Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
According to both OSHA and HRSDC, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial machines capable of raising heavy and large loads which are balanced well. They are responsible for transporting employees and their materials to and from high places in a safe and efficient manner. As these mobile heavy machines are classified as heavy machines, there are a lot of safety standards that apply to the maintenance and use of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts can be driven around or moved on wheels to make them able to access various areas. These pieces of machinery have been designed to transport heavy loads, people and equipment down or up from height. For safety reasons, employees are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift while relocating. Usually, this is to help make sure that no one falls from the equipment while it is being utilized. All staff working directly with as well as around the machine should be informed regarding its movement prior to the driver releasing the safety brake to be able to make the lift move. Constant communication around heavy equipment helps keep the working place and all individuals in it safe.
Fall Protection
To be able to ensure that workers prevent falling when using the machinery, there are several safety rules to consider about forklift safety standards. Though scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features like for instance guard rails placed around the lift perimeter along with a lock which must be engaged on the lift platform entrance whenever the lift is being utilized. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
One more good safety habit workers should make is ensuring that heavy cargo or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a safe way before moving the lift to be certain that nothing causes anyone on the lift platform to become injured.