Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Based on both HRSDC and OSHA, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial machinery capable of raising heavy and big loads that are balanced well. They are responsible for moving employees and their supplies to and from high areas in a safe and efficient manner. Since these mobile heavy equipment are categorized as heavy equipment, there are numerous safety requirements which apply to the maintenance and use 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 equipment have been designed to move heavier cargo, equipment and even workers up and down to work places. For safety reasons, employees are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift when relocating. Usually, this is to help make sure that no one falls from the machinery while it is being used. 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 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 several strict safety rules to follow regarding the safety standards for the scissor lifts in an effort to make certain 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 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 safety habit that workers must think about is to make sure that all loads are fastened securely prior to any lifting. This must ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anyone to be injured.