A scissor lift is a useful equipment to have access to if you want to work on a project that is located in high elevations. A scissor lift provides an enclosed platform for workers that can be raised to a specific height. A scissor lift is a common equipment for construction work. However, people may choose to get a scissor lift for hire for just about any purpose they can think of.
Scissor lifts can be used as scaffolding to help artists paint large scale murals on building walls. Lifts can also be used for changing busted lights in a school gymnasium. Scientists can use scissor lifts to investigate objects that are in high elevations closely. In a 2006 presentation entitled An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore uses a scissor lift to emphasise the rising carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. So whenever there is a need to elevate a person, a scissor lift is an ideal equipment to have.
When appropriately used, scissor lifts can provide a stable platform where workers can perform different tasks without worrying about their safety. However, when you are going to get a scissor lift for hire, make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. When you do not use scissor lifts properly, it can be hazardous to your workers and may cause damages to both persons and property. So here are some of the safety precautions that you must follow when working with scissor lift for hire.
Operation
When your company regularly uses scissor lifts, assign an employee who will take the necessary training to operate the scissor lift properly. Make it a company policy that only employees who were properly trained are the only ones allowed to operate the lift.
Fall Protection
Before using any scissor lift for hire, train your workers to check the stability of the guardrails. It is also important to train your employees not to depend too much on the guardrail system and to lean against the guardrails when working at high elevations.
Stabilisation
When working with scissor lifts, make sure to position the equipment on hard and stable surfaces to prevent tipping over. You should also select the type of scissor lift that you will rent based on the type of terrain of your work area. When you have uneven ground, you should choose to rent a scissor lift with spider-legs to increase its stability.
Collapse
Although they are a rare occurrence, a scissor lift may collapse. You can prevent a failure from happening and injuring your workers by doing the following:
- Make sure that safety systems designed to stop the scissor lift from collapsing is present and is well-maintained.
- Strictly follow the weight limitations of the scissor lift based on the manufacturer’s directions.
- Make sure that the scissor lift has the right OSHA certification and has been certified for legal use recently. OSHA covers scissor lifts under their scaffolding standards.
Positioning
Do not position your scissor lift under electric power lines or low beams. If you must use scissor lifts under power lines, choose a scissor lift with a maximum elevation that is way below the power lines.
Safety Gear
Always practise a safety-first policy when working with scissor lifts. Require your workers to wear safety gear and safety harness, especially when working at elevated positions.
Remember that when you choose to get a scissor lift for hire, you are responsible for your workers’ safety. So always follow the manufacturer’s directions to have a safe working experience with scissor lifts.
