Disadvantages of Scissor Lifts
A scissor lift is a specific type of mobile scaffolding. This wheel-mounted equipment provides power to a work platform that moves up and down. The lift could be powered by propane, electricity, gas or diesel. Scissor lifts are characterized by various scissor-like joints which elevate the machine by collapsing and expanding. Numerous safety features are built into scissor lifts nowadays, particularly models which are newer. Like with any safety features, they may not be able to guarantee safety and several features could be overridden by operators manually or they could sometimes malfunction.
Inadvertent Elevation
Commonly, construction workers utilize scissor lifts to work on higher aspects of the jobsites or on ceilings. The workers will have to lift the platforms just to right below ceiling level. The problem with accidental elevation could take place if the workers accidentally bump into the elevation controls while working. In the ceiling scenario, the controls might be accidentally activated and the platform could rise up and accidentally crush them into the ceiling.
Electrocution
Employees need to be extremely careful, making certain they are fully aware of their surroundings. This will ensure they don't accidentally electrocute themselves. If, for instance, the operator makes direct contact with or inadvertently touches an induction field or an electrical conductor, tragic outcome can take place.
Lateral Loads
When using a scissor lift, it is important know the loading restrictions in the instruction manual of your scissor lift. Really terrible consequences can happen if the platform is mis-loaded. A lateral-load is one of the possible problems that could happen if the whole lift overturns. This situation occurs when a heavy material or tool like for example a concrete slab that hangs over the scissor lift platform's side, causing the whole machine to become unbalanced at once and greatly prone to dangerously tipping over.