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 loads that are balanced well. They are responsible for transporting workers and their materials to and from high places safely and efficiently. Because these mobile heavy equipment are classified as heavy machinery, there are many 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 a variety of areas. These pieces of machines have been designed to transport heavy loads, people and equipment up or down from height. For safety reasons, workers are not permitted to ride on a scissor lift while relocating. 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 need to 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 people in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are some stringent safety regulations to follow about the safety standards for the scissor lifts in an effort 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 like for example guard rails positioned around the lift perimeter along with a lock which must be engaged on the lift platform entrance whenever the lift is being utilized. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
Another safety habit which workers must consider is to make sure that all loads are fastened safely before any lifting. This must ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anybody to be injured.