Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Based on both OSHA and HRSDC, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial equipment capable of lifting heavy and large cargo that are well balanced. They are responsible for moving workers and their materials to and from high elevations in an efficient and safe way. Because these mobile heavy machinery are classified as heavy machines, there are numerous safety requirements that 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 areas. These pieces of machinery have been designed to move heavy cargo, people and equipment up or down from height. For safety reasons, workers are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift during the relocation process. Typically, this is to help make sure that no one falls from the machine while it is being utilized. All employees working around a scissor lift as well as directly with the equipment 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 environment and all individuals in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are some stringent safety regulations to follow regarding the safety standards for the scissor lifts with a purpose 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 such as guard rails positioned around the lift perimeter in addition to a lock which must be engaged on the lift platform entrance each time the lift is being utilized. There are also slip guards in place for added safety.
One more safety habit which employees must consider is to make sure that all cargo are fastened securely prior to any lifting. This should ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anyone to be injured.