Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Scissor lift machinery are referred to as "moveable scaffolds," based on the OSHA. These industrial machinery are capable of lifting heavy and big loads that are balanced well. They are responsible for moving employees and their materials to and from high elevations safely and efficiently. Because these mobile heavy equipment are categorized as heavy machinery, there are lots of safety standards which apply to the maintenance and use of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts sit upon a wheeled base so they could move around to access a wider variety of places. These pieces of machines have been designed to move heavier loads, equipment and even employees up and down to work areas. For safety reasons, workers are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift during the relocation process. Generally, 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 machinery should be informed about 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 those in it safe.
Fall Protection
In order to guarantee that workers prevent falling when using the machinery, there are several safety rules to consider regarding forklift safety standards. Though scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features such as guard rails positioned around the lift perimeter as well as a lock which should 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 good safety habit employees should make is ensuring that heavy loads or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a safe manner prior to moving the lift to be sure that nothing causes anybody on the lift platform to become injured.