Scissor Safety – How to Safely Work From Heights
Working from heights is one of the riskiest places to work from. It is a number cause of injuries and even deaths and most of them are as a result of unsafe working practices. The fact, however, is that, it is inevitable and that at one point or another a construction worker, an electrical technician, a fireman, a movie maker, a window cleaner, and more will all have to work from a height.
A company and employees as well should never compromise on safety when working from a height. The first step to ensuring safety is having the right safety and lifting equipment. There are many types of lifting equipment and each depends on the kind of job being undertaken. One of the most used lifting equipment is scissors. Scissor lift hire is used in many industries including construction, film, electrical and more.
A scissor lift is very useful when it comes to working from a height. However, you will need to train your employees well on the health and safety precautions because they can be very dangerous when handled by untrained individuals.
The Risks
Scissor lifts come in handy when you are working in a small area because they are easy to maneuver. They can be very dangerous when poorly maintained, not serviced as required, and wrongly operated. It is not safe to assume that just because you are hiring form a company it is well maintained. The government requires that when working on a scissor, all safety regulations be implemented to limit the risks of an accident.
Risk Management Tips
When working from a height using a scissor, it is best to asses as much risk as possible so that you can be able to manage them. Here are some things that you can do to improve safety while using this lifting equipment:
- Before working with a lift, you need to make sure that you conduct an inspection or a risk assessment exercise. This includes inspecting the equipment to make sure that the parts are in order and that it is in good working condition.
- Make sure that the scissor is operated only by a trained employee who is keen on following the laid down procedures to minimize the risk of a fall.
- Check the weather. A scissors can be easily knocked down by the wind. If the weather is windy then you should avoid using it outdoors. Scissors have a 12.5 m/s wind rating or even lower.
- No overload. Do not carry more than the maximum weight that the scissor can carry. Overloading the equipment can easily cause it to tip over. Know the maximum weight and make sure that you do not exceed it.
- Lower the lift during movement. Moving a scissor when raised can easily cause it to fall especially on uneven terrain.
- Do not work close to electrical power sources. Scissors are made of metal and when they come in close contact with open electricity then one can get electrocuted. Avoid working close to transformers, power lines, overhangs, and any other live wires or materials that might pose a risk.
- Do not forget to set the brakes before lifting. Brakes are there for extra security so that the lift cannot move when not required to.
- Completely avoid using the scissor on unstable surfaces like holes, bumps, slopes, and more.
Conclusion
When all the safety precautions are taken into account before using a scissor lift, then one can be confident that they have eliminated a lot of risks. Remember, only use the lifting machine if you are confident enough on its stability and your safety too.
It caught my attention when you said that a scissor lift must only be operated by a trained employee to minimize the risk of a fall. My father mentioned that he is interested in renting scissor lifts that he could use for the construction of his new house. He got the house last month, and he is planning to have a new house with three floors. To ensure his safety, I will ask him to get proper training and certification as it is important for us to keep him safe at all times. Thanks!