Using an aerial scissor lift can be quite handy, but it can be dangerous, too. If you are thinking about renting or buying one of these lifts, it is important to know how to use it properly to keep yourself and your employees safe. Luckily, following these three simple yet important tips can help you prevent falls when working with this equipment.
1. Carefully Inspect the Aerial Scissor Lift Before Use
Before using an aerial scissor lift, it is imperative to carefully inspect it for safety. Make sure that the guardrails are in place and are in good condition, and ensure that the equipment is being used on flat, level, safe ground. You'll also want to check any weight limits and ensure that you are not going to be exceeding them; when doing so, make sure that you add the weight of both anyone who will be on the aerial scissor lift and any equipment that he or she will be using.
2. Avoid Standing on the Guardrails
It can be tempting to try to stand on the guardrails of an aerial scissor lift so that you can reach a little bit further and get just a little more done without having to move the lift itself. However, no matter how strong and sturdy the guardrails will be or how short of a time you will need to stand on them, this is unsafe. Make sure that you only stand on the platform itself, since it is designed for being stood on -- the guardrails are not. If you are unable to reach something, it is worth it to get off of the lift and move it to a different location so that you can finish getting your work done.
3. Avoid Using During Bad Weather Conditions
When using an aerial scissor lift, you'll want to check the weather conditions and put off the job for another day during inclement weather. Many aerial scissor lifts are not designed to be used during periods of heavy wind, for example. Also, if it rains or snows, you have to worry about the platform becoming slippery and putting you at risk of slipping and falling.
Aerial scissor lifts can be safe when they are used correctly, but you are at risk of a fall if you are not careful. Luckily, following these three essential safety tips should help you use this piece of equipment without being in as much danger. Check with a company like U.S. Lift & Warehouse Equipment Inc for more information.
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