Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Scissor lift machines are called "moveable scaffolds," based on the OSHA. These industrial machines are capable of raising heavy and large loads which are balanced well. They are responsible for moving workers and their supplies to and from high places efficiently and safely. Since these mobile heavy equipment are classified as heavy equipment, there are a lot of safety requirements which apply to the use and maintenance of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts could be driven around or moved on wheels to make them able to access various areas. These pieces of machines have been designed to transport heavy cargo, people and equipment down or up from height. For safety reasons, employees are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift when relocating. Generally, this is to help make certain that no one falls from the machine while it is being used. All staff working around a scissor lift as well as directly with the machine must 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 strict safety regulations to follow about the safety standards for the scissor lifts with a purpose to make sure that workers do not fall from the lift when they are utilizing it. Although scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features like for instance guard rails placed around the lift perimeter as well as a lock which must be engaged on the lift platform entrance every time the lift is being used. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
Another good safety habit employees must make is ensuring that heavy cargo or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a safe way before moving the lift to be certain that nothing causes anyone on the lift platform to become injured.