Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Based on both HRSDC and OSHA, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial equipment capable of raising heavy and big loads that are well balanced. They are responsible for transporting workers and their materials to and from high areas in a safe and efficient way. Because these mobile heavy equipment are classified as heavy machines, there are lots of safety requirements which apply to the use and maintenance 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 move heavy cargo, people and equipment down or up from height. For safety reasons, employees are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift when relocating. Typically, this is to help make certain that no one falls from the equipment while it is being used. 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 machines helps keep the working environment and all those in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are several stringent safety rules to follow regarding the safety standards for the scissor lifts in order to make certain that workers do not fall from the lift when they are using it. Although scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features like for example guard rails positioned around the lift perimeter along with 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 workers must consider is to make sure that all cargo are fastened securely before any lifting. This must ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anybody to be injured.