Scissor lifts are highly valuable pieces of equipment to a range of industries, from construction and event setup to window cleaning. Their stability, large work platforms and ability to support multiple people or heavy tools allow work to be completed at otherwise inaccessible heights. Nevertheless, scissor lifts are tough pieces of machinery that can pose risks to anyone using them. If you were unsure about whether you need a harness in a scissor lift, the answer is yes. It doesn’t matter that they are often enclosed with a stable platform. Let’s look into some of the main reasons why harnesses are an important piece of health and safety kit.
Fall Protection
Sudden movements such as jerks or collisions can result in a worker being thrown from a scissor lift. Leaning too far over the railings to reach a certain area can also be extremely dangerous without additional safety measures. A harness attaches the worker to the lift and prevents both these situations from occurring.
Compliance With Regulations
Many occupational safety guidelines say that safety equipment such as harnesses for people working at a height are required. Failure to adhere to these guidelines could result in both injury and legal action against the employer.
Enhanced Stability in Emergencies
Any unexpected situations caused by variables such as wind speeds, mechanical malfunctions or ground instabilities could put the person operating the scissor lift at risk. Wearing a harness protects against these unforeseen circumstances.
Industry Best Practices
Making sure those using scissor lifts are fitted with harnesses shows a regard for their health and welfare, and a commitment to industry safety guidelines.
The kind of harness most commonly used in scissor lifts are full-body. If you’re worried about your movement being restricted once in the air, this should not be a concern. You should still be able to do your job as required. Only those who have undergone full training should be able to operate a scissor lift, so anyone using one should be well aware of the risks and the safety measures that need to be taken.