Negative Effects of Utilizing Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are a type of "mobile scaffolding", with a wheel-mounted machinery which provides power to a work platform which moves down and up. The lift can be powered by electricity, propane, gas or diesel. Scissor lifts are characterized by various scissor-like joints that lift the machine by expanding and collapsing. Many 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 some features can sometimes malfunction or they could be manually overridden by operators.
Accidental Elevation
Normally, construction workers utilize scissor lifts to work on higher aspects of the jobsites or on ceilings. The workers would need to lift the platforms just to right below ceiling level. The problem with accidental elevation could happen if the workers inadvertently bump into the elevation controls while working. In the ceiling scenario, the controls could be accidentally activated and the platform can rise up and inadvertently crush them into the ceiling.
Electrocution
Another way workers have to be extremely cautious is to be sure they know the environment they are in while using the equipment so as to make sure they don't unintentionally electrocute themselves. If, for example, the operator makes direct contact with or inadvertently touches an electrical conductor or an induction field, tragic outcome can occur.
Lateral Loads
It is essential to be familiar with the loading restrictions while using the scissor lift. These limitations would be labelled in the scissor lift instruction manual. Mis-loading the platform could cause extremely terrible consequences. A lateral-load is amongst the possible problems that can take place if the entire lift overturns. This situation takes place if a heavy tool or material like a concrete slab that hangs over the scissor lift platform's side, causing the entire equipment to become immediately unbalanced and greatly prone to tipping over dangerously.