Disadvantages of Utilizing Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are a type of "mobile scaffolding", with a wheel-mounted machinery that provides power to a work platform that moves down and up. The lift can be powered by electricity, propane, diesel or gas. Scissor lifts are characterized by various scissor-like joints that raise the machine by collapsing and expanding. Many safety features are built into scissor lifts these days, especially models that are newer. Like with any safety features, they might not be able to guarantee safety and some features could be manually overridden by operators or they could occasionally malfunction.
Inadvertent Elevation
Construction workers usually utilize scissor lifts to work at higher heights. Workers can raise the work platform to just beneath the ceiling level. The problem with accidental elevation could occur if the workers accidentally bump into the elevation controls while working. In the ceiling scenario, the controls might be accidentally activated and the platform can rise up and accidentally crush them into the ceiling.
Electrocution
Another way workers have to be very careful is to be sure they know the environment they are in while using the machinery so as to make sure they don't accidentally electrocute themselves. If, for instance, the operator makes direct contact with or inadvertently touches an electrical conductor or an induction field, tragic outcome could take place.
Lateral Loads
It is important to be familiar with the loading limitations when utilizing the scissor lift. These restrictions will be labelled in the scissor lift instruction manual. Mis-loading the platform can result in extremely serious consequences. A lateral-load is one of the potential problems which can happen if the whole lift overturns. This situation takes place if a heavy material or tool such as a concrete slab that hangs over the side of a scissor lift platform, causing the entire machinery to become unbalanced at once and really prone to tipping over dangerously.