Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Scissor lift equipment are known as "moveable scaffolds," according to the OSHA. These industrial machinery are capable of lifting heavy and large loads that are balanced well. They are responsible for moving workers and their materials to and from high places in a safe and efficient manner. Because these mobile heavy machinery are categorized as heavy equipment, there are numerous safety requirements that apply to the use and maintenance of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts sit upon a wheeled base so they can move around to access a wider variety of areas. These pieces of machinery have been designed to move heavier cargo, equipment and even employees up and down to work locations. For safety reasons, workers are not permitted to ride on a scissor lift when relocating. Usually, this is to help make certain 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 machine have to be informed about its movement prior to the operator releasing the safety brake to be able to make the lift move. Constant communication around heavy machinery helps keep the working place and all individuals in it safe.
Fall Protection
To be able to guarantee that workers prevent falling when using the equipment, there are several safety rules to consider about forklift safety standards. Although scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features like guard rails positioned around the lift perimeter along with a lock that needs to be engaged on the lift platform entrance each and every time the lift is being used. There are also slip guards in place for added safety.
One more good safety habit workers should make is ensuring that heavy cargo or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a safe way before moving the lift to be sure that nothing causes anybody on the lift platform to become injured.