Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Scissor lift machines are called "moveable scaffolds," according to the OSHA. These industrial equipment are capable of raising heavy and big loads that are well balanced. They are responsible for moving workers and their supplies to and from high elevations in a safe and efficient way. As these mobile heavy machinery are categorized as heavy equipment, there are many safety standards which apply to the maintenance and use of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts could be driven around or moved on wheels to make them able to access a variety of places. These pieces of equipment 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. Generally, this is to help make sure that no one falls from the machinery while it is being used. All employees working around a scissor lift as well as directly with the machine need to 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 machinery helps keep the working place and all those in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are several stringent safety regulations to follow about the safety standards for the scissor lifts in an effort to make certain that workers do not fall from the lift when they are using it. Although scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features such as guard rails positioned around the lift perimeter in addition to a lock which should be engaged on the lift platform entrance each and every time the lift is being utilized. There are also slip guards in place for added safety.
Another safety habit that employees must think about is to make sure that all cargo are fastened securely before any lifting. This should ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anybody to be injured.