Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Based on both OSHA and HRSDC, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial equipment capable of raising heavy and large cargo that are well balanced. They are responsible for transporting employees and their supplies to and from high elevations safely and efficiently. Because these mobile heavy machinery are classified as heavy equipment, there are a lot of safety requirements that apply to the use and maintenance 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 loads, equipment and even employees down and up to work locations. For safety reasons, workers are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift during the relocation process. Usually, this is to help make sure that no one falls from the machinery while it is being utilized. All staff working directly with as well as around the equipment have to be informed about its movement prior to the operator releasing the safety brake in order to make the lift move. Constant communication around heavy machines helps keep the working place and all those in it safe.
Fall Protection
To be able to guarantee that employees prevent falling when using the machinery, there are several safety rules to think about regarding forklift safety standards. 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 should be engaged on the lift platform entrance every time the lift is being used. There are also slip guards in place for added safety.
One more good safety habit employees must make is ensuring that heavy cargo or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a safe manner before moving the lift to be sure that nothing causes anybody on the lift platform to become injured.