Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Based on both HRSDC and OSHA, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial equipment capable of raising heavy and large loads which are well balanced. They are responsible for transporting workers and their materials to and from high areas efficiently and safely. Since these mobile heavy machines are categorized 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 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 areas. For safety reasons, workers are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift while relocating. Usually, this is to help make certain that no one falls from the equipment while it is being utilized. All staff working around a scissor lift as well as directly with the machine need to be informed regarding its movement prior to the driver releasing the safety brake to be able to make the lift move. Constant communication around heavy machines helps keep the working environment and all people in it safe.
Fall Protection
To be able to ensure that employees prevent falling when using the machinery, there are some safety rules to think about regarding forklift safety standards. Though scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features like 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 good safety habit workers must make is ensuring that heavy loads or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a secure way prior to moving the lift to be certain that nothing causes anybody on the lift platform to become injured.