What is a Scissor Lift Inspection Form?
A scissor lift inspection form is a document used to carefully check the condition of a scissor lift according to the manufacturer’s standards and the working environment where it will operate.
This lifting equipment has a wide area of usages such as construction, retail, manufacturing, maintenance, and inspections. That is why safety officers, building engineers, manufacturers, suppliers, and clients use scissor lift inspection forms before proceeding with the machine operation and equipment maintenance.
Why Scissor Lift Inspection Forms are Critical
Scissor lifts are expected to be safe platforms for working in high places. That is why it is critical to inspect the scissor lift on the day of operation and when the equipment is idle in the storage location.
When proper inspections and maintenance of scissor lifts are done, it can prevent work accidents and delays. So to ensure that lifting equipment is maintained accordingly, documenting everything through inspection forms or an inspection checklist is a must.
Scissor lift inspection forms are also critical if you’re aiming to receive certifications from organizations like ISO (International Organization for Standardization). They are also critical because they serve as legal documents when claiming insurance policies during accidents.
Common Checking Points in a Scissor Lift Daily Inspection Form
The daily inspection of a lifting equipment mainly involves visual checking of the equipment and recording any malfunctions, damages, and issues. Below are the main checking points of the daily inspection of a scissor lift.
I. Oil Leaks and Deformed Hydraulic Tubes
Scissor lifts use hydraulic power, which means it needs oil or fluid in the system. Over time, the hydraulic hoses, tubes, tank, and even the main cylinder may develop a leak. These oil leaks can be easily spotted since it usually forms a small oil puddle on the ground.
Another common problem to look out for during daily inspections is deformities of hydraulic tubes. Pressure surges or external forces can cause these deformities. When left unaddressed can cause accidents.
II. Engine Oil, Coolant, Air Valves, and Fuel
There are quite a few things in the checklist for a daily inspection of the engine of a scissor lift.
First is checking if there are leaks in the lubrication oil and coolant of the engine. Then, checking if there is enough oil and coolant in the engine. Leaks or a lack of lubrication and cooling in the engine can cause overheating and can lead to work accidents and equipment breakdowns.
Next is cleaning the air filter discharge valve and air pre-cleaner which ensures optimal airflow making the combustion process efficient.
Then, inspecting and draining the fuel water separator which helps prevent condensation from entering the engine during combustion.
Last is checking the engine’s batteries. Checking if the batteries are in good condition will ensure enough energy to start the engine and continue the combustion process.
III. Lights and Horns
During a daily scissor lift inspection, the last key point is ensuring that all lights, horns, and accessories are working.
Although lights and sound horns might look insignificant, they signal everyone that it is now operating and performing a certain action. Thus, ensuring that these auxiliary parts are working will lessen the chances that an accident or work delay will happen.
Common Procedures Included in an Annual Scissor Lift Inspection Form
In comparison to the daily inspection checklist, the annual scissor lift inspection forms contain more technical procedures. Below are some of the checklist procedures done during an annual inspection. These details are referenced from the Genie Scissor Lift Annual Inspection Form.
1. Drive Chassis Inspection and Adjustment
The drive chassis acts as the structural support for the whole scissor lift assembly and is mainly composed of wheels, axles, tires, and brake systems.
Due to being the main load-bearing part of the scissor lift, it is prone to misalignments and loosening of connections, especially the axles. Thus, it requires an annual inspection and realignment. And depending on how much the scissor lift is used, the schedule of inspections and adjustments can become more frequent.
2. Chassis Mechanicals and Hydraulics Inspection and Testing
The hydraulics and latch control modules of the scissor lift are in charge of lifting the platform vertically up: hydraulics providing the lifting force and the latch control modules for controlled movement.
The inspection of these mechanical parts includes lubrication and checking if there are worn-out parts. Inspection of these latch modules is critical because a failure of these parts during operation can lead to unsafe working conditions.
3. Electrical Inspection
The electrical components of the scissor lift are usually just composed of batteries, battery balancer, voltage inverter, and wirings. During the inspection, these electrical components are checked if working properly to ensure that there are no operational delays.
4. Engine Testing and Adjustment
With continued use, the engine shaft, valves, and cams tend to become misaligned. Realigning these engine parts is essential in maximizing the efficiency of the combustion process.
5. Platform Testing
To prevent users from overloading a scissor lift, the platform has an overload sensor that prevents usage above a certain weight limit. This is to prevent unwanted accidents such as the sudden collapse or tilting of the equipment.
6. Functions and Controls Testing
This test is done to ensure the overall mobility and functionality of the scissor lift which includes operating it, moving it around, and testing the brakes. The annual inspection procedure also includes testing the functionality of all limit switches and proximity sensors.
Avoiding Operation Hazards by Using Pre-Use Scissor Lift Inspection Form
Prior to using a scissor lift for work, using a pre-use scissor lift inspection form is recommended. Unlike the previous checklists that solely focus on the lifting equipment, this pre-use checklist gives focus to the working environment.
And there are three main points to consider: Fall Protection, Stabilization, and Positioning. This is referenced from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).
Fall Protection
Scissor lifts must have guardrails installed to prevent accidental falls. Guardrails must have mid-rails and top-rails which are installed firmly around the platforms. And employers must train their workers on safe practices on a scissor lift platform.
Stabilization
When a scissor lift is in an extended position, it is susceptible to tipping over. As such, it is recommended to not move the scissor lift while extended, use the lift under high wind speeds, and operating on an uneven surface.
Positioning
The positioning of a scissor lift is crucial to prevent two major hazards: electrocution and crushing. As such, scissor lifts must not be operated near power lines. And workers must be trained to be watchful and move carefully while a scissor lift is operational.
How Lumiform Streamlines Scissor Lift Inspections
Documenting inspections of scissor lifts can be very tedious. Not only that, looking back and sifting all through the previous inspection records are even exhausting. So, why not try Lumiform to make that shift into digital inspections? With the help of the Lumiform inspection tool, you can transform your paper documents into smart inspection forms in minutes.
Here’s how Lumiform can help you streamline scissor lift inspections:
- Create with Lumiform’s form builder customized inspection checklists depending on scissor lift brands, models, and clients.
- Easily document any findings by taking pictures and writing comments.
- Solve problems faster by collaborating with the team through the app.
- Getting real-time updates on any outstanding issues.
- Recalling past inspection records will be smooth and easy for audits and certifications.