Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Based on both HRSDC and OSHA, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial machines capable of lifting heavy and big cargo that are well balanced. They are responsible for transporting workers and their materials to and from high elevations in a safe and efficient manner. As these mobile heavy machinery are categorized as heavy machines, there are a lot of safety standards that 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 areas. These pieces of machines have been designed to move heavier cargo, equipment and even workers down and up to work locations. For safety reasons, employees 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 used. All staff working directly with as well as around the machine should 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 place and all individuals in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are some stringent safety regulations to follow regarding the safety standards for the scissor lifts in order to make certain that employees do not fall from the lift when they are utilizing it. Although scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features like guard rails positioned around the lift perimeter along with a lock which needs 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.
Another 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.