Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Based on both OSHA and HRSDC, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial machinery capable of raising heavy and big cargo that are balanced well. They are responsible for moving workers and their materials to and from high areas in a safe and efficient manner. Since these mobile heavy equipment are classified as heavy machines, there are numerous safety requirements 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 places. These pieces of machinery have been designed to move heavier loads, equipment and even employees down and up to work locations. For safety reasons, employees are not permitted to ride on a scissor lift when relocating. Generally, this is to help make certain that no one falls from the equipment while it is being utilized. All employees working around a scissor lift as well as directly with the machine should be informed regarding 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 place and all those in it safe.
Fall Protection
To be able to guarantee that employees prevent falling when utilizing the machinery, there are some safety regulations to consider about forklift safety standards. Even if scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features such as guard rails placed around the lift perimeter as well as a lock that must be engaged on the lift platform entrance each time the lift is being used. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
Another good safety habit employees should make is ensuring that heavy loads or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a secure manner prior to moving the lift to be certain that nothing causes anyone on the lift platform to become injured.