Scissor lifts are a useful tool for completing tasks at height, but they also come with certain safety risks. In this article, we have listed safety tips you need to consider before buying/using a scissor lift.
Scissor lifts are work platforms that are employed in a range of industries, such as construction, retail, entertainment, and manufacturing, to transport personnel vertically and to various positions safely.
Because the work platform is raised and lowered in a straight line using crossed beams that act like scissor blades, scissor platform lifts differ from aerial lifts. Although when extended and immobile, scissor-legged lifts pose risks akin to those of scaffolding, using lifts properly requires taking into account the capabilities, restrictions, and safe practices of the equipment.
How to Safely use scissor lift?
Training is essential and mandatory before using the lift. It is important to understand the equipment and safety hazards associated with it.
Employers must evaluate the workplace to detect any potential hazards before choosing the right tools for the job. Employers who utilize scissor platform lifts must assess and put in place efficient controls that address placement, stabilization, and fall protection.
It should only be allowed for trained personnel to use the equipment for the safety of the workplace.
Using a Scissor Lift-List of Hazards and safety tips
Mentioned here are list of key hazards and safety tips to consider while using a scissor lift.
Fall from Height:
Falls are very common occurrences, just like with other pieces of equipment, especially when users don't take precautions. Workers should carefully examine their surroundings to make sure there are no other people or things that could collide with or strike the lift before using it. It should be mandatory for all employees using scissor table lifts to wear the appropriate fall protective equipment. This ought to consist of helmets, full-body harnesses, and cords as per the type of lift being used. Additionally, employees should observe the following safety recommendations:
- Get training prior to using the equipment, and wear appropriate safety gears
- Prior to performing any work on the scissor platform lift, make sure a guardrail system is in place.
- Wear proper shoes to maintain stability on the platform.
- Never stand on the guardrails; only use the work platform.
- When on the scissor-legged lift platform, avoid using planks or ladders in a working position.
Tip Overs:
Scissor lifting tables should be stable and unable to tip over or collapse, according to employers. The following are some safe work procedures to guarantee secure surroundings for using the scissor platform:
- Set up traffic control measures or isolate the scissor table lift to prevent it from being contacted by other pieces of machinery.
- Choose work areas away from risks that could lead to instability, such as slopes, holes, bumps, ground obstructions, or debris, that have firm, level surfaces.
- Make sure to check the weather condition before using the lift outdoors. Lifts designed for outdoor use are often only effective in winds under 28 mph.
- For safe movement, adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations, which often forbid moving the lift while it is elevated.
Positioning:
For safe use, it's crucial to position the scissor platform lift to prevent crushing or electrocution risks. lift workplaces include crushing hazards that could expose people nearby, even those not operating the lift. On construction sites, scissor platform lifts pose the same crushing risks as automobiles and other mobile equipment. Employers should teach staff to exercise caution when:
- A fixed object, such as a door frame, is passed beneath by the scissor platform lift.
- The lifting table is traveling in close proximity to a moving vehicle.
- There is a fixed element close to a moving hydraulic lift.
Electric shock:
For scissor lifts to be used safely close to live power lines, they must be positioned to prevent electrocution, flame flare, and thermal burns.
Even if neither the scissor platform lift nor the worker touches the power line, electrocution can still happen because electricity can leap from the power line to the hydraulic lift or worker.
Always Follow the following Rules:
- Be sure you put on safety gear such as Protective helmets, gloves, boots, and clothing that is appropriate.
- If electricity lines are unavoidable, confirm that they have been de-energized before starting any work.
- Choose work sites that are at least 10 feet away from electrical power sources (such as power lines and transformers) and that don't provide any other overhead hazards.
Lift Maintenance:
Scissor platform lifts must be frequently maintained by employers to ensure their safety (e.g., stop the lifting mechanism from collapsing).
Pre-use testing and inspection of controls and components are normally covered in the manufacturer's maintenance and inspection instructions.
- Test and inspect every component of lift closely.
- Replace non working parts and conduct repairs wherever it is needed.
- Check safety barriers, eg guardrails.
- Make sure the brakes will hold the lift in place until they are moved.
In summary, scissor lifts can be a useful tool for completing tasks at height, but it is important to follow all safety guidelines and procedures to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries.
Aakash Engineers has a training program wherein we discuss various safety hazards with the employer and work staff. Along with installation, we provide training at the workplace to give the personnel real-time experience of problems they can face and how to solve the same. If you want to book training , you may contact us and discuss further about it.