The scissor lift is increasingly used in workshops  

car on scissor lift

Scissor lifts have been useful in all kinds of garages for years. A significant advantage can be their compactness for working in hard-to-reach places. This solves a significant problem in garages. It is worth considering investing in a mobile lift. When you decide to do so, there are several things to consider. 

Worth knowing before you buy - conditions to be met 

In order to be able to operate a scissor lift with full efficiency, it is necessary to check whether the garage is available for this type of machine. The size of the space for using the machine is crucial. The room should be of an appropriate size - in the instructions for use of scissor lifts, the manufacturer describes the minimum distances of walls and other elements from the working area of the scissors. The manufacturer's guidance specifies what type of floor the machine is to be placed on. Electric scissor lifts are used indoors to exclude excess fumes in the workshop. It is therefore necessary to install an electrical system under the platform. 

The most common installation parameters from manufacturers: 

scissor lift in the workshop
  • clear zone on each side of the lift - minimum 1m, 
  • sub-base - concrete class B20/B25, 
  • 400V power supply. 

Documentation for UDT registration 

When purchasing mobile platforms, it will be necessary to keep records of both new and used equipment. This will enable the equipment to be registered with the Office of Technical Inspection - responsible for authorising the lift for use. The required documentation includes: a general identification, instructions, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic diagrams, plus an assembly drawing and a diagram of the linkage systems. Once all the documents have been submitted, the scissor lift will be registered at the base and ready for use. 

UDT technical inspection 

In order to use a scissor lift correctly, technical inspections are necessary: periodic, operational and emergency inspections. The test dates occur consecutively - every one, two and three years after registration. The inspection by the UDT inspectorate is intended to check that the equipment is functioning as it should, that it is being used in accordance with health and safety standards and that operators have the necessary authorisations to work on lifts.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What conditions must a workshop meet before purchasing a scissor lift?

We install the lift in accordance with the installation requirements from the manufacturer. The most common requirements are 1m free space on each side of the unit, a concrete base of class B20/25 and a 400V power supply.

What are the deadlines for UDT testing?

Technical inspection dates are set: every one, two and three years from the time of registration of the device.