Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Based on both HRSDC and OSHA, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial machines capable of raising heavy and large cargo which are balanced well. They are responsible for transporting workers and their materials to and from high places in a safe and efficient way. As these mobile heavy equipment are classified as heavy machines, there are many safety standards which apply to the maintenance and use of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts could be moved on wheels or driven around to make them able to access a variety of areas. These pieces of machines have been designed to move heavy loads, people and equipment up or down from height. For safety reasons, employees are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift when relocating. Usually, this is to help make certain that no one falls from the machine while it is being used. All employees working around a scissor lift as well as directly with the machine must 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 individuals in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are several strict 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 operating it. Although scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features such as guard rails positioned around the lift perimeter as well as a lock which must be engaged on the lift platform entrance whenever the lift is being used. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
Another good safety habit workers must make is ensuring that heavy loads or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a safe way before moving the lift to be sure that nothing causes anyone on the lift platform to become injured.