Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
According to both OSHA and HRSDC, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial machines capable of lifting heavy and large loads which are balanced well. They are responsible for transporting employees and their materials to and from high places in an efficient and safe manner. Because these mobile heavy machinery are classified as heavy equipment, there are a lot of 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 loads, people and equipment up or down from height. For safety reasons, workers are not permitted to ride on a scissor lift when relocating. Usually, this is to help make certain that no one falls from the equipment while it is being used. All staff working directly with as well as around the machinery must be informed about its movement prior to the driver releasing the safety brake to be able to make the lift move. Constant communication around heavy machines helps keep the working environment and all individuals in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are several strict safety regulations to follow regarding the safety standards for the scissor lifts with a purpose to make certain 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 along with a lock which should be engaged on the lift platform entrance whenever 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 prior to moving the lift to be sure that nothing causes anyone on the lift platform to become injured.