Negative Effects of Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are a kind of "mobile scaffolding", with a wheel-mounted machinery that gives power to a work platform which moves down and up. The lift could be powered by electricity, propane, gas or diesel. Scissor lifts are characterized by various scissor-like joints that raise the machine by expanding and collapsing. Many safety features are built into modern scissor lifts, especially the newer models. Like with any safety features, they may not be able to guarantee safety and some features can be overridden by operators manually or they can sometimes malfunction.
Inadvertent Elevation
Normally, construction workers utilize scissor lifts to work on ceilings or on higher aspects of the jobsite. The workers will have to lift the platforms just to right below the level of the ceiling. The problem with accidental elevation could happen if the workers bump into the elevation controls accidentally when 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
Employees need to be very cautious, making sure they are fully aware of their environment. This would ensure they don't inadvertently electrocute themselves. If, for example, an operator makes direct contact with or inadvertently touches an induction field or an electrical conductor, tragic consequences can happen.
Lateral Loads
When operating a scissor lift, it is important know the loading limitations in the instruction manual of your scissor lift. Really terrible consequences could take place if the platform is mis-loaded. A lateral-load is amongst the possible issues which can take place if the whole lift overturns. This situation happens when a heavy material or tool like a concrete slab that hangs over the side of a scissor lift platform, causing the whole equipment to become immediately unbalanced and really susceptible to tipping over dangerously.