New generation scissor lifts are specially designed to offer front-line construction technicians
easier and safer access to hard-to-reach areas of residential, commercial, and institutional facilities.
The equipment will make your job easier thanks to the flexibility and mobility that they offer. However,
hazards are all over workplaces and sometimes, the worst may happen at the most unexpected
moment.
Therefore, if you are a construction technician and you operate scissor lift, your number one priority
should be safety. Make sure that you complete your training and learn about potential hazards that
can occur and how to deal with them. Here are some of the common scissor lift hazards that you
should know.
Ejections From the Basket/ Falls
Ejections from the basket of falls from elevated heights can as a result of various hazards. To avoid
falling off or coming off accidentally while using the scissor lift, make use of a body harness with a
robust tie-off attached to the industry approved tie-off areas. Make sure that you remain tie-off while
operating the equipment and while the equipment from one location to another. You should also avoid
basket near the structure. Fall and ejections from the basket are common accidents that you can
prevent.
Collapses/Tip-Overs
Collapses and tip-overs are usually caused by inappropriate handling and traveling of the lift as well
as inadequate mechanical inspections and pre-start vehicle. Tip-overs may also occur as a result of
an exceeded load capacity.
Driving the lift with a raised platform, carrying large objects, operating the lift in severe weather
conditions, and exceeding the recommended horizontal and vertical height limits can lead to tip-overs.
Collapses, on the other hand, may occur as a result of mechanical failure and can easily be prevented
if you conduct a thorough pre-operation inspection of the lift vehicle to make sure that all the controls
are working as expected.
Electrocutions
Electric shocks can also 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.
Make sure that your scissor lift doesn’t get too close to electric power lines. Keep a distance of at
least 10 feet 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.
Falling Objects from the Lift
Not only workers who operate the lift are at risk of falling objects, but also other workers on the
ground are at risk. 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.
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. The on-foot
workers on the ground should also be aware of the work surroundings and avoid working directly
underneath or close to the lift when it’s raised.