The short answer is no. You don't need a license or ticket to operate a scissor lift in the Northern Territory.
The long answer is a bit more complicated and here we'll explore the reason that is.
Scissor lifts are potentially very dangerous and operation can cause serious harm or death.
While the law doesn't require a ticket or license to operate a scissor lift. It doesn't take a genious to realise that things could go very badly when making use of an elevated work platform.
Operators should have a bare minimum of understanding how the machinery works before jumping in and having a crack at it. This could be some training from a work collegue or friend or employer on how to operate the equipment. A practical demonstration will go a long way to understanding the various threats and dangers when working with a scissor lifts as well as understanding the basic controls.
Although it probably doesn't need to be said. The higher up you have raised the plaform, the more risk there is of something going wrong.
It's basic physics. You're made of squishy meat and bones and the further away from the ground you get the more that ground will hurt when you eventually land on it. Not to mention the couple of tonnes worth of steel that will come down with you, potentially on top of you.
Tips to avoid an accident
So with that said, here is a quick list of things to be aware of before operation.
Identify any live powerlines in the area before operation and remain aware of them during operation. Think, look and plan before you move.
Reduce driving distances with the platform extended as much as possible and retract the boom before driving any long distance.
If in the case that you do choose to drive with the platform extended (not recommended) then drive as slowly as possible.
Wear a harness and strap yourself into the platform before raising the boom and do not hang from the outside of the platform.
Identify loose or unstable earth, dips, gutters, rocks and otherwise rough terrain within the work area before operation of the platform and retract the platform before attempting to cross such terrain.
Avoid operating in rainy, wet, windy and otherwise dangerous weather conditions.
Practise common sense. If it looks like it's risky, then reduce the risk as much as possible and think before you act.
So, to answer the question "Do I need a license to operate a scissor lift in the Northern Territory?"
No you don't, but that doesn't mean that you should just jump straight into one either.
Territory Plant Hire offers a range of high quality scissor lifts for hire in Darwin and the Northern Territory. If you'd like to check them out then please follow the link bellow.
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