Disadvantages of Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are a kind of "mobile scaffolding", with a wheel-mounted machine that gives power to a work platform that moves up and down. The lift could be powered by electricity, propane, gas or diesel. Scissor lifts are characterized by various scissor-like joints which lift the machine by collapsing and expanding. Many safety features are built into modern scissor lifts, particularly models that are newer. As with any safety features, they might not be able to guarantee safety and several features could be overridden by operators manually or they could sometimes malfunction.
Accidental Elevation
Normally, construction workers utilize scissor lifts to work on higher aspects of the jobsites or on ceilings. The workers would need to hoist the platforms just to right beneath the level of the ceiling. The issue with accidental elevation can occur if the workers accidentally bump into the elevation controls while working. In the ceiling scenario, the controls could be activated accidentally and the platform could rise up and inadvertently crush them into the ceiling.
Electrocution
Another way workers need to be really careful is to be sure they know the environment they are in while operating the equipment in order to make sure they don't accidentally electrocute themselves. If, for example, an operator inadvertently touches or makes direct contact with an electrical conductor or an induction field, tragic consequences can take place.
Lateral Loads
While using a scissor lift, it is vital know the loading restrictions in the instruction manual of your scissor lift. Very serious consequences could occur if the platform is mis-loaded. A lateral-load is among the potential issues which could occur if the whole lift overturns. This situation happens when a heavy material or tool such as a concrete slab which hangs over the scissor lift platform's side, causing the entire machinery to become unbalanced immediately and really prone to dangerously tipping over.