Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Scissor lift machines are known as "moveable scaffolds," according to the OSHA. These industrial machinery are capable of raising heavy and large loads which are balanced well. They are responsible for moving employees and their materials to and from high areas safely and efficiently. As these mobile heavy equipment are classified 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 places. These pieces of machines have been designed to move heavier loads, equipment and even employees down and up to work locations. 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 machinery while it is being utilized. All staff working around a scissor lift as well as directly with the equipment must 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 environment and all individuals in it safe.
Fall Protection
In order to ensure that employees prevent falling when using the machinery, there are some safety regulations to consider regarding forklift safety standards. Even if scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features like guard rails positioned around the lift perimeter in addition to a lock which must be engaged on the lift platform entrance each and every time the lift is being utilized. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
One more good safety habit employees must make is ensuring that heavy cargo or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a secure manner prior to moving the lift to be sure that nothing causes anyone on the lift platform to become injured.