Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Scissor lift machines are called "moveable scaffolds," based on the OSHA. These industrial machines are capable of lifting heavy and large cargo which are well balanced. They are responsible for moving employees and their materials to and from high elevations efficiently and safely. As these mobile heavy machinery are categorized as heavy machines, there are numerous safety requirements which apply to the maintenance and use of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts can be moved on wheels or driven around to make them able to access various areas. These pieces of machinery have been designed to transport heavy cargo, people and equipment up or down from height. For safety reasons, employees are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift while relocating. Generally, this is to help make sure that no one falls from the equipment while it is being used. All staff working around a scissor lift as well as directly with the machinery have to 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 those in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are some strict safety regulations to follow regarding the safety standards for the scissor lifts in order to make sure that workers do not fall from the lift when they are operating it. Although scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features like guard rails positioned around the lift perimeter in addition to a lock which should be engaged on the lift platform entrance whenever the lift is being utilized. There are also slip guards in place for added safety.
Another good safety habit workers should make is ensuring that heavy loads or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a secure way prior to moving the lift to be sure that nothing causes anyone on the lift platform to become injured.