Online OSHA Safety Training

All blog posts

Explore the world of design and learn how to create visually stunning artwork.

How Long Is Scissor Lift Certification Good For

When you get certified to operate a scissor lift, that certification lasts for three years. After three years, you need to take a refresher course to renew your certification and ensure you’re up to date with safety practices and regulations. This helps keep everyone safe and ensures that operators are knowledgeable about the latest safety standards.

When you receive a scissor lift certification, it means you’ve been trained and tested to operate the equipment safely. This certification is valid for three years. During these three years, you are recognized as a qualified operator. However, after three years, you must renew your certification by taking a refresher course.

The refresher course is important because:

  1. Safety Updates: Safety standards and regulations can change, and it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest practices.
  2. Skill Reinforcement: Regular training helps reinforce safe operating skills and correct any bad habits that may have developed.
  3. Legal Compliance: Employers must comply with OSHA regulations, which require operators to be trained and up-to-date with their training.

If your scissor lift certification has expired for many years, you will need to take more comprehensive training to get certified. This ensures you are fully updated on current safety practices, equipment features, and regulations. Comprehensive training typically includes both classroom instruction and hands-on practice, covering all aspects of scissor lift operation to ensure you can operate the equipment safely and effectively.

You Can Take Refresher More Frequently

You can take a refresher course more frequently than every three years if needed. Here are some situations where you might need or want to take a refresher course sooner:

Safety Concerns:

Performance Issues:

Changes in Equipment:

Regulatory Changes:

Employer Requirements:

By understanding these situations, you can see why taking a refresher course more frequently can be beneficial. It helps maintain a high standard of safety, keeps skills up-to-date, and ensures compliance with the latest regulations and employer requirements.

Other Situations That May Prompt Operator To Take The Scissor Lift Refresher Training

New Job Responsibilities:

Workplace Environment Changes:

Technological Advancements:

Audit Findings:

Incident Reports:

Operator Self-Assessment:

Industry Best Practices:

Employee Turnover:

Seasonal Work:

Manufacturer Recommendations:

If You’re Presently Employed, It Is The Responsibility Of The Employer To Recertify Their Scissor Lift Operators

If you have a job where you use a scissor lift, your boss is responsible for making sure you take the necessary refresher training courses and get recertified. This means they need to:

Arrange Training:

Cover Costs:

Keep Records:

In short, your employer takes care of everything needed to keep your knowledge up to date so you can continue to operate the scissor lift safely and legally.

It Is Important for Employers To Track Certification Expiration Date

It is important for employers to track the expiration dates of their operators’ scissor lift certifications for several reasons:

  1. Safety Compliance:
    • Ensuring that operators are certified and up-to-date with their training helps maintain a safe work environment. Certified operators are knowledgeable about the latest safety standards and procedures, which reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.
  2. Regulatory Requirements:
    • OSHA and other regulatory bodies require that operators are certified and that their certifications are current. Keeping track of expiration dates ensures that the company remains compliant with these regulations, avoiding potential fines and legal issues.
  3. Operational Efficiency:
    • Properly trained and certified operators are more efficient and effective in their work. Tracking certification expiration dates ensures that operators receive timely refresher training, maintaining their skills and productivity.
  4. Liability Reduction:
    • If an accident occurs and an operator’s certification is found to be expired, the company could be held liable for negligence. Keeping certifications up-to-date helps protect the company from legal and financial repercussions.
  5. Employee Morale:
    • Investing in regular training and recertification shows employees that the company values their safety and professional development. This can lead to higher morale and job satisfaction.
  6. Audit Preparedness:
    • During safety audits or inspections, having up-to-date records of certifications demonstrates the company’s commitment to safety and compliance. This can result in more favorable audit outcomes.
  7. Emergency Preparedness:
    • Certified operators are better prepared to handle emergency situations safely and effectively. Keeping their certifications current ensures they are trained in the latest emergency response procedures.

Tracking the expiration dates of scissor lift certifications is crucial for maintaining safety, compliance, efficiency, and morale in the workplace. It helps employers ensure that their operators are always prepared and qualified to operate scissor lifts safely.

Where Can You Take The Scissor Lift Recertification

There are several options for taking scissor lift recertification courses. Here are some common places where you can complete this training:

  1. Online Training Providers:
    • Many accredited organizations offer online courses for scissor lift operators. These courses can be convenient as they allow you to complete the training at your own pace and schedule. Some well-known providers include OSHA.com, MEWPTraining.com, and other similar platforms.
  2. Community Colleges and Technical Schools:
    • Many community colleges and technical schools offer courses in heavy equipment operation and maintenance, including MEWP Training. These programs often provide hands-on training in addition to classroom instruction.
  3. Safety Training Companies:
    • Specialized safety training companies offer a wide range of courses These companies often provide both online and in-person training options. Some examples include National Safety Council (NSC), HSI (Health & Safety Institute), and local safety training providers.
  4. Equipment Manufacturers:
    • Many scissor lift manufacturers provide training and courses. They offer specialized programs that focus on the specific equipment they produce. Manufacturers such as JLG, Genie, and Skyjack often have training centers or partner with training providers to offer these courses.
  5. Trade Associations:
    • Trade associations related to construction, manufacturing, and other industries often offer training programs, including scissor lift recertification. Examples include the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
  6. Employer-Provided Training:
    • Some employers offer in-house training and recertification programs for their employees. These programs are tailored to the specific needs and equipment used by the company. Check with your employer to see if they offer or can arrange for the retraining.
  7. Union Training Centers:
    • If you are a member of a labor union, your union might offer training and recertification programs. Unions often have training centers that provide courses to help members stay up-to-date with industry standards.
  8. OSHA Training Centers:
    • OSHA has a network of authorized training centers that offer a variety of safety courses, including scissor lift training. These centers provide high-quality training that meets OSHA standards.

When choosing a course, make sure the provider is accredited and that the course meets OSHA or other relevant safety standards to ensure your certification is recognized and valid.

To Make a Conclusion

Scissor lift certification is valid for three years. After this period, operators need to take a refresher course to renew their certification. Employers are responsible for arranging and paying for this training, ensuring that their operators stay compliant with safety regulations.

Additionally, operators might need more frequent refresher training in cases like safety concerns, changes in equipment, or regulatory updates. Regular training helps maintain a safe work environment and ensures operators are up-to-date with the latest safety practices.