Product Overview

This Scissor Lift Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for the safe use of scissor lifts on Australian worksites, with a focus on access to elevated work areas. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of Scissor Lift safety and WHS compliance when entering and exiting the platform to access the top of cool rooms and similar structures.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Pre-start inspection of the scissor lift, including structural components, guardrails, emergency lowering systems, controls, and safety devices
• Assessment of ground conditions, surface stability, and exclusion zones prior to positioning the scissor lift
• Safe positioning and manoeuvring of the scissor lift near cool rooms and other elevated structures
• Entering and exiting the scissor lift platform to access the top of a cool room using three points of contact
• Use of fall prevention measures when stepping between the scissor lift platform and the cool room roof surface
• Control of crush, shear, and entrapment risks when operating close to ceilings, walls, and overhead services
• Management of electrical risks, including overhead powerlines, electrical services, and energised plant
• Safe operation of the scissor lift at height, including speed control, platform loading, and stability management
• Use, inspection, and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as harnesses, helmets, and non-slip footwear
• Emergency procedures for platform entrapment, loss of power, mechanical failure, or a fall incident
• Traffic management controls to separate the scissor lift operating area from pedestrians and other mobile plant
• Weather and environmental considerations such as wind, rain, lighting levels, and temperature within and around cool rooms
• Communication protocols between operators, spotters, and site supervisors during lifting and access activities

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for electricians, refrigeration and cool room installers, maintenance technicians, construction workers, and site supervisors who use scissor lifts to access the tops of cool rooms and other elevated structures.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Guidance on preventing falls when working at height and transitioning between surfaces
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for the safe use, inspection, and maintenance of scissor lifts and other plant
• Safe Work Australia – Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination Code of Practice: Ensuring workers and contractors are consulted and informed about SWMS requirements
• AS 2550.10 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use – Mobile elevating work platforms: Requirements for the safe use and operation of mobile elevating work platforms, including scissor lifts
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices (relevant parts): Selection, use, and maintenance of fall-arrest equipment where required
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017