For painting crews, one of the most useful tools on a construction site is a scissor lift, which enables\u00a0technicians to safely perform their work at heights.<\/p>\n
They are easy to maneuver in small spaces and have a greater reach than traditional ladders and platforms. Because they add such convenience, they are a favorite piece of equipment across the industry. There is a negative side to using scissor lifts, however, due to risks and injury potential inherent in the usage of any piece of large industrial equipment. Although companies that hire out these lifts are required by law to keep up maintenance on them, it is incumbent upon those who rent them to do their own due diligence in reducing any possible risks.<\/p>\n
When operated incorrectly, by an individual who has not been adequately trained, or when the unit has not been kept. maintained and serviced properly and up-to-date, accidents can happen. Safe Work\u00a0Australia reports\u00a0that over the past decade, an average of over 10% of deaths that occur in the workplace are a result of\u00a0falls from a height. This\u00a0is why scissor lift usage is highly regulated and requires proper planning,\u00a0supervision, and safe operation.<\/p>\n
If your project requires the use of a scissor lift, consider the following items in order to complete your\u00a0work most safely and efficiently:
\nBefore hiring a scissor lift, check to make sure it has been properly maintained and serviced. Hiring\u00a0companies should have a current record of service. Inspect the\u00a0unit prior to beginning your project. It\u00a0may be prudent to do these several days prior to the project start date, in case the lift needs maintenance\u00a0or repair.<\/p>\n
All parts of the lift should be accounted for and working properly. This inspection should be done whether you are using a rented lift or your own company\u2019s unit.
\nIn preparing the unit for use, be sure to choose a workspace that is safe from other risks, such as power lines, generators, building awnings, or trees.<\/p>\n
Be sure to make sure the brake is engaged before raising\u00a0the lift, as well, securing the unit in place. Moving the scissor lift while raised may create\u00a0a tipping risk.
\nManufacturer guidelines suggest working on even, stable surfaces as well. Areas near drop-offs or cliffs, holes, slopes, bushes, or other obstructions are hazardous and should be avoided.<\/p>\n
Scissor lifts should not be used in bad weather. The center of balance on a raised lift is\u00a0changed in such\u00a0a way that a strong wind can easily tip it over.<\/p>\n
Do not use a lift outside if the forecast suggests a windy\u00a0day. The manufacturer guidelines will include the wind rating, which is usually quite low.<\/p>\n
Once you have the unit secured in place and inspected for safety, you can begin using it. Proper training\u00a0is required to run the lift correctly.<\/p>\n
The instructions on the unit are designed to ensure safety, so\u00a0knowing them and following them should be a priority. Some of these directions may\u00a0include not\u00a0leaning against or standing on the rails, as they are not meant to handle the weight of the operator.
\nManufacturer guidelines should also include a weight capacity. It is important not to exceed that amount, or the lift can become top-heavy when raised, causing a tipping risk and endangering the life of the operator.
\nUltimately, safety should be your first thought through all aspects of scissor lift usage.<\/p>\n
Accidents are just that \u2013 accidental, and taking as many precautions as possible will be helpful in avoiding them. If you feel unqualified, or do not understand the manufacturer’s instructions, do not operate the lift.
\nA few notes on insurance regarding usage of scissor lifts:<\/p>\n
Before hiring a lift, it\u2019s important to know which party is responsible for providing insurance on the unit. It is often the hiring company, but it is sometimes the responsibility of the person hiring the lift.<\/p>\n
If you are\u00a0responsible, you will likely be able to add the insurance for the lift onto your existing construction plan.
\nIf you own the lift and\u00a0are hiring it out, you can choose to provide ongoing insurance on it, or require that the hiring party provides insurance.
\nIn addition to insurance\u00a0on the unit itself, as a scissor lift owner, you will be required to have it inspected\u00a0biannually, per Australian regulations. You may arrange\u00a0each inspection as it is due, or you can include it\u00a0in an Engineering and Inspection insurance policy. This coverage can be arranged per piece of\u00a0equipment or for all of your shop and property.<\/p>\n
Lastly, it should be noted that Public Liability policies will have different requirements and limitations regarding the usage of scissor lifts, including height restrictions.<\/p>\n
Notify your insurance company that you will be using a lift, or other industrial equipment, in order to be sure that you will have adequate coverage.<\/p>\n
These tips should help you use your scissor lift most effectively and efficiently for the job. Remember, focus on maintenance and safety, proper training, and adequate insurance coverage.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u00a9 Copyright 2021 King Painting Specialists Pty Ltd.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
For painting crews, one of the most useful tools on a construction site is a scissor lift, which enables\u00a0technicians to safely perform their work at heights. They are easy to maneuver in small spaces and have a greater reach than traditional ladders and platforms. Because they add such convenience, they are a favorite piece of equipment across the industry. There is a negative side to using scissor lifts, however, due to risks and injury potential inherent in the usage of any piece of large industrial equipment. Although companies that hire out these lifts are required by law to keep up maintenance on them, it is incumbent upon those who rent them to do their own due diligence in reducing any possible risks. When operated incorrectly, by an individual who has not been adequately trained, or when the unit has not..<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":284,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,23,10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-271","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-commercial-painting","category-house-painters-sydney","category-insurance-repair"],"yoast_head":"\n