Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
According to both HRSDC and OSHA, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial equipment capable of raising heavy and big cargo which are balanced well. They are responsible for transporting workers and their materials to and from high elevations in a safe and efficient way. Because these mobile heavy equipment are classified as heavy machines, there are many safety requirements that apply to the maintenance and use of scissor lifts.
Movement
Scissor lifts sit upon a wheeled base so they could move around to access a wider variety of places. These pieces of machinery have been designed to move heavier cargo, equipment and even employees down and up to work locations. For safety reasons, employees 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 around a scissor lift as well as directly with the machine 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 machines helps keep the working place and all people in it safe.
Fall Protection
To be able to guarantee that workers prevent falling when using the equipment, there are some safety regulations to think about regarding forklift safety standards. Even if scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features like for instance guard rails positioned around the lift perimeter along with a lock which should be engaged on the lift platform entrance whenever the lift is being used. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
Another safety habit which employees must consider is to make sure that all cargo are fastened safely before any lifting. This must ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anybody to be injured.