Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Scissor lift equipment are called "moveable scaffolds," according to the OSHA. These industrial machinery are capable of raising heavy and large loads which are well balanced. They are responsible for transporting workers and their supplies to and from high elevations efficiently and safely. Because these mobile heavy equipment are categorized as heavy machinery, there are a lot of safety standards that apply to the maintenance and use 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 workers up and down to work locations. For safety reasons, workers are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift during the relocation process. Typically, this is to help make sure that no one falls from the machinery while it is being used. All staff working around a scissor lift as well as directly with the machinery must be informed about 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 environment and all individuals in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are several strict safety rules to follow regarding the safety standards for the scissor lifts in an effort to make sure that employees do not fall from the lift when they are operating it. Even though scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features like guard rails placed around the lift perimeter in addition to a lock that must be engaged on the lift platform entrance whenever the lift is being utilized. There are also slip guards in place for added safety.
One more safety habit which employees must consider is to make sure that all cargo are fastened safely prior to any lifting. This should ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anybody to be injured.