A Comprehensive Guide to Operating a Scissor Lift Table Safely

A scissor lift table is a standard piece of equipment for lifting heavy loads at any construction site, warehouse, or cargo handling area. The scissor lift table consists of a strong platform, a solid, stable base and the scissor lifting mechanism that is driven by hydraulic power. The primary advantages of hydraulic lift table are that they can easily fit in spaces that offer restricted movement, and can effortlessly convey heavy loads from one level to another. Due to the nature of their design and the provision of various safety features such as hydraulic relief valves, height stoppers, safety locks and safety switches, they are considered to be reliable, efficient, and safe to operate in any work environment.

Dangers of Improper Use of SLT

Despite the safety and stability that scissor lift tables provide, they can cause serious accidents to both personnel and cargo if they are not properly used, operated or maintained. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the United States Department of Labor, the most common causes of scissor lift-related accidents are tip-overs. Tip-overs can occur due to the following reasons:

• When the surface on which the scissor lift is placed is uneven or unstable
• When the goods loaded on the cargo lift are improperly placed causing an uneven distribution of weight
• When the scissor lift table is loaded beyond its recommended capacity
• Operated in hazardous work environment such as strong winds or in close proximity to moving vehicles, power lines, etc.
• Lack of proper training for personnel resulting in failure to follow correct operation procedures and safety protocols
• Lack of regular preventive maintenance checks and periodic servicing of the scissor lifts

Safety Guidelines to Follow While Using an SLT

Almost all accidents, injuries and damages can be effectively prevented by conforming to set international standards and following the operating procedures specified by the manufacturer. For the benefit of our readers, we have presented a set of guidelines that should be followed by organizations dealing with the operation of scissor lift tables.  

Pre-use guidelines

• Right equipment for the right job: There is a wide variety of scissor lift tables available depending on the type of use they are put to. The first step is to ensure that you are buying a scissor lift table of the required size and capacity. Talk to a reputable manufacturer, who can help you figure out the correct equipment for your specific purpose.
• Training of personnel: Ensure that only authorized personnel are allowed to operate the scissor lift table. Such personnel should be properly trained in all operating procedures and safety protocols. Operators should also mandatorily undergo periodic re-training to ensure that they are up-to-date with all the necessary processes. Also train your other personnel on proper loading and unloading techniques and ensure that they are fully conversant with safety rules.
• Pre-use inspection: Always carry out a proper inspection of your scissor lift table before using it to identify any issues such as cracks and defects, worn out parts, leakages and take prompt action to rectify them. Further, check that the scissor lift is placed on a stable surface and is kept clear of aerial obstructions, unnecessary equipment, moving vehicles, personnel, or power lines.
• Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance of your scissor lifting tables and ensure that it is carried out by authorized service personnel. This will increase the longevity of your scissor lift and ensure that it is always primed to operate safely and efficiently.

Operating guidelines

• Proper loading technique of equipment: As we already know, scissor lifts are designed to operate with specific load capacities. Your personnel should be trained to follow guidelines to ensure that the scissor lifts are never overloaded as that can compromise the performance of the equipment and lead to serious damage. Moreover, your workers should ensure that the cargo is placed at the centre of the hydraulic scissor lifting platform and the weight is evenly distributed throughout the platform. Incorrect loading can cause the scissor lift to tilt and result in the tip-over of the heavy load it is carrying.
• Proper usage technique by personnel: If the scissor lift table is being used to elevate personnel, they should follow the guidelines for its proper use. Personnel should wear proper protective gear and ensure that they stand in an upright position, with both feet on the platform and hold the protective handrails while being elevated. Workers should never overcrowd, sit or lie down on the hydraulic scissor lift platforms or lean on the handrails, as this may destabilize the lift when it is an elevated position and lead to accidents. They should also never stand on the handrails or use other lifting equipment to extend the maximum elevation of the hydraulic cargo lifts.

Why Sab Tech for Hydraulic SLT Service

As an internationally renowned manufacturer and distributor of high-quality, precision-engineered hydraulic scissor lift tables and mast cargo lifts, Sab Tech provides excellent after-sales and maintenance service for all their lifting products. They have a team of qualified and experienced technicians who provide quick diagnosis of and effective solutions to performance issues with your scissor lift table. As original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Sab Tech has a ready supply of high-quality, original spare parts to replace worn or damaged components. As the leading hydraulic scissor lift suppliers in Saudi Arabia, Sab Tech has a wide network of service centres throughout the country, which allows them to respond to customer complaints quickly and efficiently. Sab Tech also facilitates on-site maintenance for heavy equipment such as hydraulic scissor lift tables, which saves customers valuable time and money.

Conclusion

Scissor lift tables are indispensable equipment for a wide range of lifting applications across industries such as manufacturing, construction, entertainment, and logistics. When operated within prescribed parameters, they offer exceptional stability, power and safety for lifting immense loads to great heights. However, misuse of these colossal machines can cause major accidents resulting in damage to cargo and equipment and possibly fatal injuries to personnel. Personnel working with scissor lift tables should be well-trained and follow proper usage guidelines to maintain a safe work environment. Companies should stay in touch with their scissor lift table manufacturers and schedule regular maintenance service with them.