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 cargo that are balanced well. They are responsible for moving workers and their supplies to and from high areas efficiently and safely. Because these mobile heavy machinery are classified as heavy machinery, there are numerous 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 various places. These pieces of equipment have been designed to transport heavy loads, individuals and equipment up or down from height. For safety reasons, employees are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift during the relocation process. Usually, this is to help make sure that no one falls from the equipment while it is being utilized. All staff working around a scissor lift as well as directly with the equipment should be informed regarding 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 people in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are several stringent safety rules to follow about the safety standards for the scissor lifts in order to make certain that employees do not fall from the lift when they are utilizing it. 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 has to be engaged on the lift platform entrance every time the lift is being utilized. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
One more good safety habit employees must 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 certain that nothing causes anyone on the lift platform to become injured.