Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Scissor lift machines are known as "moveable scaffolds," according to the OSHA. These industrial equipment are capable of raising heavy and big loads that are balanced well. They are responsible for transporting employees and their supplies to and from high elevations in a safe and efficient manner. Since these mobile heavy machines are classified as heavy machines, 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 can move around to access a wider variety of places. These pieces of machinery have been designed to move heavier loads, equipment and even employees up and down to work areas. For safety reasons, employees are not permitted to ride on a scissor lift during the relocation process. Generally, this is to help make sure that no one falls from the equipment while it is being used. All staff working around a scissor lift as well as directly with the machinery should be informed regarding its movement prior to the driver releasing the safety brake in order to make the lift move. Constant communication around heavy machines helps keep the working place and all those in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are some strict safety rules to follow regarding the safety standards for the scissor lifts in order to make certain that employees do not fall from the lift when they are using it. 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 that needs to be engaged on the lift platform entrance each and every time the lift is being used. There are also slip guards in place for added safety.
Another good safety habit employees must make is ensuring that heavy loads or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a safe way prior to moving the lift to be sure that nothing causes anyone on the lift platform to become injured.