Negative Effects of Using Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are a type of "mobile scaffolding", with a wheel-mounted machinery which gives power to a work platform which moves up and down. The lift could be powered by electricity, propane, diesel or gas. Scissor lifts are characterized by a variety of scissor-like joints that elevate the machine by collapsing and expanding. Many safety features are built into modern scissor lifts, specially the newer models. Like with any safety features, they might not be able to guarantee safety and some features could sometimes malfunction or they can be manually overridden by operators.
Accidental Elevation
Commonly, construction workers utilize scissor lifts to work on ceilings or on higher aspects of the jobsite. The workers would have to lift the platforms just to right beneath ceiling level. The issue with accidental elevation could occur if the workers accidentally bump into the elevation controls while working. In the ceiling scenario, the controls could be activated accidentally and the platform can rise up and inadvertently crush them into the ceiling.
Electrocution
Workers need to be very careful, making sure they are fully aware of their surroundings. This would ensure they don't inadvertently electrocute themselves. If, for instance, the operator makes direct contact with or inadvertently touches an induction field or an electrical conductor, terrible consequences can occur.
Lateral Loads
While utilizing a scissor lift, it is important to be familiar with the loading limitations in the guidebook of your scissor lift. Very serious consequences can take place if the platform is mis-loaded. A lateral-load is amongst the potential problems which can happen if the whole lift overturns. This situation happens if a heavy material or tool like for example a concrete slab that hangs over the scissor lift platform's side, causing the entire machinery to become immediately unbalanced and greatly prone to dangerously tipping over.