Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Scissor lift equipment are referred to as "moveable scaffolds," based on the OSHA. These industrial machines are capable of raising heavy and large cargo that are balanced well. They are responsible for transporting employees and their supplies to and from high elevations in an efficient and safe way. Since these mobile heavy machines are categorized as heavy equipment, there are a lot of safety requirements which apply to the maintenance and use of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts sit upon a wheeled base so they could move around to access a wider variety of places. These pieces of equipment have been designed to move heavier cargo, equipment and even workers down and up to work places. For safety reasons, workers are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift during the relocation process. Typically, this is to help make certain that no one falls from the equipment while it is being utilized. All employees working directly with as well as around the machinery must be informed regarding its movement prior to the driver releasing the safety brake in order 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 strict safety rules to follow about the safety standards for the scissor lifts with a purpose to make sure that employees do not fall from the lift when they are using it. Although scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features like guard rails placed 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 used. There are also slip guards in place for added safety.
Another safety habit which employees must think about is to make sure that all loads are fastened safely before any lifting. This should ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anybody to be injured.