Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Based on both HRSDC and OSHA, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial machines capable of lifting heavy and large cargo which are balanced well. They are responsible for moving workers and their supplies to and from high areas safely and efficiently. Because these mobile heavy machinery are categorized as heavy machinery, there are lots of safety requirements that apply to the maintenance and use of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts sit upon a wheeled base so they can move around to access a wider variety of areas. These pieces of machines have been designed to move heavier loads, equipment and even workers down and up to work locations. For safety reasons, workers are not permitted to ride on a scissor lift when relocating. Usually, this is to help make sure that no one falls from the machinery while it is being utilized. All employees working around a scissor lift as well as directly with the machinery should 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 people in it safe.
Fall Protection
To be able to ensure that employees prevent falling when operating the equipment, there are some safety rules to think about about forklift safety standards. Even if scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features such as guard rails positioned around the lift perimeter along with a lock that must be engaged on the lift platform entrance each time the lift is being used. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
Another safety habit that workers should consider is to make certain that all loads are fastened securely prior to any lifting. This should ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anyone to be injured.