Scissor Lift Safety: 3 Top Tips
A scissor lift is a handy piece of kit to have on any construction site. A scissor lift will allow your contractors to work at height for extended periods of time, on a platform which can accommodate all of their tools and equipment. However, when operating a scissor lift, it is important that your contractors understand the hazards they may face and the steps they can take to protect themselves.
Stability
A scissor lift is usually mounted on a wheeled chassis which allows it to be driven around and repositioned on site as needed. However, it is essential that your contractors understand how to identify safe ground on which they can operate the scissor lift. If the ground is very muddy or sandy, the scissor lift may not be stable during operation. The scissor lift operators should be trained to understand suitable types of ground. If the base of the scissor lift begins to shift when the lift is extended, the entire unit may be at risk of tipping over. It is also important that your staff understand how to assess the weather conditions. If the scissor lift is operated in high winds, it will be placed at increased risk of tip over. A tip-over incident could place your contractors' lives at risk.
Overhead power lines
Because scissor lifts can extend to a considerable height, it is important that your contractors are trained to spot hazards such as overhead wires. Overhead wires create an electrocution risk for your workers. Remember, the equipment or your contractors do not need to come into contact with the wires to be electrocuted. Electricity can jump and arc from the wire to nearby structures causing serious injury and death. If you need to operate a scissor lift close to an overhead power line, you should first contact the utility company to request that the power supply to the wire is isolated before you begin to operate the scissor lift.
Traffic control
It is also important that your contractors understand how to deploy proper traffic controls at the base of the scissor lift. If a vehicle collides with the base of the scissor lift, it could quite easily cause it to tip over or to collapse, placing the lives of your workers at risk. Contractors should place a person to act as a spotter at the base of scissor lift who will be able to observe and warn any oncoming traffic. They should also place cones and men at work signs at the base of the scissor lift.
If you would like to find out more about the safe operation of a scissor lift, you should contact a scissor lift training school.