Negative Effects of Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are a type of "mobile scaffolding", with a wheel-mounted equipment that provides power to a work platform that moves up and down. The lift could be powered by electricity, propane, gas or diesel. Scissor lifts are characterized by various scissor-like joints that elevate the equipment by collapsing and expanding. Many safety features are built into modern scissor lifts, especially models which are newer. 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
Commonly, construction workers use scissor lifts to work on higher aspects of the jobsites or on ceilings. The workers would have to hoist the platforms just to right beneath the level of the ceiling. The issue with accidental elevation can happen if the workers bump into the elevation controls inadvertently while working. In the ceiling scenario, the controls might be activated accidentally and the platform can rise up and accidentally crush them into the ceiling.
Electrocution
Employees have to be extremely careful, making sure they are completely aware of their environment. This would ensure they don't inadvertently electrocute themselves. If, for example, an operator inadvertently touches or makes direct contact with an induction field or an electrical conductor, terrible consequences could take place.
Lateral Loads
When operating a scissor lift, it is important know the loading limitations in the instruction manual of your scissor lift. Really serious consequences could occur if the platform is mis-loaded. A lateral-load is one of the potential problems which can take place if the whole lift overturns. This situation occurs if a heavy tool or material like a concrete slab that hangs over the scissor lift platform's side, causing the entire machine to become instantly unbalanced and greatly prone to dangerously tipping over.