a scissor lift at a U.S. worksite to earn certification. This verifies an operator knows different ways to utilize a scissor lift safely. It confirms the operator knows about scaffolding safety as well. 

What Is Scaffolding?

A scaffold is a temporary work platform designed to help employees safely perform tasks at heights. It is frequently used in construction. 

There are several types of scaffolding. These include:

• Single 
• Double 
• Cantilever 
• Suspended 
• Ladder or Trestle 
• Mobile  

Businesses that use scaffolding must operate in accordance with OSHA requirements. Failure to do so can result in OSHA fines and penalties. It can also lead to falls from heights, along with associated accidents, injuries, and fatalities. 

OSHA requires businesses to have scaffold guardrails or a fall arrest system if employees work at 10 ft. or higher. In instances where a worker is using a single- or two-point adjustable suspension scaffold, there must be a guardrail and personal fall arrest system in place. 

Furthermore, OSHA stipulates that all scaffold platforms must be decked or planked. OSHA requires scaffold components to support at least four times their maximum intended load. It states that scaffolding rigging must be able to handle at least six times its designated load, too. 

Only a “competent” employee can use scaffolding as well. This employee must receive OSHA-compliant training that verifies he or she can leverage scaffolding properly. 

Scissor Lift vs. Scaffolding: Things to Consider

A scissor lift can be used as a scaffold work platform. It can provide the same benefits of scaffolding and lower your risk of worker falls from heights. 

OSHA has established various standards for scissor lift scaffolding safety, including:

– 27: Outlines safety measures for general industry scaffolding and rope descent systems

– 20(b): Defines scissor lift accident prevention responsibilities in the construction industry

– 454: Clarifies the training requirements for construction workers who use scissor lift scaffolding

It is an employer’s responsibility to teach workers how to properly use a scissor lift. With comprehensive training, workers can learn how to safely use a scissor lift and minimize the risk of associated accidents and injuries. They can also learn about scaffold lift differences.

Scaffold Lift Differences: What You Need to Know

Aerial and scissor lifts may seem identical at first, but there are notable differences between the two. With the ability to spot the differences between aerial and scissor lifts, workers can safely use the correct lift for the task at hand. 

OSHA defines an aerial lift as any vehicle-mounted device used to elevate a worker. Aerial lifts offer mobility and flexibility, and as such, have replaced ladders and scaffolding at many worksites. They can also move vertically and horizontally. 

Comparatively, a scissor lift is a scaffold work platform used to move workers vertically, according to OSHA. Scissor lifts are commonly used in construction, retail, and other industries for tasks that require workers to move up and down. 

Regardless of whether an employer uses aerial lifts, scissor lifts, or both, safety training is crucial. By educating its workers about scaffold lift differences, an employer can help these workers stay safe when they use different lifts for everyday work.

Scaffolding vs. Scissor Lift: Which Works Best?

Employers must evaluate scissor lifts and traditional scaffolding to find a safe, effective option for their worksites. Upon close evaluation, employers often find that scissor lifts are superior options in comparison to traditional scaffolding for several reasons, including:

1. You can enjoy greater access.

Scissor lifts can be used nearly the same ways as scaffolding, and scissor lift features like all-terrain wheels and self-leveling make them easy to operate at a wide range of jobsites. Plus, scissor lifts can often go where scaffolding cannot.

2. You can guard against worker accidents and injuries.

Scaffolding and ladders are risky, due to the fact that their bases are less stable in comparison to scissor lifts (which use outriggers for increased stability). Also, scaffolding and ladders do not provide as much grip in wet or adverse weather in contrast to scissor lifts. 

3. You can boost public safety.

A scissor lift makes it simple for workers to safely navigate to a jobsite. Many scissor lifts also require less space than scaffolding, and they can be taken down and moved quickly.

4. You can help workers get the job done faster and more efficiently than ever before.

Scissor lifts can be lowered and moved to another location in just minutes. The end result: reduced labor time and increased productivity.

5. You can lower your operating costs.

Scissor lifts can be lowered and moved to storage with much less time and labor than scaffolding.

6. You won’t have to worry about emissions.

Scissor lifts with electric engines produce no harmful emissions.

Scaffolding Dangers to Consider

Clearly, there are many reasons to choose scissor lifts over scaffolding. Along with the aforementioned reasons, businesses may shy away from scaffolding for a variety of reasons, such as:

Risk of Falls

OSHA mandates the use of fall protection when working at 10 ft. or more. Yet, when using scaffolding, contractors often insist on fall protection starting at 6 ft. This is due to the risk of falls associated with poor weather conditions, lack of focus on safety procedures, and improper access to worksites. 

Scaffold Collapse

When scaffolds aren’t erected correctly, the platform can collapse or result in falling items. Proper setup must take many factors into account, such as the weight the scaffold will hold and stability of the foundation. Other setup factors to consider include placement of scaffold planks and the distance from the scaffold to the work area. Proper scaffold setup requires a highly trained worker who knows how to erect, dismantle, and move a scaffold.

Incorrect Planking

When setting up a scaffold, all planks must be cleated and tightly secured. Otherwise, they can slip off. Falling planks can also injure people below. Planking accidents can result from overloading and using the wrong grade of lumber as well. Furthermore, too little or too much overhang can cause planking to tip.

Failure to Inspect

OSHA requires scaffolding to be inspected on a regular basis. Inspections should be done by workers trained in scaffolding setup, dismantling, and maintenance.

Benefits of Aerial Lift Scaffolding and Scissor Lift Scaffolding

OSHA classifies scissor lifts and aerial lifts as scaffolding. However, scissor lifts provide mobility and versatility that traditional scaffolding does not. 

Scissor lift scaffolding and aerial lift scaffolding offer many advantages over traditional scaffolding, such as: 

• Fast setup and movement
• Can be used indoors and outdoors
• Can safely handle more weight than traditional scaffolding
• Provide ample room for tools and equipment
• Can be quickly lowered in high winds or rain
• Easy to pause at different heights
• Can be used on different surfaces
• Can provide access to difficult terrains
• Available in electric and diesel options

Ultimately, scissor lift scaffolding is the smart choice over traditional scaffolding. Scissor lift scaffolding provides better access, more mobility and terrain compatibility, and other benefits that traditional scaffolding cannot match.

The Bottom Line on the Scaffolding vs. Scissor Lift Debate

Scissor lifts cannot stop accidents ?— that’s why scissor lift operator training and certification is important. 

Thanks to CertifyMeOnline.net, workers can immediately earn their scissor lift operator. We offer an affordable and efficient training program to help workers gain the skills they need to safely operate scissor lifts. 

Our online certification training is developed in alignment with OSHA requirements. It is designed for workers of all skill and experience levels. And our training makes it easy for workers to earn their scissor lift certification in as little as one day. 

Choose CMO for Scissor Lift Certification

Your company may use scissor lifts, scaffolds, or a combination of the two. But every time your workers complete tasks at heights, they risk falling. Without sufficient safety training, these employees can endanger themselves or others. If your business does not comply with OSHA standards, it can receive OSHA violations as well. 

CMO offers best-in-class scissor lift certification training. We make it simple for your scissor lift operators to work according to OSHA standards. Our team will ensure your business complies with OSHA standards at all times. 

To learn more or to sign up for our training and certification classes, please contact us online or call us today at (602) 277-0615.