A scissor lift is a type of platform for providing a large travel range. They are used to lift materials, equipment, and inventory usually, in working and industrial settings. Their name refers to the “scissor-like pattern” present in their support system that consists of welded, and interlinked metal components. One of their advantages is that they can be operated by just one person. They are commonly turned to for a wide range of lifting capacities, from under a ton to tens of thousands of pounds. Additionally, they come in manual, electric, battery, and air-powered over hydraulic options.
While the components and details of scissor lifts make them a highly convenient and customizable option for your lifting applications, it is incredibly important to operate them safely. To help you do so, we have put together a list of three ways to promote safe scissor lift operations in your workplace.
Use It For Its Intended Purposes
As mentioned above, there are different types of scissor lifts, and each is designed to address slightly different lifting needs. When you purchase a customized scissor lift through Lange Lift, its intended uses will be taken into consideration as we design and construct your lift. Additionally, if you choose one of the examples of custom scissor lifts that were originally manufactured for another user, we will ask some key questions. Through these questions, we will seek to understand your intended applications for the lift to ensure it is the right match for your purposes.
Part of those considerations will be weight capacity. Our scissor lifts feature capacities from 100 to 40,000 pounds, so it will be important to not strain them beyond those specifications. Another consideration for customization should be the shape and material of the lift station. An example of a lift station with a customized table shape is the Air Powered Scissor Lift & Tilt option that is built to move materials and is stainless steel coated for use with oils, chemicals, and food acids.
Fully Train All Operators
Once you have the lift you want, training should be the next item on your agenda. Training is an essential component of safe scissor lift operation. As specified by OSHA, it is incredibly important to train all employees who will be using the scissor lift. This training needs to include reading the lift manually, understanding how to handle materials on the lift, familiarity with common hazards in the working environment, and the ability to report defects and issues detected with the lift. Ensuring that all employees understand these details and operations is a key to mitigation against accidents and mishandling that can lead to damaged inventory and serious injuries.
Maintain The Scissor Lift
Once all operating employees have been fully trained in scissor lift operations, you will want to start regular maintenance activities to ensure the lift continues to function properly. These maintenance procedures should include inspecting and testing the lift’s component parts and control capabilities prior to each use. If issues do present themselves during the inspection, be sure to contact lift experts to inspect and service the lift station, as well as determine if a replacement is needed. A building inspection and maintenance activities into your daily routine is the best way to secure all workers’ safety as well as the longevity of the scissor lift itself.
Contact Lange Lift With Your Scissor Lift Safety Questions
If you don’t yet have a scissor lift for your work setting and are interested in purchasing one, check out our custom and modified options. Choosing customization will guarantee you end up with a piece of equipment that will meet the needs of your specific lifting applications. Lift systems can make your operations much more safe and more efficient as long as a few safety guidelines are consistently followed. For other Lange Lift product information, see our full product catalog.
