Scissor lifts are critical for moving workers and materials vertically and to various locations. They are used in different industries like construction, manufacturing, entertainment, and retail, to name but a few. 

But a lot of fatalities have been reported regarding the use of this equipment. OSHA, the body in charge of workplace safety, conducted research that revealed that the vast majority of fatalities and injuries that resulted from scissor lifts were due to employers not tackling three main things: positioning, fall protection, and stabilization. In this article, we outline the safety practices even as you plan to hire equipment Auckland. Plus, we will talk about the benefits of scissor lift hire Auckland residents can expect to get when they follow this route.

Just as is the case with other heavy machinery, companies have the obligation to ensure that operators and workers are safe when using them. For example, just doing a pre-check inspection can lead to the discovery of potential dangers prior to using the scissor lift. Also, it is important to know additional safety practices for protecting both staff and the machinery. Below are some of the safety precautions that you should take when using a scissor lift.

If workers are to carry out their tasks safely, one of the most important things that they need is a firm and steady work surface. A raised location on a slope, holes, bumps, drop-offs, or debris can easily become unstable, resulting in potential injuries. Work usually involves the use of potentially dangerous tools, which makes it critical to keep the work surface safe.

Chances of exposure to electrical power sources like power lines and transformers are a real danger to workers when they are working high up. For this reason, it is recommended to keep the scissor lift a minimum of 10 feet away from dangerous power lines. This protects them from shocks and electrical injuries. Also, you need to avoid other hazards that are not necessarily electrical in nature. These include things like branches and overhangs. Apart from posing danger, they can also impede workers from doing their duties.

Using scissor lift hire Auckland in poor weather is a recipe for disaster. Avoid using this equipment in unsafe weather conditions, which include sleet, high wind, snow, and rain. These poor conditions can cause the scissor lift to be destabilized, and thus make it hard for employees to accomplish their tasks effectively.

Before you even think to drive your lift to a new location, it is critical to ensure that you understand the safety requirements as set out by the manufacturer. It is okay to drive some lifts safely on a raised platform, while for others, you will need to completely lower the surface. In case you are unsure, it’s always a great idea to lower the platform completely before using a scissor lift. Additionally, you can ask for clarification when you hire equipment Auckland.

Before you raise the platform, make sure that it is fully stabilized and that all brakes are set. Many people easily forget the brakes after raising the platform. Therefore, make sure you set the brakes before the commencement of any work.

There is a load capacity for every scissor lift hire Auckland, and it is critical not to exceed this limit. The limit refers to the maximum weight that the lift can safely carry. You can break the lift when you overload it, something that can cause injuries to workers on it or even damage the materials and tools on it. Always double-check to ensure you are aware of its load capacity. If you intend to hire equipment Auckland, make sure you ask their operator for this information.

Your safety and that of your workers are the most important priority when working on a raised platform. Falling off could lead to serious injuries because of the height at which you are working. 

This is especially important when you hire the equipment. Make sure that your workers are trained to use the lift safely before they can use it. It will prevent injuries and even ensure the machinery is not misused.

Scissor lift hire Auckland can be an excellent decision for companies that want to use the equipment in the short term. Here are some top advantages you will get when you decide to hire equipment Auckland.

Because your needs vary from one job to the next, hiring scissor lifts enables you to adjust to any new conditions. One job may, for example, require a diesel lift while another one is best done with an electric lift. Because there is nothing locking you into one specific scissor lift type, you can easily adapt to the needs of different jobs.

Deciding to rent means that the scissor lift hire Auckland company that you got it from takes their equipment the moment you are through with it. Also, renting keeps costs lower, meaning you won’t be responsible for storage costs when you are not using it. Since you only have to pay for the lifts when you are using them, waste is reduced and the deal is incredibly cost-efficient.

When you hire equipment Auckland, you have the benefit of not being bothered by maintenance costs. This is taken care of by the rental company. Also, they will be in charge of any breakdowns of machines that take place in your yard.

Yours and your workers’ safety is dependent on the correct use of scissor lifts and adhering to the laid down safety practices. Always make sure the work surface is level and firm, you have trained personnel to use the lift, and ensure you don’t exceed the load limit. More importantly, find out from the rental company or manufacturer about the best safety practices when using the scissor lifts.