Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Scissor lift machinery are called "moveable scaffolds," based on the OSHA. These industrial machinery are 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 an efficient and safe way. Since these mobile heavy machinery are categorized as heavy machines, there are a lot of safety requirements that 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 equipment have been designed to move heavier loads, equipment and even employees down and up to work places. For safety reasons, workers are not permitted to ride on a scissor lift during the relocation process. Usually, this is to help make certain that no one falls from the machinery while it is being used. All employees working around a scissor lift as well as directly with the machinery need to be informed about its movement prior to the operator releasing the safety brake in order to make the lift move. Constant communication around heavy machinery helps keep the working environment and all individuals in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are several strict safety regulations to follow regarding the safety standards for the scissor lifts with a purpose to make certain 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 such as guard rails placed around the lift perimeter along with a lock which has to be engaged on the lift platform entrance whenever the lift is being used. There are also slip guards in place for added safety.
One more safety habit that workers should consider is to make certain that all loads are fastened safely prior to any lifting. This must ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anyone to be injured.