Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Based on both OSHA and HRSDC, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial equipment capable of raising heavy and big loads that are balanced well. They are responsible for transporting employees and their supplies to and from high places efficiently and safely. As these mobile heavy machines are categorized as heavy equipment, there are numerous safety standards which 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 places. These pieces of machines have been designed to move heavier loads, equipment and even workers up and down to work areas. 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 equipment while it is being used. All staff working directly with as well as around the equipment have to be informed about 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
To be able to ensure that employees prevent falling when using the equipment, there are some safety regulations to consider about forklift safety standards. Although scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features such as guard rails placed around the lift perimeter as well as a lock which should be engaged on the lift platform entrance whenever the lift is being utilized. There are also slip guards in place for added safety.
Another good safety habit employees should make is ensuring that heavy cargo or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a secure manner prior to moving the lift to be sure that nothing causes anybody on the lift platform to become injured.