Safety Requirements for Scissor Lifts
According to both HRSDC and OSHA, scissor lifts or "movable scaffolds" are industrial machinery capable of raising heavy and big cargo which are balanced well. They are responsible for transporting workers and their materials to and from high areas in an efficient and safe manner. Since these mobile heavy machinery are classified as heavy machines, there are lots of safety standards that apply to the use and maintenance 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 equipment have been designed to move heavier cargo, equipment and even employees down and up to work places. For safety reasons, workers are not allowed to ride on a scissor lift while relocating. Typically, this is to help make sure that no one falls from the machinery 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 operator releasing the safety brake in order to make the lift move. Constant communication around heavy machinery helps keep the working environment and all individuals in it safe.
Fall Protection
There are several strict safety regulations to follow about the safety standards for the scissor lifts with a purpose to make certain that workers do not fall from the lift when they are using it. Though scissor lifts are not required to be enclosed, there are features such as guard rails positioned around the lift perimeter along with a lock which should be engaged on the lift platform entrance each time the lift is being used. There are also slip guards in position for added safety.
Another safety habit that workers should consider is to make sure that all cargo are fastened safely prior to any lifting. This must ensure that nothing on the lift platform causes anyone to be injured.