When the scissor lift is not used properly, it can present serious hazards to workers. However, the best and most reliable option to prevent accidents when using the equipment is to follow the scissor lift safety tips.
What is a Scissor Lift
Scissor lifts are simply aerial platforms with a lifting mechanism attached to them. It is frequently utilized in construction, maintenance, and sign hanging. Because most scissor lifts have a strong enclosure surrounding them, employees can simply complete their tasks without having to worry about toppling over.
Scissor Lift Safety Tips
- Adequate risk assessment should be carried out to choose the right equipment for the task.
- Only trained operators should be allowed to use the equipment.
- Equipment should be properly maintained following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Relevant PPE should be provided to workers using the equipment.
- Check to see that a guardrail system is in place before working on the scissor lift.
- Only stand on the work platform; never stand on the guardrails.
- Keep work within easy reach to avoid leaning away from the scissor lift.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe
movement — this usually rules out moving the lift to
an elevated position. - Isolate the scissor lift or implement traffic control measures to ensure that other equipment cannot contact the scissor lift.
- Select work locations with firm, level surfaces away from hazards that can cause instability (e.g., dropoffs, holes, slopes, bumps, ground obstructions, or debris).
- Use the scissor lift outside only when weather conditions are good. Scissor lifts rated for outdoor use are generally limited to wind speeds below 28 miles per hour.
- Ensure that safety systems designed to stop collapsing are maintained and not bypassed.
- Never allow the weight on the work platform to exceed the manufacturer’s load rating.
- Never allow equipment other than the scissor mechanism to be used to raise the work platform (e.g., using a forklift to lift
the work platform). - Keep the lift from being struck by other moving equipment on the worksite.
- Use ground guides when operating or moving the scissor lift around the workplace.
- Select work locations that do not approach electrical power sources (e.g., power lines, transformers) by at least 10 feet and that do not pose other overhead hazards (e.g., other utilities,
branches, overhangs, etc.). - If the job task requires work near an electrical source, ensure that the worker is qualified and has received the required electrical training. (29 CFR 1910.269; 29 CFR 1910.333; 29 CFR 1926 Subpart V).
Follow the scissor lift safety tips to prevent accidents when using the equipment.
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