A scissor lift is a big help when you are changing light bulbs in a high ceiling, trimming trees or making repairs on your home or shop where you cannot climb a ladder safely. However, a scissor lift can also pose different hazards. When you pick one up from your equipment rental company in Monroe, LA, be sure to follow these five safety tips once you get it on site.
Listen well
When you pick up the scissor lift, equipment rental staff will instruct you on its safe use. This will not only include operation, but any warning signs to look out for while it is being used. While we will do our best to ensure all of our equipment is in good working order, sometimes travel or handling will make a once unnoticeable or insignificant problem worse. Be aware of any issues or rough operation and report them to your rental company immediately.
Use only for its intended purpose
The scissor lift has one purpose: lifting people. It is not meant to carry debris, pull up an object like a crane or be used for recreation (it’s not an amusement park ride). Do not rest the basket against another structure, either—if it cannot stay stable on its own, your work conditions are not safe. If you go outside the intended purpose you only risk injury to people and damage to the equipment.
Stay in the platform
Before renting a scissor lift, check with your equipment rental company to be sure that it will reach the intended height. If a scissor lift will not reach your tree branch or light bulb, you will likely need to call a professional contractor. It is better that you save your money for that and not waste it on equipment rental that cannot do the job.
If you do rent the scissor lift and still find your job out of reach, do not climb up on guard rails, add ladders to the platform or even a step stool. The guard rails are at an appropriate height to keep people from falling over. Putting yourself above them risks injury. Consider it a lesson learned—return the lift to the company, and call a contractor.
Check for obstruction
Uneven surfaces and overhead obstacles pose danger. Power lines pose the greatest threat, as coming into contact with them while you are in a metal basket will result in almost certain death. In addition, you also need to check for anything that might jam up the scissor lift’s operation. Uneven ground risks it becoming dislodged and rolling away while you are in the basket. A safe work area is essential to using a scissor lift without incident.
Cut off access
If you take a lunch break or return to the hardware store for more supplies, take the key to the scissor lift with you. An unattended scissor lift can be a temptation for reckless neighbors or curious children. Uninformed use of the lift can lead to injury or worse, so it is best to ensure that no one can use it when you must leave it unattended.
Ram Rent-All, Inc. is an equipment rental company in Monroe, LA that carries scissor lifts to help you with those repairs and maintenance chores located in high places. Save money by renting instead of buying and work with a reputable equipment rental. Call today to make a reservation.