Scissor Lift Novice

Course overview

The Scissor Lift Novice course is designed for individuals who are new to operating mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) of the scissor-lift type and need to acquire the fundamentals of safe and effective operation. Delivered in a structured, instructor-led format, the training begins with a thorough grounding in relevant legislation and safety standards, including the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).

From the classroom session, delegates learn how scissor-lifts function, the anatomy of the platform, scissor mechanism, control systems, hydraulics, stability factors and safe parking and deployment. Practical sessions then build on this by giving hands-on experience in pre-use inspections, setting up a stable working position, manoeuvring the lift safely, elevating and descending the platform, controlling loads and ensuring safe operation in confined or elevated environments. The training emphasises hazard identification (such as ground conditions, overhead obstructions, fall-risk zones and tip-over risk) and company compliance requirements.

For businesses, the value of this course is clear: it establishes operator competence, reduces risk, enhances workplace safety and ensures that scissor-lift tasks are carried out by trained personnel. By investing in the novice level course, you build a reliable, robust foundation for your MEWP operations — fewer mishaps, improved operator confidence and better alignment with safety governance. Delegates complete with recognized certification, better awareness of safe-working practices and the skills to operate scissor-lift platforms effectively within your facility or site-based environment.

Course benefits

• Ensures new operators are trained to safely use scissor-lift MEWPs in line with PUWER and LOLER requirements.
• Reduces workplace risk by building strong hazard-awareness and safe-working practices.
• Improves operational efficiency through confident, competent equipment use.
• Minimises incidents, near-misses and equipment damage caused by inexperienced operation.
• Supports compliance and audit readiness with recognised operator training.
• Enhances productivity by reducing delays linked to poor setup or incorrect platform positioning.
• Develops a more flexible workforce that can safely undertake work at height tasks.
• Strengthens your organisation’s safety culture by investing in proper operator training.

Please note

This course specification has been put together to achieve the key learning aims appealing to a broad range of customers. PETA are able to use this course as the basis of a bespoke programme if you would like the learning outcomes to be specific to your organisation. Contact us for more information on our bespoke training options.