Negative Effects of Using Scissor Lifts
A scissor lift is a particular type of mobile scaffolding. This wheel-mounted equipment provides power to a work platform that moves up and down. The lift can be powered by propane, electricity, gas or diesel. Scissor lifts are characterized by various scissor-like joints that raise the machine by collapsing and expanding. A lot of safety features are built into modern scissor lifts, particularly models which are newer. Like with any safety features, they may not be able to guarantee safety and several features could sometimes malfunction or they can be overridden by operators manually.
Inadvertent Elevation
Commonly, construction workers utilize scissor lifts to work on ceilings or on higher aspects of the jobsite. The workers will need to lift the platforms just to right below the level of the ceiling. The issue with accidental elevation can occur if the workers bump into the elevation controls accidentally when working. In the ceiling scenario, the controls might be accidentally activated and the platform could rise up and accidentally crush them into the ceiling.
Electrocution
Employees need to be very cautious, making sure they are fully aware of their surroundings. This would ensure they don't accidentally electrocute themselves. If, for example, an operator accidentally touches or makes direct contact with an electrical conductor or an induction field, terrible consequences can happen.
Lateral Loads
It is vital to know the loading limitations while using the scissor lift. These limitations will be labelled in the scissor lift instruction manual. Mis-loading the platform can cause extremely terrible consequences. A lateral-load is among the possible problems which could take place if the whole lift overturns. This situation happens when a heavy material or tool like for example a concrete slab that hangs over the scissor lift platform's side, causing the entire machinery to become instantly unbalanced and really susceptible to dangerously tipping over.