Key Safety Features to Look for When Hiring an Outdoor Scissor Lift

1 December 2020
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Scissor lifts are among the most versatile platforms for working at height in many sectors, including but not limited to construction, industrial cleaning, and advertising. This might explain why scissor lifts are some of the most popular equipment that contractors prefer hiring. However, safety must be prioritized when hiring a scissor lift for elevated works, particularly in outdoor sites. This article highlights tips in this regard.

Insulated Scissor Lifts

Elevated works in outdoor sites pose certain risks that safety supervisors must be aware of. One such risk is electrocution when working near overhead power lines. Whether you are contracted to replace street lighting or cut a tree close to overhead power lines, you must always remember to keep your workers safe from electric shocks. It can be achieved by maintaining a safe distance from power cables and using a spotter. However, hiring an insulated scissor lift is arguably the best way to protect staff from electrocution when working near electric wires. Insulated scissor lifts are reinforced using poor conductors of electricity. Therefore, ensure that the insulation on the scissor lift you are hiring covers the platform, scissor legs, and the base.

Slope Sensors

The terrain of outdoor sites varies considerably; for example, some project sites are level while others have slight or steep slopes. Operating a standard scissor lift in such locations is extremely dangerous since the risk of tipping increases as the platform rises higher. Consequently, workers are often advised to use scissor lifts on level surfaces only. Thanks to technology, some scissor lifts are designed to work on sloping terrain, but they can only do so within a safe working angle. Therefore, only hire a scissor lift equipped with slope sensors to ensure that workers do not exceed the maximum slope and risk tipping. Slope sensors alert an operator via visual and audible alarms when approaching the maximum slope. It allows staff to lower the platform and reposition a scissor lift on a surface with a safe working angle.

Bi-Levelling Tracks

Outdoor sites filled with rocks, tree branches, and mounds, among other obstacles are some of the most challenging terrains to operate a scissor lift. For instance, partially completed multistory facilities often have extremely rugged terrain around the structure. Therefore, you need a scissor lift, which can comfortably maneuver the rough ground when installing accessories such as windowpanes. Scissor lifts with bi-levelling tracks are an excellent choice because the undercarriage automatically levels the platform regardless of the terrain. Most importantly, the bi-levelling track system eliminates the need for carrying a scissor lift to a less rugged site.

Learn more by contacting scissor lift hire companies.