Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Based on both OSHA and HRSDC, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial equipment capable of raising heavy and large loads that are well balanced. They are responsible for transporting workers and their materials to and from high elevations in a safe and efficient way. As these mobile heavy machinery are categorized as heavy machines, there are many safety standards that apply to the use and maintenance of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts sit upon a wheeled base so they can move around to access a wider variety of places. These pieces of machines have been designed to move heavier cargo, equipment and even employees down and up to work places. For safety reasons, employees are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift during the relocation process. Generally, this is to help make sure that no one falls from the machinery while it is being used. All employees working directly with as well as around the machinery should be informed regarding its movement prior to the operator releasing the safety brake to be able to make the lift move. Constant communication around heavy machinery helps keep the working place and all those in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are some stringent safety rules to follow about the safety standards for the scissor lifts in an effort to make certain that workers do not fall from the lift when they are using it. Even if scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features like for instance guard rails placed around the lift perimeter in addition to a lock which should be engaged on the lift platform entrance whenever the lift is being utilized. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
Another safety habit which workers should think about is to make certain that all cargo are fastened securely before any lifting. This should ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anybody to be injured.