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 cargo that are balanced well. They are responsible for moving workers and their materials to and from high elevations efficiently and safely. Because these mobile heavy machinery are classified as heavy machines, there are many safety standards that apply to the use and maintenance of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts could be driven around or moved on wheels to make them able to access various places. These pieces of machinery have been designed to move heavy loads, people and equipment down or up from height. For safety reasons, employees 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 employees working around a scissor lift as well as directly with the machine have to 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 place and all those in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are some stringent 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. Although 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 that must be engaged on the lift platform entrance whenever the lift is being used. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
One more safety habit that workers must consider 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.