Negative Effects of Using Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are a kind of "mobile scaffolding", with a wheel-mounted equipment which gives power to a work platform which moves up and down. The lift can be powered by electricity, propane, diesel or gas. Scissor lifts are characterized by a variety of scissor-like joints that elevate the machine by expanding and collapsing. Numerous safety features are built into modern scissor lifts, especially models that are newer. As with any safety features, they may not be able to guarantee safety and some features can be manually overridden by operators or they can sometimes malfunction.
Accidental Elevation
Commonly, construction workers utilize scissor lifts to work on ceilings or on higher aspects of the jobsite. The workers would have to lift the platforms just to right below ceiling level. The problem with accidental elevation could happen if the workers bump into the elevation controls accidentally while 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
Another way workers need to be very careful is to be sure they know the environment they are in while operating the machine in order to ensure they don't accidentally electrocute themselves. If, for instance, the operator makes direct contact with or inadvertently touches an electrical conductor or an induction field, terrible outcome can take place.
Lateral Loads
While operating a scissor lift, it is essential to be familiar with the loading restrictions in the instruction manual of your scissor lift. Very terrible consequences can occur if the platform is mis-loaded. A lateral-load is amongst the possible issues which could happen if the entire lift overturns. This situation happens when a heavy material or tool such as a concrete slab that hangs over the scissor lift platform's side, causing the entire machinery to become immediately unbalanced and greatly susceptible to dangerously tipping over.