Disadvantages of Using Scissor Lifts
A scissor lift is a particular type of mobile scaffolding. This wheel-mounted machinery provides power to a work platform which moves down and up. The lift can be powered by electricity, propane, gas or diesel. Scissor lifts are characterized by a variety of scissor-like joints that raise the equipment by collapsing and expanding. Many safety features are built into modern scissor lifts, especially the newer models. As with any safety features, they might not be able to guarantee safety and some features could be overridden by operators manually or they could sometimes malfunction.
Accidental Elevation
Construction workers usually use scissor lifts to work at higher heights. Workers could raise the work platform to just beneath the ceiling level. The issue with accidental elevation could happen 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
Another way employees have to be extremely careful is to be sure they are familiar with the environment they are in while operating the machine so as to ensure they don't unintentionally electrocute themselves. If, for instance, the operator makes direct contact with or inadvertently touches an electrical conductor or an induction field, tragic consequences could happen.
Lateral Loads
While operating a scissor lift, it is vital to be familiar with the loading limitations in the instruction manual of your scissor lift. Really serious consequences can occur if the platform is mis-loaded. A lateral-load is amongst the potential issues which could happen if the entire lift overturns. This situation occurs when a heavy material or tool such as a concrete slab that hangs over the scissor lift platform's side, causing the whole equipment to become unbalanced at once and greatly prone to tipping over dangerously.