Festival organisers should not attach banners to scissor lifts due to wind-related dangers, according to the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF).
The safety body has warned that the practice can create a ‘sail board’ effect, which destabilises the units and increases the risk of toppling.
IPAF also pointed out that some scissor lifts are designed exclusively for indoor use at zero wind speed. Those that are designed for outside use may still be at risk of being blown over in an elevated position when the maximum safe wind speed is exceeded.
Andy Studdert, president of IPAF and chairman and CEO of NES Rentals, commented: “Scissor lifts are safe, but improper use of this equipment can make them very dangerous.
“Don’t put your visitors at risk; a machine with a banner attached to it could get blown over, even in modest winds.
“Aerial lifts are not toys for joy rides or hanging banners and displays,” he added.
Scissor lifts, noted the safety body, represent a safe way to perform temporary work at height, but only when operated by trained personnel.
However, IPAF emphasised that festival organisers who attach banners or boards to these units are putting visitors at risk.
