Negative Effects of Using Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are a kind of "mobile scaffolding", with a wheel-mounted equipment that gives power to a work platform that moves down and up. The lift could be powered by electricity, propane, gas or diesel. Scissor lifts are characterized by a variety of scissor-like joints which raise the equipment by expanding and collapsing. A lot of safety features are built into modern scissor lifts, specially models which are newer. Like with any safety features, they may not be able to guarantee safety and some features can occasionally malfunction or they could be manually overridden by operators.
Accidental Elevation
Commonly, construction workers use scissor lifts to work on ceilings or on higher aspects of the jobsite. The workers will have to raise the platforms just to right below the level of the ceiling. The issue with accidental elevation can take place if the workers accidentally bump into the elevation controls while working. In the ceiling scenario, the controls could be accidentally activated and the platform could rise up and inadvertently crush them into the ceiling.
Electrocution
Another way workers have to be really cautious is to be sure they know the surroundings they are in while using the machine 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, terrible consequences can take place.
Lateral Loads
When utilizing a scissor lift, it is vital know the loading restrictions in the instruction manual of your scissor lift. Very serious consequences can happen if the platform is mis-loaded. A lateral-load is among the possible issues that could occur if the entire lift overturns. This situation takes place if a heavy material or tool such as a concrete slab which hangs over the side of a scissor lift platform, causing the whole machinery to become instantly unbalanced and really susceptible to tipping over dangerously.