Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
According to both HRSDC and OSHA, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial machinery capable of raising heavy and big loads that are well balanced. They are responsible for transporting employees and their supplies to and from high areas efficiently and safely. As these mobile heavy machines are categorized as heavy machinery, there are lots of safety requirements which 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 places. These pieces of machines have been designed to move heavier loads, equipment and even workers down and up to work places. 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 equipment while it is being used. All staff working directly with as well as around the equipment should be informed regarding its movement prior to the driver releasing the safety brake to be able to make the lift move. Constant communication around heavy equipment helps keep the working environment and all individuals in it safe.
Fall Protection
In order to ensure that workers prevent falling when operating the machine, there are several safety rules to think about regarding forklift safety standards. Even if scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features such as guard rails positioned around the lift perimeter in addition to a lock which should be engaged on the lift platform entrance whenever the lift is being used. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
One more safety habit which workers should think about is to make sure that all loads are fastened safely prior to any lifting. This should ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anybody to be injured.