{"id":33422,"date":"2024-03-04T20:04:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-04T07:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/?p=33422"},"modified":"2026-06-24T15:04:13","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T02:04:13","slug":"how-to-avoid-trapping-and-crushing-injuries-when-using-a-scissor-lift-or-boom-lift","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drivingtests.co.nz\/resources\/how-to-avoid-trapping-and-crushing-injuries-when-using-a-scissor-lift-or-boom-lift\/","title":{"rendered":"How to avoid trapping and crushing injuries when using a scissor lift or boom lift"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Trapping and crushing injuries are all too easy on scissor lifts and boom lifts. They have lots of moving parts, they can work in hazardous areas getting close to other objects, and they move with force (there’s some weight behind them).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This checklist will help operators avoid trapping and crushing risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before moving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Be aware of your surroundings (particularly where there are overhangs and edges close to where you’ll be lifting).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the direction indicators before moving a boom lift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t put your feet in the way of the wheels if someone else has the controls – keep outside the exclusion zone unless it is disabled or you are in control of the lower controls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moving the MEWP<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Scan in front of and above the platform in the direction of movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take care not to exceed driving speeds that mean you don’t have full control<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When close to objects, use fine motor movements, and be aware that position overrun might occur when you release the controls<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take care when slewing the boom next to a wall so that you don’t swing into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look up when moving up, and remember to look behind and up so you cover your blind spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When extending or retracting platform extensions, watch for pinch points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working on the EWP<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Reaching through the guardrail is not best practice. Reach over the top of the guardrail so that if the platform suddenly drops, the top rail does not act like a guillotine if your arm or torso are blocked by an object<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Don’t put limbs or your torso through the guardrail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t straddle the guardrail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be careful when lifting anything above your head; it’s best to get manual handling training<\/a> if you are regularly lifting heavier objects as part of your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shutting down the EWP<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Only operate the lower controls when standing on the ground, not by leaning over the side of the EWP<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t put any body parts between the scissor arms, in any joints in knuckle boom EWPs, or in parts that telescope in and out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What happens if you do have a trapping or crushing injury?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You should always have someone available who has done first aid training. They will understand how to manage these industries. They may need to know about compartment syndrome, tourniquets, stabilising fractures, dressing cuts and more. Check out this first aid course<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Trapping and crushing injuries are all too easy on scissor lifts and boom lifts. They have lots of moving parts, they can work in hazardous areas getting close to other objects, and they move with force (there’s some weight behind…<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more ›<\/a><\/div>\n

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