Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Based on both HRSDC and OSHA, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial machinery capable of raising heavy and large cargo that are balanced well. They are responsible for transporting workers and their supplies to and from high places safely and efficiently. Because these mobile heavy equipment are categorized as heavy machines, there are numerous safety standards which apply to the maintenance and use of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts can be moved on wheels or driven around to make them able to access a variety of areas. These pieces of machinery have been designed to move heavy loads, people and equipment up or down from height. For safety reasons, employees are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift during the relocation process. Typically, this is to help make certain that no one falls from the equipment while it is being used. All staff working directly with as well as around the equipment must 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 those in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are several strict safety rules to follow about 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. Though scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features such as guard rails placed around the lift perimeter in addition to a lock which should be engaged on the lift platform entrance whenever the lift is being used. There are also slip guards in place for added safety.
Another good safety habit workers must make is ensuring that heavy loads or anything on the lift platform is fastened down in a safe way prior to moving the lift to be certain that nothing causes anyone on the lift platform to become injured.