Scissor lifts are used regularly for reaching work areas that are at higher elevations. Its crisscrossing arms elongate as the platform is raised to provide access to difficult-to-reach areas. You can substitute these lifts with a ladder, tower, or scaffolding as it can perform their functions more securely.
These lifts are simple to use but can be hazardous to workers when not properly maintained, serviced or used inappropriately.
Let’s look at some of the factors that pose a safety risk and how you can avoid them by following scissor lift safety tips.
Weather conditions- Operating scissor lift during inclement weather can pose risk to the life of lift operators. Avoid using the lift when there are high winds, heavy rain, lightning, and hailstorm. Also, avoid the usage if ice or snow gets accumulated on the platform. Most scissor lifts have a wind rating below 28 miles per hour. To stay on the safer side, discontinue work if wind speed exceeds 25 miles per hour.
It is advisable that you go for scissor rental only when weather conditions are favorable so that you can make optimal use of your rental equipment. But you don’t need to worry about the weather when working indoors. You just need to look up ‘electric scissor lift rental near me’ on the web and you will have numerous options to choose from.
Overloading- Loading the lift beyond its rated capacity could cause the lift to tip over, resulting in injury or even death of the user. To prevent any mishap, never overload a lift and make sure that the load doesn’t exceed the rated weight capacity of the lift. Don’t forget to consider the weight of any other workers and tools that will be on the lift along with you.
Check the lift’s specifications or read the operator's manual to determine how much weight can be loaded onto the platform. Under no conditions the weight on the work platform should exceed the manufacturer’s load rating
Uneven surfaces- Moving on uneven land could cause the lift to tip over if raised. Therefore, it becomes important to thoroughly inspect the area where the lift will be used. Look for any drop-offs or holes, slopes, ditches, bumps, debris, etc. and try to avoid them while using the lift.
If any of these are part of your worksite then try to make the ground stable and as level as possible. You may need to move the soil or lay down some "pads" to do so.
Power lines and other overhead hazards- When using the lift, watch for obstructions like power lines, transformers, branches, and overhangs. Maintain a safe distance from them. If possible, stay at minimum of 10 feet from power lines and transformers. Make sure there is sufficient clearance around the scissor lift before moving the platform.
Follow these scissor lift safety tips and you will be able to avoid a misha
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