Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Based on both HRSDC and OSHA, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial equipment capable of raising heavy and large loads that are well balanced. They are responsible for transporting workers and their materials to and from high areas in an efficient and safe manner. As these mobile heavy machines are classified as heavy machines, there are numerous safety requirements that apply to the maintenance and use of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts can be moved on wheels or driven around to make them able to access various areas. These pieces of equipment have been designed to move heavy loads, individuals and equipment down or up from height. For safety reasons, workers 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 used. All staff working directly with as well as around 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 environment and all people in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are some strict safety regulations to follow about the safety standards for the scissor lifts with a purpose to make certain that employees do not fall from the lift when they are using it. Although scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features like for example guard rails placed around the lift perimeter along with a lock that must be engaged on the lift platform entrance whenever the lift is being used. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
One more good safety habit workers must make is ensuring that heavy loads or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a secure way before moving the lift to be certain that nothing causes anybody on the lift platform to become injured.