Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
According to both HRSDC and OSHA, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial machinery capable of raising heavy and big cargo that are well balanced. They are responsible for transporting workers and their supplies to and from high places safely and efficiently. Since these mobile heavy equipment are categorized as heavy equipment, there are numerous safety requirements that apply to the use and maintenance of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts can be driven around or moved on wheels to make them able to access various areas. These pieces of machines have been designed to transport heavy loads, people and equipment down or up from height. For safety reasons, employees are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift when relocating. Typically, this is to help make certain that no one falls from the equipment while it is being used. All employees working directly with as well as around the machine 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 machines helps keep the working place and all those in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are several stringent safety regulations to follow regarding the safety standards for the scissor lifts in order to make sure that employees do not fall from the lift when they are operating it. Although scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features such as guard rails positioned around the lift perimeter as well as 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 position for added safety.
Another good safety habit workers must make is ensuring that heavy cargo or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a secure way prior to moving the lift to be sure that nothing causes anyone on the lift platform to become injured.