Lifting & Heavy Machinery
Scissors Lift and Cherry Picker Training in Pietermaritzburg
If your work takes you off the ground — whether in a scissors lift at a retail fitout or a cherry picker on a building facade — you need formal operator training. In South Africa, operating a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) without certification is a legal and safety issue. Abethu Skills provides scissors lift and cherry picker training in Pietermaritzburg that gets operators compliant and confident.
What the Course Covers
Scissors Lift Training
Scissors lifts are widely used in warehousing, retail construction, and building maintenance across Pietermaritzburg. The course covers:
- How a scissors lift functions — electric and diesel variants
- Stability limits and ground condition assessment
- Platform weight limits and load distribution
- Pre-operation checks and daily inspection requirements
- Working near edges, drop-offs, and other elevated hazards
- Fall arrest equipment — harness use in conjunction with the platform
- Emergency descent and rescue procedures
Cherry Picker (Boom Lift) Training
Boom lifts introduce articulated and telescopic reach — and with that comes additional risk around outreach, platform tipping, and proximity to overhead structures and powerlines. The course covers:
- Types of boom lifts and their operational differences
- Working radius, load ratings, and ground pressure requirements
- Pre-operation inspection and setup procedures
- Safe operation near buildings, powerlines, and other hazards
- Fall arrest equipment — mandatory harness attachment points
- Emergency descent procedures
Work at Heights Legislation
Both courses are aligned to the requirements of the Construction Regulations and the OHS Act for elevated work. Employers operating scissor lifts or boom lifts are required to maintain records of operator training for compliance purposes.
Our Accreditations
CETA — Accreditation Number: 3P3812. QCTO — Accreditation Number: 05-QCTOSDP010925142222. TETA — Aligned to TETA standards for lifting machinery operation.
Ready to get certified?
Training slots fill up fast — early registration is advised. Call us or complete the enquiry form to secure your place.
FAQs - Scissors Lift and Cherry Picker Training PMB
Are scissors lift and cherry picker courses separate?
Yes, though some operators complete both. If you use both types of equipment, separate certification is required for each.
Is on-site training available in Pietermaritzburg?
Yes. We can bring training to your workplace — ideal for teams that need certification with minimal disruption to operations.
Is a harness required when using a scissors lift?
Yes. South African regulations require operators to wear a harness with a short lanyard attached to the anchor point inside the platform. This is covered in both courses.
Still Have Questions?
If you didn’t find what you were looking for, we’re here to help. Whether it’s about course requirements, training schedules