Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Scissor lift machinery are called "moveable scaffolds," based on the OSHA. These industrial machinery are capable of lifting heavy and large cargo which are balanced well. They are responsible for transporting employees and their materials to and from high areas safely and efficiently. As these mobile heavy equipment are classified as heavy equipment, there are many safety standards that 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 machines have been designed to move heavier cargo, equipment and even workers down and up to work areas. For safety reasons, workers are not permitted to ride on a scissor lift while relocating. Typically, this is to help make certain 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 equipment should be informed regarding its movement prior to the operator releasing the safety brake in order to make the lift move. Constant communication around heavy machinery helps keep the working environment and all people in it safe.
Fall Protection
In order to guarantee that workers prevent falling when operating the machine, there are some safety regulations to consider regarding forklift safety standards. Although scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features like guard rails positioned around the lift perimeter along with a lock which has to be engaged on the lift platform entrance every time the lift is being used. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
Another good safety habit workers should make is ensuring that heavy cargo or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a safe way prior to moving the lift to be sure that nothing causes anybody on the lift platform to become injured.