Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
According to both OSHA and HRSDC, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial equipment capable of lifting heavy and big loads which are well balanced. They are responsible for moving employees and their materials to and from high places in a safe and efficient way. As these mobile heavy machines are categorized as heavy machines, there are numerous safety standards that apply to the use and maintenance of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts could be moved on wheels or driven around to make them able to access a variety of areas. These pieces of equipment have been designed to move heavy cargo, individuals and equipment up or down from height. For safety reasons, employees are not permitted to ride on a scissor lift while relocating. Usually, this is to help make certain that no one falls from the machine while it is being utilized. All employees working directly with as well as around the machine must be informed regarding 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 place and all people in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are several strict safety regulations to follow about the safety standards for the scissor lifts in an effort 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 has to be engaged on the lift platform entrance every time the lift is being used. There are also slip guards in place for added safety.
One more good safety habit employees should make is ensuring that heavy cargo or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a secure manner before moving the lift to be certain that nothing causes anyone on the lift platform to become injured.