Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Based on both HRSDC and OSHA, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial equipment capable of lifting heavy and large loads which are balanced well. They are responsible for moving workers and their supplies to and from high places in an efficient and safe way. Since these mobile heavy machines are classified as heavy machines, there are a lot of safety standards 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 cargo, equipment and even employees up and down to work places. For safety reasons, workers are not permitted to ride on a scissor lift during the relocation process. Generally, this is to help make sure that no one falls from the machine while it is being utilized. All employees working directly with as well as around the equipment 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 equipment helps keep the working environment and all people in it safe.
Fall Protection
In order to ensure that workers prevent falling when using the equipment, there are some safety rules to consider regarding forklift safety standards. Even if 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 must be engaged on the lift platform entrance whenever the lift is being used. There are also slip guards in place for added safety.
One more good safety habit workers should make is ensuring that heavy cargo or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a secure manner before moving the lift to be sure that nothing causes anybody on the lift platform to become injured.