Scissor lift equipment and other similar work platforms are amongst the best inventions for significantly increasing productivity and safety in the workplace.
Loading and lifting contraptions like scissor lift equipment, have significantly increased productivity and provided significant developments in the retail and manufacturing industries.
For instance, when not in use scissor lifts, take up little space for storage, but when fully extended they can reach heights- depending on the type- of 18.2 meters.
Scissor lift equipment works on the principle of lifting weight by using less resistance by applying a criss-crossing support that pushes a flat platform upwards when drawn together.
Pallets, as an accessory, can be loaded onto a scissor lift platform using a forklift or pallet truck to minimize manual lifting. The goods are then raised on the level platform preventing liquids from coming into contact at the bottom of crates or boxes or damage to fragile items due to accidental bumps or collisions by moving equipment.
Scissor lift equipment can either be stationary or mobile.
Originally designed as an industrial lift they are increasingly seen in operation in the retail and wholesale environment.
Two additions to scissor lift equipment that further minimizes manual lifting includes turntables and tilters, as well as deck extenders.
Turntables allow the operator to rotate the loads being lifted, which is ideal if the scissor lift is being used in restricted spaces.
Tilters allow the platform to be positioned at an angle and it is also useful for sliding the goods off the lift so the operator does not risk injury by maneuvering heavy loads.
Normally there are three types of loading bay equipment suitable for small and large sized businesses, which can be purchased ‘off the shelf’ or custom made to suit the working environment.
Whatever the loading challenge, the task is made a lot simpler by using scissor lift equipment, dock levelers and other forms of loader and lifters that are available in the market.
Safety is among the top priority concerns of the majority of manufacturers and operators since strict safety criteria for the operation of these equipment have been put in place. In some countries, a license and insurance coverage is required to operate some or all types of mechanical loaders and lifter equipment.
Most guidelines and prerequisites are for operators to go through a training process, regardless of how simple and user-friendly the equipment is.
Operators also prescribe a series of pre-usage checks on the unit itself, and manufacturers recommend regular maintenance processes.
One of the many, yet very important requirements, is for the equipment to be fitted with safety or guard rails around the platform itself, in order to help contain operators and passengers.
This is supplemented in most models by a restraining point, which is designed to secure a harness or fall arrester, while some work platforms may also have a lip around the floor of the platform itself to avoid tools or supplies being accidentally kicked or slide off the platform.
Similar to other potentially dangerous mechanical devices, almost all scissor lift and loading equipment are fitted with an emergency stop button or switch mechanism for use in the event of a malfunction.
Best practice indicates fitting of emergency stop buttons on the platform and at the base as a minimum.
If you would like more assistance in determining the needs of your business for pallet racking and warehousing solutions then contact Agame Universal.