Disadvantages of Using Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are a kind of "mobile scaffolding", with a wheel-mounted machinery that provides power to a work platform that moves down and up. The lift could be powered by propane, electricity, gas or diesel. Scissor lifts are characterized by a variety of scissor-like joints which raise the equipment by expanding and collapsing. Many safety features are built into scissor lifts today, particularly models which are newer. Like with any safety features, they might not be able to guarantee safety and some features can be overridden by operators manually or they can sometimes malfunction.
Inadvertent Elevation
Usually, construction workers use scissor lifts to work on ceilings or on higher aspects of the jobsite. The workers would have to raise the platforms just to right below ceiling level. The issue with accidental elevation can happen if the workers accidentally bump into the elevation controls when working. In the ceiling scenario, the controls could be accidentally activated and the platform can rise up and accidentally crush them into the ceiling.
Electrocution
Workers need to be extremely careful, making certain they are completely aware of their surroundings. This will ensure they don't inadvertently electrocute themselves. If, for instance, an operator makes direct contact with or accidentally touches an electrical conductor or an induction field, terrible outcome could take place.
Lateral Loads
It is essential to be familiar with the loading limitations when in operation of the scissor lift. These limitations will be labelled in the scissor lift instruction manual. Mis-loading the platform could result in very serious consequences. A lateral-load is one of the potential problems that can occur if the whole lift overturns. This situation happens if a heavy material or tool such as a concrete slab that hangs over the side of a scissor lift platform, causing the whole equipment to become immediately unbalanced and greatly susceptible to dangerously tipping over.