Five Common Scissor Lift Hazards You Must Not Ignore

Scissor lift is no doubt one of the most popular pieces of equipment to be rented for not only the construction industry but also for renovation, maintenance, and event work. Scissor lifts can make your job much easier thanks to their mobility and flexibility but they also represent a certain safety risk. Especially working at height. these are the Five Common Scissor Lift Safety Hazards that you must not ignore.

Learn Important Tips on How to Choose the Right Scissor Lift.

1. Falling From Height, the most common occurrence

Falls from an elevated height can be caused by any number of hazards. To prevent yourself from falling from the platform or being ejected while moving the scissor lift, use a body harness with a tie-off attached to approved tie-off points on the platform or basket, not a nearby structure. The points will be noted with stickers or decals. Stay tied off all the time while raising or lowering the machine and while moving the equipment from one to another location.

2. Machine Tipping Over, always check the ground

Your machine becomes less stable as its height increases or when moving on a slope. Strong winds and uneven ground can seriously affect your scissor lift stability even if you are not moving.

To avoid a tip-over while moving, pay full focus by looking in your direction of maneuver to ensure the path is clear and safe.  Check and set the brakes properly and use wheel chocks when you are moving on an inclined surface. Follow the manufacturer equipment instructions on operating your scissor lift at high wind speeds. 

3. Electric Shock, the deadliest event 

Electric shocks can occur if you work in proximity to electric power lines. You need to keep in mind that electrocution can happen even if you are not on the platform since electric current can flow through the equipment if it is not properly insulated.

To avoid the disaster, make sure that your scissor lift is never gets too close to electric power lines. Keep a distance of at least 3 m away from the power lines if you are not a certified electric worker. Treat all power lines, conductors, and wires as potential safety hazards even if they appear to be insulated. Do not risk your life. 

4. Falling Object, the most unexpected event 

Any tools or materials falling from a scissor lift can cause you serious injury if you are standing beneath them when they fall. Sometimes, on-foot workers are severely injured or even killed by falling objects from the lift bucket or platform. The risk of falling objects is mostly caused by the scissor lift hire carrying objects that are larger than the platform or carrying unstable objects.

First, you should make sure that all the openings on the platform or bucket are closed.  The operator
should also try to avoid positioning the lift directly below other workers on the ground. Always maintain a barricade around the working area to prevent any intrusion of another worker. On top of that, you should also place warning signage to avoid other workers working within the barricaded area.

5. Structural Failure, overloading

Structural failure means your scissor lift collapses from its height or fails in the scissor structure. This can be caused by overloading of the machine, improper use, and also lack of proper maintenance. 

One of the best ways is to use reputable brands. 

The scissor lift is designed to carry workers and small tools and equipment, and can never be used for lifting or support heavy structures. Workers must also fully aware of the loading capacity and not overload it. The owner and user must also fully comply with the manufacturer's equipment instructions in terms of both operation and maintenance practices.

These are the 5 common scissor lift hazards as above-mentioned that are significant to be considered when operating a scissor lift which can help prevent injuries, accidents, damage, and liability concerns. If you are interested in knowing the best brands, take a look at the blog Top 7 Brands of Boom Lift and Scissor Lift.

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