Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
According to both HRSDC and OSHA, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial equipment capable of raising heavy and big loads that are balanced well. They are responsible for transporting employees and their supplies to and from high areas safely and efficiently. Because these mobile heavy machinery are classified as heavy equipment, there are lots of 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 cargo, equipment and even employees up and down to work places. For safety reasons, workers are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift during the relocation process. Typically, this is to help make sure that no one falls from the machine while it is being utilized. All staff working directly with as well as around the machinery must be informed regarding 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 place and all those in it safe.
Fall Protection
To be able to guarantee that employees prevent falling when utilizing the machine, there are several safety rules to think about about forklift safety standards. Although 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 which has to be engaged on the lift platform entrance each and every time the lift is being utilized. There are also slip guards in place for added safety.
One more safety habit which employees should think about is to make certain that all loads are fastened securely prior to any lifting. This should ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anybody to be injured.