Presented by Mark Solano, CHST. and the Laborers Training School
Welcome to today's safety talk on scissor lift safety. Scissor lifts are commonly used in various industries to provide access to elevated work areas. While they are a convenient tool, it is important to understand the potential hazards and follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents.
Using scissor lifts safely is essential for several reasons:
Preventing Accidents: Proper safety measures reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
Maintaining Productivity: Safety ensures uninterrupted work, avoiding downtime due to accidents.
Compliance: Abiding by safety regulations and guidelines is a legal requirement.
Over the course of a year, OSHA investigated ten preventable fatalities and more than twenty preventable injuries associated with scissor lift incidents. The common thread among these cases was that the majority of accidents occurred due to a lack of training and safety measures. This alarming trend underscores the importance of scissor lift safety in the workplace.
Employers play a pivotal role in creating a secure working environment. Here are the essential responsibilities that employers should embrace:
1. Worksite Assessment: Thoroughly evaluate the worksite to identify potential hazards and select the appropriate equipment for the task. Employers must ensure that scissor lifts are suitable for the specific job at hand.
2. Effective Controls: Implement robust controls that address fall protection, stabilization, and positioning. This includes providing the necessary equipment and guidelines to ensure that workers can safely use scissor lifts.
3. Training: Only trained workers should operate scissor lifts. Employers must ensure that their employees can use scissor lifts properly. Training should encompass equipment maintenance, following the manufacturer's instructions, providing workers with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), and cultivating a culture of safe work practices.
Let's explore some practical safety tips that should be an integral part of our operations:
Fall Protection:
- Scissor lifts must be equipped with guardrails to prevent falls. Workers should always verify the presence of guardrail systems.
- Workers must stand only on the work platform (never on the guardrails) and keep their work within easy reach to avoid leaning away from the lift.
Stabilization:
- Employers should strictly adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for safe movement.
- Isolate scissor lifts to prevent contact with other equipment.
- Work locations should be firm, level surfaces away from potential hazards.
Positioning:
- Workers need to exercise vigilance when a scissor lift is near a fixed object, operating in close proximity to moving vehicles, or passing under fixed objects like door frames.
- For safety near power lines, employ traffic control measures and ensure a safe distance of at least 10 feet.
Collapse Prevention:
- Safeguard against collapse by ensuring that safety systems designed to prevent it are maintained.
- Never exceed the manufacturer's load rating.
- Refrain from using equipment other than the scissor mechanism to raise the work platform.
Crushing Hazards and Electrical Safety:
- Scissor lifts can pose crushing hazards and are particularly risky when operating in proximity to fixed objects or moving vehicles.
- Employers should implement traffic control measures and maintain a safe distance from overhead hazards, including electrical power sources.
Maintenance and Training:
- Employers must regularly maintain scissor lifts to ensure their safety.
- Training workers on hazards, proper scissor lift operation, and the handling of materials on the scissor lift is essential.
- Compliance with OSHA standards, such as 29 CFR 1926.451(g), 29 CFR 1910.29(a)(3)(vii), and other relevant regulations is mandatory.
As a safety officer, my aim is to cultivate a culture of safety within our organization. By following OSHA guidelines, manufacturer recommendations, and industry standards, we can minimize accidents, protect our workforce, and maintain a safe and productive work environment. I implore all workers to prioritize scissor lift safety, for the welfare of both themselves and their colleagues.
Safety is not just a practice but a way of life. By making scissor lift safety a core value, we can ensure that these essential tools remain beneficial without compromising the well-being of our most valuable asset: our people.
Employers should refer to OSHA standards, including 29 CFR 1926.451(g) and 29 CFR 1910.29(a)(3)(vii), to ensure compliance with scissor lift safety requirements. Employers should also consider manufacturer guidelines and industry standards like ANSI A92.3-2006 and A92.6-2006.
For more information and to download OSHA's Working Safely with Scissor Lifts pdf, click here
I am here as your dedicated safety officer to support and guide you through the journey of maintaining a secure working environment. Together, we can create a safer and more efficient workplace.
I entered the construction industry in the summer of 1979, faced with a choice from my father, who was president of Local 652 at the time: go to college or join the Laborers. I chose the Laborers.
I attended the Laborers Training School in Anza during the summer of 1980. Throughout my career, I worked with several respected companies, including Granite, Silverado, and Full Traffic Maintenance.
My passion for safety ignited during my time at Granite and I later assumed the role of Safety Manager at Griffith Company. This journey led me to serve on the subcommittee for Laborers Local 652 in Santa Ana in a management capacity.
It was there that I first learned of the position of Safety Officer at the Laborers Training School. Recognizing it as my calling, I embraced the opportunity to be part of a program that imparts knowledge ,experience, and safety values to young apprentices. It's both an honor and privilege to serve Laborer Local unions and contractors across Southern California.
"The path of safety and service is a rewarding one, built on sharing knowledge, experiences, and shaping a safer tomorrow."
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