Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Based on both OSHA and HRSDC, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial machinery capable of raising heavy and big loads that are balanced well. They are responsible for transporting employees and their materials to and from high places in an efficient and safe manner. As these mobile heavy machines are categorized as heavy machinery, there are a lot of safety standards that apply to the maintenance and use of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts sit upon a wheeled base so they can move around to access a wider variety of places. These pieces of machines have been designed to move heavier loads, equipment and even employees down and up to work locations. For safety reasons, workers are not permitted to ride on a scissor lift during the relocation process. Typically, this is to help make sure that no one falls from the machinery while it is being utilized. All employees working around a scissor lift as well as directly with the equipment should 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 people in it safe.
Fall Protection
In order to ensure that employees prevent falling when using the equipment, there are some safety rules to think about regarding forklift safety standards. 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 needs to be engaged on the lift platform entrance each time the lift is being utilized. There are also slip guards in place for added safety.
Another safety habit which workers should consider is to make sure that all loads are fastened safely before any lifting. This should ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anyone to be injured.