Working at heights comes with significant risks, especially when you fail to follow proper safety protocols. While using a scissor lift is generally safer and more reliable than using ladders and other elevated access equipment, you still have to adhere to several safety rules when using this equipment. In this article, we will outline some of the top safety protocols to keep in mind when you opt for scissor lift hire London.
Pre-Operation Inspection
Before starting any task or project, you must inspect all the equipment you’ll use. This is particularly important for scissor lifts and other access equipment since any failure while using them will have disastrous consequences.
First, you should inspect the scissor lift for any visible signs of damage or weakness before your work begins. You want to ensure that the hydraulic system and safety features of the lift work correctly and that there’s no risk of failure.
Report any issues to the equipment rental company immediately. This way, they can get the machine fixed or replaced with a new one that’s in better working condition.
Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Wearing the proper personal protective equipment is essential, even when working on a stable platform like a scissor lift. There’s always a small risk of falling or getting hit by a falling object from above, and it helps if you’re properly protected from such risks.
The lift operator and every worker working on or around the platform should wear hard hats, safety harnesses, work boots, high-visibility clothing, and other protective gear. These gear prevent accidents and reduce the level of injuries if they do occur.
Create a Safe Work Area
Before you start working, inspect the work area around your scissor lift and ensure it is free from any safety hazards. Obstacles, debris, and loose materials in your work area will impede the movement of the lift and cause instability. That’s not to mention the risk of damage to the scissor lift itself. Mark off the work area around your machine and ensure it is free from anything that can get in the way of the lift.
Weight Capacity and Distribution
Every scissor lift has a maximum weight capacity. This indicates how much weight you can safely load on the machine. Usually, the manufacturer or equipment rental company that offers you electric scissor lift hire London will provide guidelines for the maximum loading capacity of the lift.
Ensure you adhere to these instructions throughout the duration of use. Equally important is the need to distribute the load evenly across the platform. Overloading one part of the work platform can cause the machine to tip over, which isn’t what you want when you’re working on an elevated platform.
Operator Training
The scissor lift is an easy-to-use equipment, but it should only be operated by trained and certified personnel. Operators (especially inexperienced ones) must be adequately trained to handle this piece of equipment safely.
Operator training should cover the basics of controlling the machine, maintaining stability, and responding to various scenarios that may arise while working. Operators should also know what to do if an emergency or accident occurs during operation.
Avoid Unintended Movement
The scissor lift is a mobile machine with wheels or tracks. This means there’s always a risk of unintended movement, especially when the machine is not secured correctly.
Operators must ensure that the scissor lift’s brakes are always engaged, especially when they have workers on the platform. You should also be aware of the equipment controls to avoid unintentional activation that can lead to dangerous movements.
Use the Proper Platform Access
Scissor lifts typically have designated access points for getting on and off the platform. Workers trying to get on the platform should use these designated access points at all times instead of just climbing in or jumping out of the platform at will. Doing this is reckless, and it can cause avoidable accidents.
Work at Safe Heights and Angles
Avoid using the scissor lift beyond the recommended reach limit. The machine is likely to become unstable when you do, and the risk of accidents is higher.
As part of the pre-operation preparation, you should also consider the angle and slope of the ground where the lift will be operated. Scissor lifts are best used on level grounds. In some cases, you may need to even the terrain first before bringing the machine in to avoid instability.
Plan for Emergencies
While you should try as much as possible to avoid accidents, sometimes it just happens despite your best efforts. This is why one needs to be prepared for emergencies on every construction site.
Before you start working, ensure that you have a clear plan for responding to mishaps that may occur while working. You may need to be able to provide first aid if accidents happen, and you should have a clear plan for rescuing operators if they ever got stuck at a height due to machine failure.
Ongoing Maintenance
When you get a scissor lift hire in London, the equipment rental company is typically responsible for long-term maintenance. However, you may need to conduct basic inspections and repairs yourself during the hire period to keep the scissor lift in perfect condition. This includes checking hydraulic fluid levels, inspecting tyres, and lubricating moving parts. If you discover any major issues, report them to the rental company for prompt resolution.
Conclusion
Following these top 10 safety protocols will ensure a secure and productive experience during the hiring period. To learn more about scissor lift safety or get scissor lift hire London, talk to our experts at easyToolhire.
