Disadvantages of Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are a kind of "mobile scaffolding", with a wheel-mounted machinery which provides power to a work platform that moves down and up. The lift can be powered by propane, electricity, diesel or gas. Scissor lifts are characterized by various scissor-like joints that elevate the machinery by expanding and collapsing. A lot of safety features are built into modern scissor lifts, particularly the newer models. As with any safety features, they might not be able to guarantee safety and several features can occasionally malfunction or they can be manually overridden by operators.
Accidental Elevation
Commonly, construction workers use scissor lifts to work on higher aspects of the jobsites or on ceilings. The workers would have to lift the platforms just to right below the level of the ceiling. The problem with accidental elevation could occur if the workers bump into the elevation controls accidentally while working. In the ceiling scenario, the controls could be accidentally activated and the platform can rise up and inadvertently crush them into the ceiling.
Electrocution
Workers have to be very cautious, making certain they are completely aware of their surroundings. This would ensure they don't accidentally electrocute themselves. If, for example, an operator inadvertently touches or makes direct contact with an electrical conductor or an induction field, terrible consequences can happen.
Lateral Loads
While using a scissor lift, it is vital know the loading limitations in the guidebook of your scissor lift. Really serious consequences can happen if the platform is mis-loaded. A lateral-load is one of the possible problems which can take place if the whole lift overturns. This situation happens when a heavy tool or material like a concrete slab which hangs over the scissor lift platform's side, causing the whole equipment to become instantly unbalanced and really prone to tipping over dangerously.