Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Scissor lift equipment are referred to as "moveable scaffolds," according to the OSHA. These industrial machinery are capable of lifting heavy and large cargo which are balanced well. They are responsible for transporting workers and their materials to and from high elevations efficiently and safely. As these mobile heavy equipment are classified as heavy machines, there are numerous safety requirements which 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 loads, equipment and even employees down and up to work locations. For safety reasons, workers are not permitted to ride on a scissor lift during the relocation process. Generally, this is to help make certain that no one falls from the equipment while it is being utilized. All staff working directly with as well as around the machine 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 equipment helps keep the working environment and all those in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are several stringent safety rules to follow about the safety standards for the scissor lifts in order to make certain that workers do not fall from the lift when they are using it. Although scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features like guard rails placed around the lift perimeter along with a lock which has to be engaged on the lift platform entrance each and every time the lift is being used. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
One more safety habit which workers must consider is to make sure that all loads are fastened safely prior to any lifting. This should ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anybody to be injured.