Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Based on both HRSDC and OSHA, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial equipment capable of lifting heavy and large cargo that are well balanced. They are responsible for transporting workers and their materials to and from high elevations in an efficient and safe manner. Since these mobile heavy equipment are categorized as heavy machines, there are numerous safety standards that apply to the use and maintenance of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts can be driven around or moved on wheels to make them able to access various areas. These pieces of equipment have been designed to move heavy cargo, individuals and equipment down or up from height. 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 staff working directly with as well as around the equipment need to 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 machinery helps keep the working place and all those in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are some stringent safety regulations to follow about the safety standards for the scissor lifts in order to make certain 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 such as guard rails placed around the lift perimeter along with a lock which 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.
One more good safety habit workers should make is ensuring that heavy cargo or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a secure way prior to moving the lift to be sure that nothing causes anyone on the lift platform to become injured.