How to Choose a Scissor Lift Table

Scissor Lift Tables get their name from the shape of the scissor mechanism under the work platform, but the industry term for them is a ‘MEWP’ or Mobile Elevated Work Platform. They are an incredibly versatile tool that can serve in many applications. If you are considering investing in one, it’s worthwhile to look at how this powerful tool can benefit you! So, what is a scissor lift table? Well, you can use it to reach materials or objects at a height or lift loads and heavy goods. It can help protect your back during the safe movement of bulky or heavy items. Musculoskeletal disorders are increasingly affecting workers and scissor lifts can help prevent these by re-positioning work at suitable heights for workers. This can help reduce accidents in the workplace!

Applications & common uses

Smaller scissor lift tables are ideal for transporting products being worked on in a factory or warehouse. Its adjustable work platform can also double up as a table for quick maintenance work! Overall, scissor lifts can be customized and adapted for virtually any application, as handrails, conveyors and gates can easily be added to the platform. Here are a few common applications for the scissor lift table:

• Commercial premises maintenance, such as changing lights, adding decorations or sale signs
• Warehouse or stock room work such as accessing high shelves, lifting bulky items to be stored, pallet and roll cage handling, vehicle loading and dock operations
• Industrial applications such as fixing and mounting product parts, carrying heavy items, materials, load & work positioning
• Building maintenance such as window and gutter cleaning, roof inspection and tree-trimming – read our blog on Roof Maintenance for additional information!
• Workshop usage work such as furniture upholstery, woodworking, metalwork, publishing and surprisingly, dog grooming!
• Scissor lifts can also aid mobility as a wheelchair lift to assist in raising and lowering mobility impaired persons

Why it’s worth considering

Security and speed are what you can expect when purchasing a scissor lift table. Falls from ladders are at a higher risk, whereas scissor lifts have a supported platform that will not move unless you want it to. Scissor Lifts can offer more security than other climbing equipment. Scaffolding and towers are other options, but it takes time to set them up. Thus, a scissor lift is ideal for work that needs to be quickly set up and carried out. Simply climb onto the deck, lift yourself up and there you go! A quick and simple work platform. Even while working on a scissor lift table, always stay safe! Wearing a harness is always a good idea when working at height. Read our blog here on Work at Height for more information.