Scissor lifts are not inherently dangerous equipment; that’s why they are so popular for personal or commercial choice. However, your little mistake, ignorance, or joke can put you and lift you in a difficult situation.
All the reported incidents related to scissor lifts are either due to poor operating practices or the non-serious behavior of the users.
So, if you don’t want to face such life-threatening incidents, here is what you should avoid when using the scissor lifts!
1. Running the Battery Too Low
Running the battery low is a common mistake and can lead to many problems. If you will be driving for a long time, it’s best to charge the battery before starting. You can do this by plugging it into any standard outlet and draining its contents until there is no charge left in the cell.
However, if you’re only going on short drives or don’t plan on using your scissor lift for long periods, running out of power isn’t an issue; you’ll need more frequent stops at charging stations along your route.
2. Not Wearing a Harness While Operating
One of the most important things to remember when working from a scissor lift is that you should always wear a safety harness. A harness can save your life and prevent serious injuries in an accident.
If you are working from ladders/scaffolding, wearing a safety harness is even more important because these types of equipment have been proven to increase the risk of falls by up to 30%. This means it’s critical for workers who are using these tools to keep themselves safe.
3. Operating at Night Without Lights (Even For Small Tasks)
Lights are important for safety reasons, especially in areas that are not well lit. If you’re working in an area with no lights, make sure to bring your own with you. This can help keep you safe and prevent accidents due to poor visibility. The best way to do this is by bringing extra bulbs or, even better yet, having someone who knows how to use them come along with you.
4. Overloading the Platform
The load capacity of your scissor lift is the maximum weight that can be put on it. This may differ for different models, so you should check before loading anything heavy into the platform.
The load capacity will usually be listed in kilograms, and they’re usually labeled on the side or top of most scissor lifts (depending on where you purchase them).
5. Not Closing the Guard Rail on The Platform
Closed guard rails are important for safety when the platform is raised or lowered. When you move your scissor lift from one location to another where it will be used, make sure that all its components are securely fastened so that they do not come loose and cause injury or damage to yourself or others nearby.
6. Raising The Scissor Lift With Someone on It
Raising the scissor lift with someone on it is very dangerous, especially when the person is unaware that you are starting the lift.
- The person on top of the lift could fall and injure themselves or others
- The platform could give way and injure or even kill both people involved
If you have to raise your scissor lift with someone on, ensure that the person is wearing the harness and the guard rail is closed correctly.
Conclusion
Everything comes with a cost, from improper working conditions to damaged scissor lift parts. So, it’s better to pay a little repair cost rather than the massive hefty cost you might never be able to pay. To get the high-quality scissor lifts with innovative safety features, visit https://lglifter.com/scissor-car-lift/ and place your order now.
