Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Scissor lift equipment are referred to as "moveable scaffolds," according to the OSHA. These industrial machines are capable of lifting heavy and large loads which are balanced well. They are responsible for transporting employees and their supplies to and from high areas in an efficient and safe way. Because these mobile heavy machines are categorized as heavy machines, 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 can 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 locations. For safety reasons, workers are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift during the relocation process. Usually, this is to help make sure that no one falls from the machine while it is being utilized. All staff working directly with as well as around the equipment must be informed regarding its movement prior to the operator 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 some strict safety regulations to follow regarding the safety standards for the scissor lifts with a purpose to make sure that employees do not fall from the lift when they are operating it. Though scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features like for example guard rails placed around the lift perimeter along with a lock which must be engaged on the lift platform entrance every time the lift is being used. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
One more good safety habit workers must make is ensuring that heavy cargo or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a secure manner prior to moving the lift to be sure that nothing causes anybody on the lift platform to become injured.