Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Scissor lift equipment are known as "moveable scaffolds," based on the OSHA. These industrial equipment are capable of lifting heavy and big cargo that are well balanced. They are responsible for moving workers and their supplies to and from high places safely and efficiently. Because these mobile heavy equipment are classified as heavy equipment, there are lots of safety requirements which 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 a variety of areas. These pieces of machines have been designed to move heavy cargo, individuals 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 machine while it is being utilized. All employees working around a scissor lift as well as directly with the machine need to 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 machines helps keep the working environment and all people in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are some stringent safety rules to follow regarding the safety standards for the scissor lifts in order to make sure 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 in addition to a lock which has to be engaged on the lift platform entrance each time the lift is being utilized. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
One more safety habit which employees should think about is to make sure that all loads are fastened securely prior to any lifting. This should ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anyone to be injured.