Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Scissor lift machinery are known as "moveable scaffolds," according to the OSHA. These industrial equipment are capable of raising heavy and big cargo that are balanced well. They are responsible for moving employees and their supplies to and from high places efficiently and safely. As these mobile heavy equipment are classified as heavy machines, there are many safety standards which apply to the use and maintenance of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts can be moved on wheels or driven around to make them able to access various areas. These pieces of machines have been designed to transport heavy loads, individuals and equipment down or up from height. For safety reasons, workers are not permitted to ride on a scissor lift when relocating. Typically, this is to help make certain that no one falls from the machine while it is being utilized. All staff working directly with as well as around the machinery have to be informed about 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 environment and all individuals in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are some stringent safety rules to follow regarding the safety standards for the scissor lifts in an effort to make certain that workers do not fall from the lift when they are operating it. Even if scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features like guard rails positioned around the lift perimeter along with a lock that should 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 loads or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a safe manner prior to moving the lift to be sure that nothing causes anyone on the lift platform to become injured.