MH29.

1-2003
(a revision of MH29.1 - 1994)

Safety Requirements for

Industrial Scissors Lifts

© 2003 Material Handling Industry
All rights reserved.
A Product Section of
Material Handling Industry of America,
A division of Material Handling Industry
8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 201
Charlotte, NC 28217-3992
mhstd@mhia.org
American National Standard

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respect preclude anyone, whether he has approved the standards or not, from manufacturing,
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standards.

The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards and will in no
circumstances give an interpretation of any American National Standard. Moreover, no person
shall have the right or authority to issue an interpretation of an American National Standard in the
name of the American National Standards Institute. Requests for interpretations should be
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CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised or withdrawn at any time.
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Published by

Lift Manufacturers Product Section

A Product Section of Material Handling Industry of America,
A division of Material Handling Industry
8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 201, Charlotte, NC, 28217-3992
Telephone: (704) 676-1190 Fax: (704) 676-1199
www.mhia.org/LMPS

© 2003 by Material Handling Industry

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form,

in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise, without
prior written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America.

 ANSI MH29.1– 2003
(a revision of MH29.1 – 1994)

American National Standard

Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts

Lift Manufacturers Product Section

A Product Section of Material Handling Industry of America,
A division of Material Handling Industry

Approved August 13, 2003

American National Standards Institute, Inc.
 Disclaimer

This standard, which was developed under the ANSI Canvass method
and approved by ANSI on August 13, 2003, represents suggested
design practices and safety requirements for industrial scissors lifts. It
was developed with the sole intent of offering information to parties
engaged in the manufacture, marketing, purchase, or use of industrial
scissors lifts. This standard is advisory only and acceptance is voluntary
and the standard should be regarded as a guide that the user may or
may not choose to adopt, modify, or reject. The information does not
constitute a comprehensive safety program and should not be relied
upon as such. Such a program should be developed and an
independent safety adviser consulted to do so.

Material Handling Industry (MHI), Lift Manufacturers Product Section and

their members assume no responsibility and disclaim all liability of any
kind, however arising, as a result of acceptance or use or alleged use of
this standard. User specifically understands and agrees that MHI and
Lift Manufacturers Product Section and their officers, agents, and
employees shall not be liable under any legal theory of any kind for any
action or failure to act with respect to the design, erection, installation,
manufacture, preparation for sale, sale, characteristics, features, or
delivery of anything covered by this standard. Any use of this
information must be determined by the user to be in accordance with
applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

MHI and Lift Manufacturers Product Section make no warranties

of any kind, express, implied, or statutory, in connection with the
information in this standard. MHI and Lift Manufacturers Product
Section specifically disclaim all implied warranties of
merchantability or of fitness for particular purpose.

By referring to or otherwise employing this standard, the user agrees to

defend, protect, indemnify, and hold MHI and Lift Manufacturers Product
Section and their officers, agents, and employees harmless from and
against all claims, losses, expenses, damages, and liabilities, direct,
incidental, or consequential, arising from acceptance or use or alleged
use of this standard, including loss of profits and reasonable attorneys'
fees which may arise out of the acceptance or use or alleged use of this
standard. The intent of this provision and of the user is to absolve and
protect MHI and Lift Manufacturers Product Section and their officers,
agents, and employees from any and all loss relating in any way to this
standard, including those resulting from the user's own negligence.

i
ii
Foreword (This foreword is not part of American National Standard MH29.1-2003)

This standard, which was originally approved by ANSI on January 14, 1994, represents
recommended safety practices for industrial scissors lifts. It was developed to offer information to
parties engaged in the manufacture, marketing, purchase or use of industrial scissors lifts.

The Lift Manufacturers Product Section of Material Handling Industry of America, is comprised of
a substantial portion of the major companies that design and manufacture industrial scissors lifts
in the United States. This original standard is the result of LMPS’s recognition of the need to
develop a comprehensive safety standard and establish a minimum design and performance
criteria to ensure the safe application and utilization of industrial scissors lifts, and was formulated
under American National Standards Institute (ANSI) procedures.

The following organizations are recognized as having an interest in the standardization of

specifications for industrial scissors lifts. Representatives from each organization were contacted
prior to the approval of this standard and each agreed to participate in the review of MH29.1.
Inclusion in this list does not necessarily imply that the organization concurred with the submittal
of the proposed standard.
Alvey Systems, Inc.
Baroid Drilling Fluids/Hallibarton
Cincinnati Incorporated
Conrad N. Hilton College, University of Houston
Daimler Chrysler
Day & Zimmerman, Inc.
Hovensa
International Association of Food Industrial Supplies
Material Handling Industry of America
Meridian Engineering & Technology
Samsonite Corp.
Standard Register
System Schultheis AG
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
United Technologies Corporation
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Van Dorn Demag Corp.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

LMPS formed the MH 29 Committee in 1990. At the date of approval of this standard, the LMPS
consisted of the following member companies:
Advance Lifts Inc.
American Lifts
Autoquip Corporation
Bishamon Industries Corporation
Handling Specialty, Inc.
Joyce/Dayton Corporation
Lift Products, Dock Products Division
Pentalift Equipment Corporation
Southworth International Group, Inc.
West Bend Division of Bushman Equipment, Inc.

Suggestions for improvement, and questions regarding interpretation of this standard will be welcome. They should be
sent to: MH29 Committee (LMPS), Material Handling Industry of America, 8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 201, Charlotte, NC,
28217-3992; mhstd@mhia.org.

iii
©2003 Material Handling Industry
All rights reserved.

iv
AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD ANSI MH29.1 – 2003
(a revision of MH29.1 – 1994)

Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts

Table of Contents
Page

1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………1

2 Scope and Purpose………………………………………………………………………..1

3 Definitions…………………………………………………………………………………..2

4 General Requirements and Load Ratings for All Industrial Scissors Lifts……….…..4

5 Deflection……………………………………………………………………………………5

6 Platform Protection………………………………………………………………………...6

7 Controls……………………………………………………………………………………12

8 Type of Actuation…………………………………………………………………………12

9 Maintenance Device……………………………………………………………………..14

10 Markings…………………………………………………………………………………..14

11 Operating/Maintenance Manual………………………………………………………..15

12 Responsibilities of Owners/Users………………………………………………………15

v
AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD ANSI MH29.1 – 2003
(a revision of MH29.1 – 1994)

Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts

1 Introduction
Industrial scissors lifts have been in use since the early 1950’s. While their safety record has
been excellent, there were no definitive standards regarding their design, manufacture and
performance. Lack of specific standards for industrial scissors lifts sometimes caused confusion
with lift manufacturers, users and various governing bodies who, because of the lack of specific
standards, apply existing standards of non-related equipment to industrial scissors lifts.

The requirements herein were developed to ensure minimum standards for the protection of
users and operators and to eliminate confusion for governing bodies.

The operation of any industrial scissors lift is subject to certain hazards that can be protected
against only by the exercise of care and common sense and not by mechanical means. It is,
therefore, essential to have competent, qualified operators, trained in the safe operation and
care of this type of equipment.

2 Scope and Purpose

2.1 Equipment Covered

This standard applies to designs of industrial scissors lifts designed to raise and lower
materials that are manufactured after the effective date of this standard. They are generally
activated by means of hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical or electro-mechanical means.
Industrial scissors lifts can be stationary or movable and are generally used to position,
feed, transfer, load or unload materials. Industrial scissors lifts are available in a range of
capacities, sizes and travels. Industrial scissors lifts include dock lifts and lift tables which
are categorized by function as described in “Definitions” and which are considered to be
material handling equipment.

2.1.1 Equipment Not Covered

This standard does not relate to:

• Aerial work platforms used for building maintenance and construction purposes such
as covered in ANSI/SIA A92.
• Elevators of any type such as covered in ANSI/ASME A17-1.
• Vertical reciprocating conveyors such as covered in ANSI/ASME B20.1.
• Steerable self-propelled lifts.
• Vehicle mounted lifts.
• Disabled persons lifts such as in ANSI/ASME A17.1.
• Automotive vehicle service lifts such as covered in A153.1.

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American National Standard MH29.1 (a revision of MH29.1 – 1994)
Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts

2.2 Purpose

The purpose of this standard is to serve as a guide for future designers, manufacturers,
sellers, installers, owners, users and governing bodies of industrial scissors lifts to achieve
the following objectives:

• To provide a reasonable degree of personnel safety through the establishment of a

safety standard.
• To standardize rating methods.
• To promote the understanding by manufacturers, sellers, installers, owners, users and
governing bodies of their respective responsibilities.

3 Definitions
3.1 Authorized person: trained or qualified personnel approved or assigned to perform a
specific duty or duties.

3.2 Automatic Landing Gate: a landing gate that automatically opens or closes,
respectively, as a lift platform arrives at or departs from subject landing.

3.3 Critical Components: those components whose absence or failure would cause the
equipment, of which they are a part, to become inadequate or unsafe for its specific
purpose.

3.4 Dock Lift: a lift whose travel is generally 5 feet (1524 mm) or less and which is
primarily used to load/unload material from trucks and transfer it to dock or ground elevation.

3.5 Ductile: describes material capable of sustaining not less than 5% elongation before
it fractures.

3.6 End/Side Axle Load Capacity: the maximum amount of single axle load (in the
case of rolling loads) which may be applied to the loading edge of the platform (end or side)
when the lift is in its raised position.

3.7 End/Side Edge Load Capacity: the maximum amount of static load that can be
applied to the edge of platform (end or side) when the lift is in any raised position.

3.8 Hinged Bridge: a hinged transition plate, which is attached to the edge of the
platform and used to bridge the gap between the platform and landing and/or truck bed.

3.9 Hydraulic Piping System: the entire system of fluid conduits such as hose, pipe,
tubing, etc., utilized to transfer hydraulic fluid between various operating components of a
hydraulic system such as pumps, valves, actuators, etc.

3.10 Interlock: a device to prevent lift movement when a landing gate is not fully closed
and to prevent the landing gate from being opened unless the lift platform is present at that
landing.

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American National Standard MH29.1 (a revision of MH29.1 – 1994)
Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts

3.11 Landing: a permanent working surface at a fixed elevation used for

loading/unloading a scissors lift platform positioned at that elevation.

3.12 Landing Gate: a gate to control personnel traffic at a landing.

3.13 Lift Table: a scissors lift device used to raise, lower, stack, convey and/or transfer
material between two or more elevations and not limited to landings.

3.14 Lifting Capacity: the rated load of a scissors lift applied as a uniformly distributed
load.

3.15 Operator: trained person controlling the movement of the lift.

3.16 Pantograph Leg Section: the articulated support mechanism characterized by a

single central pivot axis, and commonly referred to as the scissors leg assembly.

3.17 Platform Ends: the edges of the platform that are perpendicular to the scissors
legs. The end dimension is considered the platform width.

3.18 Platform Sides: the edges of the platform that are parallel to the scissors legs. The
side dimension is considered the platform length.

3.19 Pneumatic Piping System: the entire system of pneumatic conduits such as
hose, pipe, tubing, etc., utilized to transfer gas between various operating components of
the pneumatic system such as pumps, valves, actuators, etc.

3.20 Qualified Person: a person, who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate,

professional standing, or skill, and who, by knowledge, training and experience, has
demonstrated the ability to deal with problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the
project.

3.21 Rated Capacity: the maximum load which can be applied according to the
manufacturer’s specification.

3.22 Rated Load: the maximum capacity as specified by the equipment nameplate.

3.23 Rollover Capacity: the maximum amount of single axle load which may be rolled
over the platform surface when the lift is in its fully closed position.

3.24 Scissors Lift: a raising/lowering device that is supported or stabilized by one or

more pantograph leg sections.

3.25 Shall: the word “shall” is to be understood as mandatory.

3.26 Should: the word “should” is to be understood as advisory.

3.27 Strength Factor: the ratio of ultimate strength of a material to its design stress at
maximum rated capacity.

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American National Standard MH29.1 (a revision of MH29.1 – 1994)
Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts

3.28 Trained Personnel: personnel who have been trained by a qualified person and
have demonstrated the ability to perform a particular function on or around a scissors lift.

3.29 Vertical Creep: extremely slow speed movement of a scissors lift that is the result of
normal, internal leakage of fluid control valves.

3.30 Vertical Travel: the difference between the fully raised height of the platform deck
and the fully closed height of the platform deck.

4 General Requirements and Load Ratings for All Industrial

Scissors Lifts

4.1 General Requirements

4.1.1 Basic Principles

Sound engineering principles consistent with all data available regarding the parameters
of intended use and the expected environment shall be applied in the design and
manufacture of industrial scissors lifts, and under certain circumstances with due
consideration for the knowledge that the lift may be carrying personnel.

4.1.2 Design and Construction Requirements

The design shall be such as to produce an industrial scissors lift that will elevate, sustain,
and lower the maximum rated loads. The structure and elevating assembly of the
industrial scissors lift shall be of sufficient strength to meet or exceed the requirements of
this standard.

4.1.3 Materials

The materials used in industrial scissors lifts shall be of sufficient strength to meet or
exceed the requirements of this standard.

4.1.4 Electrical Wiring and Equipment

Electrical wiring and equipment supplied by the scissors lift manufacturer shall be in
accordance with requirements of the National Electrical Code (ANSI/NFPA) in effect at
the date of scissors lift manufacture.

4.2 Load Ratings

4.2.1 Axle/Edge Load Ratings

Maximum axle or edge load ratings for ends and sides of platform shall be indicated on
the equipment nameplate.

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American National Standard MH29.1 (a revision of MH29.1 – 1994)
Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts

4.2.2 Structural Strength Factor

4.2.2.1 Load Supporting Elements

All ductile load-supporting elements of the industrial scissors lift shall have a
strength factor of not less than three.

4.2.2.2 Non-Ductile Material, Chains, or Cable

All load supporting elements of the industrial scissors lift that are made of non-
ductile material (such as cast iron), chains or cables shall have a strength factor
of not less than five.

5 Deflection
5.1 General

In common with other types of load carrying machines, all industrial scissors lifts will deflect
under load because of fluid compressibility and/or structural elasticity. Maximum deflection
tolerances shall be as outlined below:

5.2 Deflection at the Platform Edges

The maximum platform edge deflection of industrial scissors lifts shall be limited, by design,
according to the following formula when a static load of one half of the rated lifting capacity
is uniformly distributed over one half of the platform width or length, in the fully raised
position when measured between the platform and base frame:

D = (n (L + W)) / 200

Where:

D= maximum allowable platform edge deflection (in)

n= number of vertically stacked pantograph leg sections
L= platform length (in)
W= platform width (in)

Note: It is the responsibility of the user/purchaser to advise the manufacturer where

deflection may be critical to the application.

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American National Standard MH29.1 (a revision of MH29.1 – 1994)
Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts

6 Platform Protection
6.1 Industrial Lifts Guarding

One or more of the following guarding methods, or other sufficient means, shall be provided
for personnel protection from potential shear or pinch points created by the lift platform
motion and surfaces external to the scissors lift.

Note: Automatically operated lifts must be guarded by skirts per 6.1.1.2 and/or enclosures
as defined in 6.1.1.5 or other sufficient means for protection of personnel.

6.1.1 Pit Mounted Installations

When the lift rise is such that the unprotected vertical distance from a landing to the
bottom edge of the vertical side of the platform is not more than 5 feet (1524 mm), toe
protection shall be provided along the entire unprotected sides by one or more of the
methods described in 6.1.1.1 to 6.1.1.5.

6.1.1.1 Bevel Toe Guards

A toe guard plate not less than 8 inches (203 mm) in width shall be provided on
all unprotected sides. It shall be made of steel, not less than No. 11 gauge (3
mm) in thickness, or other material of equal rigidity, attached flush with the
vertical edge of the platform, and slanted inwardly at an angle of approximately
30 degrees from vertical.

1” Max

30°
8”

Fig. 6.1.1.1

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American National Standard MH29.1 (a revision of MH29.1 – 1994)
Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts

6.1.1.2 Skirts

Skirts of metal or wood or other material of similar strength and rigidity shall be
provided and attached to the platform to protect the exposed vertical openings.

Base
F

Structural
Pedestal

Fig.6.1.1.2

6.1.1.3 Indicator Bar

An indicator bar shall be provided as a physical alert. It shall be suspended

below the platform perimeter with free vertical movement of not less than 8
inches (203 mm), and set within 2 inches (51 mm) of the platform edge.

2” Max

8” Min

Fig. 6.1.1.3

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American National Standard MH29.1 (a revision of MH29.1 – 1994)
Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts

6.1.1.4 Toe Sensor

Toe sensor shall be mounted below the platform edge such that when an obstruction
is met during descent, the lift will be brought to rest before entrapment can occur
whether the lift is loaded or empty. Any unguarded clearance between the toe sensor
and the underside perimeter of the platform shall be limited to 7/8 inch (22 mm). The
toe sensor mechanism shall be of a design so as to prevent any further downward
movement of the lift until the obstruction is removed and the toe sensor is fully
operational.

7/8” Max
Toe Sensor

Fig. 6.1.1.4

6.1.1.5 Enclosures

When protection is not provided as specified in 6.1.1.1, 6.1.1.2, 6.1.1.3, or

6.1.1.4, the unprotected sides shall be provided with solid or mesh enclosures 8
feet (2438 mm) high or to the full height of the lift rise whichever is less. Mesh
enclosures shall reject a 2 inch (51 mm) ball.

Full Height of Lift

Or 8’ Max

Fig. 6.1.1.5

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American National Standard MH29.1 (a revision of MH29.1 – 1994)
Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts

6.1.2 Above-Floor Installations

On installations where the platform structure is entirely above the floor and the lowering
speed does not exceed 10 feet (3048 mm) per minute, the protection specified in 6.1.1
may be modified as follows:

6.1.2.1 Where the lowering speed does not exceed 10 feet (3048 mm) per
minute, the bevel toe guards specified in 6.1.1.1 may be reduced in width but
shall be the full depth of the platform and not less than 4 inches (102 mm) wide.
The inward slant shall be such that the horizontal distance from the edge of the
platform to the bottom edge of the toe guard is not less than 3-1/2 inches (89
mm) nor more than 4 inches (102 mm).

4” Min

3 1/2” To 4”
Fig. 6.1.2.1

6.1.2.2 Toe clearance space may be provided in lieu of the protection specified in
6.1.2.1. Such toe clearance shall not be less than 3 inches (76 mm) vertically
from the floor with the platform in its lowest position.

3”

Fig. 6.1.2.2

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American National Standard MH29.1 (a revision of MH29.1 – 1994)
Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts

6.1.2.3 toe sensor as specified in 6.1.1.4 may be provided in lieu of the

protection as specified in 6.1.2.1 or 6.1.2.2.

7/8” Max

Toe Sensor

Fig. 6.1.2.3

6.1.3 For All Installations

When the lift rise is such that the unprotected vertical distance above a landing to the
bottom edge of the vertical side of the platform is more than 5 feet (1524 mm), additional
protection shall be provided as follows:

6.1.3.1 Upper landings shall be provided with enclosures and an automatic

landing gate, or a landing gate equipped with an interlock.

6.1.3.2 Sides used for loading or unloading at the lower level shall be protected
with skirts as described in 6.1.1.2, a landing gate with interlock, or an automatic
landing gate.

6.1.3.3 Sides at lower landings not used for loading or unloading shall be
protected with skirts as described in 6.1.1.2, or enclosures as described in
6.1.1.5.

6.2 Hinged Bridges

Hinged bridges manually raised and lowered as part of the loading/unloading cycle shall
conform to the requirements of 6.2.1 through 6.2.4.

6.2.1 Raised Position

When a hinged bridge is in the raised position, it should slant inwardly toward the
platform at an angle of approximately 20 degrees from vertical and/or it shall be provided
with a chain, latch or other means to secure it in the raised position.

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American National Standard MH29.1 (a revision of MH29.1 – 1994)
Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts

6.2.2 Lowered Position

When a hinged bridge is in its fully lowered position and not resting on a truck bed or
landing, it should hang down at an angle not to exceed approximately 45 degrees from
horizontal.

6.2.3 Exceptions

Bridges which are designed to lay back onto the platform deck are exempt from 6.2.1.
Bridges may hang down beyond 45 degrees as specified in 6.2.2 if the installation
conditions are such that the bridge will not create a shearing action as the lift is lowered.

6.2.4 Capacity of Hinged Bridges

The bridge shall be designed to carry at least the single axle load which can be carried
over the loading edge of the platform (side or end). At least 4 inches (102 mm) of the
bridge shall be resting on the truck or landing.

6.2.5 Clearance on Split Hinged Bridge Sections

When hinged bridges are split, there should be a pinch point clearance of ¾ inch to 1 inch
between the passing bridge sections.

6.3 Handrails (guardrail systems)

When a lift is intended for an individual(s) to ride on a platform which raises 48 inches (1219
mm) or more above the surrounding area, the platform shall be equipped with handrails as
described in 6.3.1 on all sides and ends not used for loading or unloading.

6.3.1 Handrail Requirements

Handrails (guardrails) shall be a minimum of 39 inches (991 mm) high with a midrail and
4 inch (102 mm) kickplate. It shall be capable of withstanding a load of 200 pounds
(90.7 kg) applied in any direction to the top rail. Handrails which are parallel to each
other shall be provided with a personnel restraint chain across the open ends of the
platform. Personnel restraint chains shall be subject to the same minimum height and
loading requirements as handrails.

NOTE: Where removable handrails are necessary, the handrails shall not be required to
withstand a load in the upward direction.

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American National Standard MH29.1 (a revision of MH29.1 – 1994)
Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts

7 Controls
Manual directional controls shall be marked for the direction they control and shall be of the type
which return to the “off” or the neutral position when released or they shall be equipped with an
emergency “stop” control. Where lifts are automatically operated, an emergency “stop” control
shall be provided. All controls should be protected against inadvertent operation.

8 Type of Actuation
8.1 Hydraulic Actuator

8.1.1 Overload Protection

Hydraulic overload protection shall be provided by means of a relief valve that will
prevent raising of the lift, from its fully lowered position, such that it shall not lift in excess
of 125 percent of the rated capacity. The relief valve shall be so located that its
operation will not cause the platform to lower.

8.1.2 Rate of Descent Protection

8.1.2.1 Normal Operation

Hydraulically powered industrial scissors lifts shall be provided with a pressure

compensated flow control to limit down speed.

8.1.2.2 Fault Conditions

Hydraulically powered scissors lifts shall be so designed that in the event of

failure in any part of the hydraulic piping system, either the descent of the lift will
be promptly arrested or the rate of descent of the lift will be limited to a speed not
to exceed the greater of 4 times the normal down speed or 30 fpm when fully
loaded.

8.1.3 Lift Stops

The lift shall have a positive means of limiting its upward travel.

8.1.4 Pressure Ratings

All critical components of the hydraulic system used in an industrial scissors lift shall
have a minimum design bursting pressure that is at least 3 times the maximum design
operating pressure.

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American National Standard MH29.1 (a revision of MH29.1 – 1994)
Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts

8.1.5 Vertical Creep

Vertical creep should average no more than 0.5 percent of the maximum vertical travel
of the platform over a period of 15 minutes under full load at any position of the platform.

Note: It is the responsibility of the user/purchaser to advise the manufacturer if more

stringent requirements are necessary.

8.2 Mechanical Actuators

8.2.1 Normal Operation

Mechanically powered industrial scissors lifts shall be powered in upward and downward
travel.

8.2.2 Lift Stops

The lift shall have a positive means of limiting its upward travel.

8.2.3 Strength Factors

All critical components of the actuator mechanism in a mechanical industrial scissors lift
shall have a strength factor of not less than three.

8.3 Pneumatic Actuator

8.3.1 Overload Protection

Overload protection of a pneumatically actuated lift shall be provided by means of a

relief valve to limit the air pressure in the actuator to not exceed 110 percent of the
maximum rated pressure of the actuator. Because of the high potential energy stored in
compressed air, the lift may be allowed to lower at a rate controlled to prevent free fall in
the event of over pressure in the actuator.

8.3.2 Rate of Descent Protection

8.3.2.1 Normal Operation

Pneumatically powered scissors lifts shall be provided with a means to limit down
speed.

8.3.2.2 Fault Conditions

Pneumatically powered scissors lifts shall be so designed that in the event of

failure in any part of the pneumatic piping system, either the descent of the lift will
be promptly arrested or the rate of descent of the lift will be limited to a speed not
to exceed the greater of 4 times the normal down speed or 30 fpm when fully
loaded.

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American National Standard MH29.1 (a revision of MH29.1 – 1994)
Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts

8.3.3 Lift Stops

The lift shall have a positive means of limiting its upward travel.

8.3.4 Pressure Ratings

All critical components of the pneumatic system used in an industrial scissors lift shall
have a maximum design bursting pressure of at least 3 times the maximum design
operating pressure.

8.3.5 Vertical Creep

Vertical creep should average more than 0.5 percent of the maximum vertical travel of
the platform over a period of 15 minutes under constant full load at any position of the
platform.

Note: It is the responsibility of the user/purchaser to advise the manufacturer if more

stringent requirements are necessary.

9 Maintenance Device
Industrial scissors lifts shall be provided with a securely attached device to block the empty lift in
a raised position for the performance of routine maintenance or service procedures.

10 Markings
10.1 Manufacturer’s Nameplate

Industrial scissors lifts shall be provided with a manufacturer’s nameplate which includes the
name of the manufacturer, model number, serial number, rated lifting capacity and specific
edge or axle load ratings. The nameplate shall be durable, corrosive resistant and
permanently secured in a prominent place, on the lift, for inspection.

10.2 Warning Labels

Industrial scissors lifts shall be provided with labels which are in accordance with ANSI
Z535.4. The minimum labeling shall indicate the following degree or level of hazard
seriousness used on:

Electrical - Danger
Top of Platform - Warning
Under Platform - Danger
Handrails - Warning

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American National Standard MH29.1 (a revision of MH29.1 – 1994)
Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts

11 Operating / Maintenance Manual

An operating/maintenance manual shall be provided with each industrial scissors lift and shall
contain, but not be limited to the following:

• Special warnings, cautions, or restrictions necessary for safe operation.

• Manufacturer’s name and contact information.
• Installation and/or start-up instructions.
• Operating instructions.
• Maintenance recommendations and instructions.
• Replacement parts information.
• Owner’s responsibilities as defined in Paragraph 12 of this standard.

12 Responsibilities of Owners / Users

12.1 Deflection

It is the responsibility of the user/purchaser to advise the manufacturer where deflection may

be critical to the application.

12.2 Inspection and Maintenance

The lift shall be inspected and maintained in proper working order in accordance with the
manufacturer’s operating / maintenance manual and safe operating practices.

Only trained personnel and authorized personnel shall be permitted to perform

maintenance/service operations on the lift.

Maintenance/Service personnel shall have:

• Read and/or have explained and understood, the manufacturer’s

operating/maintenance manual, and all safety rules and labels, prior to
performing any maintenance/service operations on the equipment.

• Full time unlimited access to the manufacturer’s operating/maintenance

manual.

12.3 Removal from Service

Any lift not in safe operating condition such as, but not limited to excessive leakage, missing
rollers, pins or fasteners, any bent or cracked structural members, cut or frayed electric,
hydraulic or air lines, damaged or malfunctioning controls or safety devices, etc. shall be
removed from service until it is repaired to the original manufacturer’s standards.

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American National Standard MH29.1 (a revision of MH29.1 – 1994)
Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts

12.4 Repairs

All repairs shall be made by qualified personnel in conformance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.

12.5 Operators

Only trained personnel and authorized personnel shall be permitted to operate the lift.

12.5.1 Before Operation

Before using the lift, the operator shall have:

• Read and/or have explained, and understood, the manufacturer’s operating

instructions and safety rules.
• Inspected the lift for proper operation and condition. Any suspect item shall be
carefully examined and a determination made by a qualified person as to whether it
constitutes a hazard. All items not in conformance with the manufacturer’s
specification shall be corrected before further use of the lift.

12.5.2 During Operation

The lift shall only be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s operating/maintenance
manual.

• Do not overload the lift.

• Ensure that all safety devices are operational and in place.

12.6 Modifications or Alterations

Modifications or alternations of industrial scissors lifts shall be made only with written
permission of the original manufacturer. These changes shall be in conformance with all
applicable provisions of this standard and shall be as safe as the equipment was before
modification. These changes shall also satisfy all safety recommendations of the original
equipment manufacturer for the particular application of the lift.

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