Understanding the Right Terminology: Scissor Lift, Manlift, or Aerial Work Platform?

If you have ever searched for equipment to safely work at height, you have likely encountered different terms such as scissor lift, manlift, aerial work platform (AWP), or MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform). Although these terms are often used interchangeably in daily conversations, they do not all mean the same thing.

This confusion can lead to misunderstandings when renting, purchasing, training operators, or ensuring regulatory compliance. In this article, we clarify the correct terminology, explain modern industry standards, and show why using the right language truly matters.

 

The Term “Manlift” – Outdated but Still Common

The word “manlift” has been used for decades as a casual way to describe equipment that lifts people to a working height. While still common in everyday speech, it is considered outdated and is no longer used in technical standards or official documentation.

There are several reasons for this:

  • It is too generic and does not define the type of lift

  • It can cause confusion, as it may refer to scissor lifts, boom lifts, or other machines

  • It is not aligned with modern safety and compliance standards, which require precise terminology

Although you may still hear “manlift” in informal conversations, it is not recommended for professional, technical, or safety-critical communication.

 

The Term “Scissor Lift” – Accurate and Specific

A scissor lift is the correct and industry-standard term for machines that use a crisscross scissor mechanism to provide vertical lifting.

This terminology is consistently used in:

  • Manufacturer manuals

  • Operator training materials

  • International safety standards such as EN 280 and ANSI/SAIA A92

Scissor lifts are commonly used for:

  • Indoor and outdoor maintenance

  • Construction and installation work

  • Warehouses and logistics facilities

  • Tasks requiring stable vertical elevation

When you say “scissor lift,” professionals immediately understand which machine is being referenced. For clarity, professionalism, and safety, this is the preferred term.

 

Aerial Work Platform (AWP) – The Broader Category

An Aerial Work Platform (AWP) is a general category name that includes all mobile equipment designed to lift people safely to height.

AWPs include:

  • Scissor lifts

  • Articulating boom lifts

  • Telescopic boom lifts

  • Vertical mast lifts

  • Trailer-mounted platforms

In other words, every scissor lift is an AWP, but not every AWP is a scissor lift. The term AWP is useful when speaking broadly about access equipment, but it lacks specificity when referring to a particular machine type.

 

MEWP – The Modern Industry Standard

Modern regulations and safety standards now use the term MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) as the formal classification.

This terminology is defined in:

  • EN 280 (Europe)

  • ANSI/SAIA A92 (North America)

MEWPs are further classified by:

  • Type A / Type B – Vertical movement vs boom movement

  • Category 1 / 2 / 3 – Based on mobility and stability

 

While MEWP may sound technical to end users, it is the globally recognized term in safety, certification, and compliance contexts.

 

Why Using the Right Terminology Matters

Correct terminology is not just a linguistic preference—it has real operational and safety implications:

  • Safety: Reduces the risk of selecting the wrong equipment

  • Compliance: Aligns with regulations, training standards, and certifications

  • Clarity: Improves communication between operators, rental companies, and manufacturers

 

At Galen Equipment, we use industry-standard terminology to ensure clear understanding, regulatory compliance, and safe operation.

The Preferred Term Is “Scissor Lift”

Although “manlift” is still commonly heard, the correct and professional terminology is:

  • Scissor lift – When referring to the vertical scissor-mechanism machine

  • AWP / MEWP – When referring to the broader category of access equipment

 

Using accurate terminology helps avoid confusion, improves safety, and aligns with global industry standards.