Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Based on both HRSDC and OSHA, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial machinery capable of lifting heavy and large cargo which are balanced well. They are responsible for moving employees and their materials to and from high elevations efficiently and safely. Because these mobile heavy machines are classified as heavy machines, there are many 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 areas. These pieces of machinery have been designed to move heavier loads, equipment and even workers up and down to work areas. For safety reasons, employees are not permitted to ride on a scissor lift during the relocation process. Typically, this is to help make certain that no one falls from the machinery while it is being utilized. All employees working around a scissor lift as well as directly with the machine must be informed regarding its movement prior to the driver releasing the safety brake in order to make the lift move. Constant communication around heavy equipment helps keep the working place and all individuals in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are some stringent safety rules to follow about the safety standards for the scissor lifts in an effort to make sure that workers do not fall from the lift when they are using it. Although scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features like guard rails positioned around the lift perimeter as well as a lock which must be engaged on the lift platform entrance whenever the lift is being utilized. There are also slip guards in place for added safety.
Another safety habit which workers should consider is to make certain that all cargo are fastened safely before any lifting. This should ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anybody to be injured.