Negative Effects of Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are a type of "mobile scaffolding", with a wheel-mounted machinery that gives power to a work platform that moves up and down. The lift can be powered by electricity, propane, diesel or gas. Scissor lifts are characterized by various scissor-like joints which raise the equipment by expanding and collapsing. Numerous safety features are built into scissor lifts nowadays, specially the newer models. Like with any safety features, they might not be able to guarantee safety and several features can occasionally malfunction or they could be manually overridden by operators.
Accidental Elevation
Commonly, construction workers utilize scissor lifts to work on higher aspects of the jobsites or on ceilings. The workers will need to lift the platforms just to right below ceiling level. The issue with accidental elevation could happen if the workers bump into the elevation controls inadvertently when working. In the ceiling scenario, the controls could be activated accidentally and the platform could rise up and accidentally crush them into the ceiling.
Electrocution
A different way employees need to be extremely careful is to be sure they are familiar with the environment they are in while operating the machine in order to make sure they don't unintentionally electrocute themselves. If, for example, an operator makes direct contact with or accidentally touches an induction field or an electrical conductor, terrible consequences could take place.
Lateral Loads
When using a scissor lift, it is vital know the loading restrictions in the handbook of your scissor lift. Very serious consequences could take place if the platform is mis-loaded. A lateral-load is amongst the potential problems that can occur if the whole lift overturns. This situation happens if a heavy tool or material such as a concrete slab that hangs over the scissor lift platform's side, causing the whole machinery to become instantly unbalanced and really susceptible to tipping over dangerously.