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 loads that are balanced well. They are responsible for moving employees and their supplies to and from high elevations in a safe and efficient manner. Because these mobile heavy machines are classified as heavy machinery, there are many safety standards 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 equipment have been designed to move heavier cargo, equipment and even employees down and up to work locations. 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 machine while it is being utilized. All employees working around a scissor lift as well as directly with the machine should be informed about 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 those in it safe.
Fall Protection
In order to ensure that employees prevent falling when utilizing the equipment, there are several safety rules to consider regarding forklift safety standards. Even if 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 should be engaged on the lift platform entrance whenever the lift is being utilized. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
Another safety habit which workers should think about is to make sure that all loads are fastened safely before any lifting. This must ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anybody to be injured.