Safety

Scissor Lifts and Their Role in Safety for Employees

Dec. 10, 2014

Scissor lifts can be hydraulic, mechanical or pneumatic – depending on their intended use – and easily can raise a painter or maintenance worker, plus all of his tools, to the desired height. So, why should you use a lift for your painting or maintenance project?

Andrew Mark

When painting or performing maintenance on the outside or inside of a building, we often use ladders and platforms to reach the top of the walls and ceilings. Have you ever considered, however, that a scissor lift can be extremely useful for such a task?

These machines are hydraulic, mechanical or pneumatic – depending on their intended use – and easily can raise a painter or maintenance worker, plus all of his tools, to the desired height. So, why should you use a lift for your painting or maintenance project?

The platforms are relatively large. Lifts have considerably larger platforms than those used in conjunction with ladders, which means that they can accommodate a number of workers plus all of their equipment. Workers also will be able to reach a wider expanse of wall or ceiling without having to reposition the machine, which is a real problem with ladders.

The platforms are strong and versatile. Most platforms are able to hold up to 680kg and can extend up to 18m high. This ensures that both workers and materials will be raised effortlessly. The lifts also can be paused at different heights as required, allowing workers to make their way up or down the wall. When not in use, they are quite compact for storage.

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Four-wheel drive is a bonus for outdoor use. It is possible to rent four-wheel drive scissor lifts, which are able to navigate the terrain outside buildings with ease. This will ensure that the machine is up to the task of driving on bitumen, gravel, grass and even mud – wherever you need it to go. These models are generally diesel- or gas-powered to ensure maximum power.

Electric power is an option for indoor use. When the painting or maintenance job is inside, you should opt for scissor lift with an electric battery. This will ensure that no harmful fumes are released inside. Make sure the scissor lifts you use indoors have platforms that are narrower, so they are better able to fit through doorways). Scissor lifts manufactured for indoor use also are equipped with tires that won’t mark the floor. This is far safer and cleaner than using an outdoor model indoors.

The machines are safer than ladders. These platforms feature safety apparatus that are designed to protect workers against falling and other accidents. There is a railing around the whole platform with a gated area where workers mount and dismount the lift. In most cases, workers also are required to wear a safety harness that can be clipped to the railing.

The machines are free-standing. When using a ladder, especially when trying to reach a high place, it often is resting against the wall, which can restrict your movement. A lift, on the other hand, is completely free standing, providing the ability to reach a larger area.

About the author: Andrew Mark is a freelance writer for Liftech, which provides forklift and access equipment products and services across Melbourne, Australia. Liftech Handling and Access provides customers a wide range of forklift and scissor lifts.