Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Scissor lift machinery are referred to as "moveable scaffolds," based on the OSHA. These industrial machinery are capable of lifting heavy and large loads which are balanced well. They are responsible for moving employees and their supplies to and from high elevations efficiently and safely. Since these mobile heavy machinery are categorized as heavy equipment, there are many safety requirements which apply to the maintenance and use of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts sit upon a wheeled base so they could move around to access a wider variety of places. These pieces of machinery have been designed to move heavier cargo, equipment and even workers down and up to work areas. For safety reasons, workers are not permitted to ride on a scissor lift when relocating. Typically, this is to help make certain that no one falls from the machinery while it is being used. All staff working directly with as well as around the equipment should be informed about its movement prior to the driver releasing the safety brake in order to make the lift move. Constant communication around heavy equipment helps keep the working environment and all people in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are several stringent safety rules to follow about the safety standards for the scissor lifts with a purpose to make certain that employees do not fall from the lift when they are using it. Though scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features such as guard rails positioned around the lift perimeter as well as a lock which must be engaged on the lift platform entrance whenever the lift is being utilized. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
Another good safety habit employees should make is ensuring that heavy cargo or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a safe way prior to moving the lift to be certain that nothing causes anyone on the lift platform to become injured.