Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
According to both OSHA and HRSDC, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial machinery capable of raising heavy and big loads which are balanced well. They are responsible for transporting workers and their supplies to and from high places in a safe and efficient manner. Because these mobile heavy machinery are classified as heavy equipment, there are lots of safety requirements 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 loads, equipment and even workers down and up to work places. For safety reasons, employees are not permitted to ride on a scissor lift while relocating. Usually, this is to help make sure that no one falls from the machinery while it is being used. All employees working around a scissor lift as well as directly with the equipment need to be informed regarding its movement prior to the driver releasing the safety brake in order to make the lift move. Constant communication around heavy equipment helps keep the working place and all individuals in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are some strict safety regulations to follow regarding the safety standards for the scissor lifts with a purpose to make certain that workers do not fall from the lift when they are using it. Even though scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features like guard rails placed around the lift perimeter along with a lock which has to be engaged on the lift platform entrance whenever the lift is being used. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
One more safety habit which employees must consider is to make certain that all loads are fastened securely prior to any lifting. This must ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anyone to be injured.