What Does A Scissor Lift Mean In Construction?
What Does A Scissor Lift Mean In Construction?
A scissor lift is a machine made to move personnel and equipment in a vertical direction. It is commonly used in construction and facility maintenance to raise employees and their tools to work heights.
Scissor lifts are beneficial for construction projects with frequently changing environments, as they provide a mobile, versatile solution. They can also be used to transport materials and heavy equipment that would otherwise be difficult to move.
Scissor lifts come in a variety of sizes, with weights ranging from 1600 lbs to 17000 lbs depending on the machine. Employers must ensure that workers are properly trained before using scissor lifts, as they present hazards similar to scaffolding when extended and stationary.
Additionally, employers must implement effective controls that address fall protection, stabilization, and positioning when using scissor lifts.
What Are The Two Types Of Scissor Lifts?
There are two types of scissor lifts: rough terrain and slab. Rough terrain scissor lifts are designed to operate on uneven or sloped terrain, while slab scissor lifts are better suited for indoor projects as they have quieter engines and are less suited for outdoor terrains.
Electric models are typically used indoors, while engine-powered models have larger platforms, can lift more weight, and can be fitted with rough terrain wheels.
Genie scissor lifts include both slab and rough terrain versions, while MEC scissor lifts include both slab and rough terrain models.
When using a scissor lift, it is important to consider the power needed to drive around the worksite, the surface conditions the lift needs to operate on, and the type of power needed for the job.
Additionally, workers should only stand on the work platform and keep work within easy reach to avoid leaning away from the scissor lift.
What Is The Benefit Of A Scissor Lift?
The primary benefit of using a scissor lift is improved ergonomics. By reducing the need for bending and twisting to accommodate the table height, a scissor lift can reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries and improve worker productivity.
Additionally, scissor lifts are compact and customizable, making them well-suited for tight spaces such as event spaces or storehouses. They also allow workers to adjust the work surface to their ideal height, which can further reduce the risk of injury.
Finally, scissor lifts can be used in combination with other ergonomic interventions such as stretching and team lifting to further reduce physical demands on workers.
What Are Scissor Lifts Usually Used For?
Scissor lifts are usually used for interior work jobs such as ceiling construction, sign hanging, and other tasks that require a vertical direction.
They provide a safe and reliable platform for workers to perform job tasks when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, with components including a platform or lift table which supports the load of workers or work objects being raised or lowered by the scissor lift.
What Are The Disadvantages Of A Scissor Lift?
The main disadvantage of a scissor lift is its limited reach compared to boom lifts. Most scissor lifts can only reach heights of 20-50 feet, while boom lifts can reach heights of up to 130 feet.
Additionally, scissor lifts are limited in their maneuverability as they can only move vertically, whereas boom lifts can move horizontally and vertically.
Scissor lifts also have smaller platforms than boom lifts, which limits the number of workers that can work at an elevated level. Furthermore, scissor lifts are typically more expensive to rent than boom lifts.
Finally, because scissor lifts can only move up and down, they must be positioned directly beneath the work area for hard-to-reach areas.
What Is The Difference Between A Scissor Lift And A Vertical Lift?
A scissor lift is an elevating work platform that can only move in the vertical plane, allowing personnel, tools, and supplies to be elevated to complete work. Scissor lifts have a larger load capacity and a large table size, generally 300-1000KG.
They are commonly used in places with high-altitude operations such as factory workshops, airports, and municipalities.
A vertical mast lift is significantly smaller than a scissor lift, allowing it to more easily access and maneuver around tight workspaces. It is up to 39% lighter than traditional scissor lifts due to its compact size and reduced weight.
However, it has a narrow work zone, short or nonexistent platform support, and a smaller platform than traditional scissor lifts.
The Hy-Brid Lifts Zero-Turn Series is better than vertical masts because it offers increased stability due to its four-point outrigger design which provides greater platform support than vertical masts.
It also has an adjustable platform height which allows for greater flexibility when working in tight spaces. Additionally, the Zero-Turn Series has an ergonomic control system which makes it easier for operators to use the lift safely and efficiently.
