Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Based on both HRSDC and OSHA, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial equipment capable of raising heavy and large loads which are well balanced. They are responsible for moving employees and their materials to and from high places in a safe and efficient way. As these mobile heavy machinery are categorized as heavy machinery, there are many safety standards which apply to the use and maintenance of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts could be moved on wheels or driven around to make them able to access various places. These pieces of machinery have been designed to transport heavy loads, individuals and equipment down or up from height. For safety reasons, workers are not permitted to ride on a scissor lift during the relocation process. Usually, this is to help make certain that no one falls from the machine while it is being used. All employees working directly with as well as around the machinery have 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 people 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 sure 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 guard rails placed around the lift perimeter as well as a lock that should be engaged on the lift platform entrance whenever the lift is being utilized. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
Another safety habit which workers should think about is to make certain that all loads are fastened securely before any lifting. This must ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anybody to be injured.