Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
According to 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 transporting employees and their supplies to and from high elevations efficiently and safely. Because these mobile heavy machines are categorized as heavy machines, there are lots of safety requirements that apply to the maintenance and use of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts sit upon a wheeled base so they could move around to access a wider variety of places. These pieces of machines have been designed to move heavier cargo, equipment and even employees down and up to work locations. For safety reasons, workers are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift while relocating. Generally, this is to help make sure that no one falls from the equipment while it is being utilized. All employees working directly with as well as around the machinery have to be informed regarding 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 those 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 sure that workers do not fall from the lift when they are operating it. Though scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features like for example guard rails placed around the lift perimeter as well as a lock which has to 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 safety habit that employees must think about is to make certain that all cargo are fastened securely prior to any lifting. This should ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anybody to be injured.