Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Scissor lift machines are called "moveable scaffolds," based on the OSHA. These industrial machinery are capable of lifting heavy and big loads 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 machinery, there are many safety standards which apply to the use and maintenance of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts sit upon a wheeled base so they can move around to access a wider variety of areas. These pieces of machines have been designed to move heavier cargo, equipment and even employees up and down to work places. For safety reasons, employees are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift when relocating. Usually, this is to help make certain that no one falls from the machine while it is being utilized. All staff working around a scissor lift as well as directly with the equipment should be informed about its movement prior to the operator releasing the safety brake to be able to make the lift move. Constant communication around heavy machines helps keep the working place and all individuals in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are some strict safety rules to follow about the safety standards for the scissor lifts in order to make sure that employees do not fall from the lift when they are utilizing it. Though 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 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 safe manner prior to moving the lift to be certain that nothing causes anyone on the lift platform to become injured.