If you own or operate a scissor lift, you’re required to have it inspected regularly. But the regulations can be confusing because OSHA and ANSI have different roles, and the specific requirements have evolved over the years. Here’s a clear, plain-language breakdown of what’s actually required and what happens during an inspection.
What Does OSHA Require?
OSHA doesn’t publish its own detailed inspection standard for scissor lifts. Instead, OSHA requires employers to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and references ANSI standards as recognized best practices. In practical terms, this means OSHA expects you to follow the ANSI/SAIA A92 family of standards, which are the industry’s accepted safety benchmarks for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs).
If OSHA inspects your worksite and finds a scissor lift that hasn’t been properly inspected or maintained, you can face citations under the General Duty Clause or specific standards related to aerial lifts and scaffolding. Fines can run into the tens of thousands of dollars per violation.
What Does ANSI/SAIA A92 Require?
Under the current ANSI/SAIA A92.22 standard, scissor lifts (classified as mobile elevating work platforms) require an annual inspection performed by a qualified person. This is a thorough examination of the entire machine — not just a visual walkaround.
A proper annual inspection covers:
- Structural components (checking for cracks, deformation, and weld integrity)
- Hydraulic system (hoses, cylinders, fittings, fluid levels, and leak inspection)
- Electrical system (wiring, connections, battery condition, and charging system)
- Controls (platform controls, ground controls, emergency stop, and joystick function)
- Safety devices (guardrails, gates, tilt sensors, and overload systems)
- Wheels and tires (condition, wear, and proper inflation for pneumatic tires)
- Labels and markings (capacity plates, warning labels, and operating instructions)
- A functional test of all lift operations
Who Can Perform the Inspection?
The inspection must be performed by a “qualified person” — someone with the knowledge, training, and experience to identify hazards and assess the condition of the equipment. At Win Win Equipment, our technicians have over 30 years of hands-on experience with aerial equipment and are certified for Genie, JLG, and Skyjack — the three most common brands in the industry.
How Often Do You Need an Inspection?
At minimum, annually. However, many manufacturers recommend more frequent inspections for heavily used equipment, and some job sites and general contractors require a current inspection before allowing a lift on site. If your lift is used in harsh conditions (outdoor construction, dusty environments, extreme temperatures), more frequent inspections are a smart investment.
Additionally, daily pre-use inspections should be performed by the operator before each shift. These are visual and functional checks — not a substitute for the annual inspection, but an important part of your overall safety program.
What Does an Annual Inspection Cost?
At Win Win Equipment, annual inspections are $225 at our Addison, IL shop or $350 on-site at your location (plus travel time). We provide a written inspection report documenting the condition of every major system. If we find issues during the inspection, we’ll provide a separate repair estimate so you know exactly what’s needed and what it’ll cost before any additional work begins.
Schedule Your Annual Inspection
Don’t wait until a job site or an OSHA inspector asks for your paperwork. Call (773) 790-7299 or submit a service request to schedule your annual inspection. We offer pickup and delivery throughout Chicagoland — including Chicago and Naperville.
