Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
Based on both HRSDC and OSHA, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial machines capable of lifting heavy and large loads that are well balanced. They are responsible for moving workers and their supplies to and from high elevations safely and efficiently. Because these mobile heavy equipment are classified as heavy equipment, there are many safety requirements that apply to the use and maintenance of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts can be moved on wheels or driven around to make them able to access various places. These pieces of equipment have been designed to transport heavy cargo, individuals and equipment down or up from height. For safety reasons, employees are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift while relocating. Usually, this is to help make sure that no one falls from the equipment while it is being utilized. All staff working around a scissor lift as well as directly with the equipment should be informed about its movement prior to the operator releasing the safety brake to be able to make the lift move. Constant communication around heavy machines helps keep the working environment and all those 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 sure 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 for example guard rails positioned around the lift perimeter along with a lock that should 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 good safety habit workers 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 certain that nothing causes anyone on the lift platform to become injured.