Safety Tips for Operating Hydraulic Scissor Lift Tables

Hydraulic scissor lift tables are an essential piece of equipment for most industries, basically used to lift, position and transport loads. However, as with any industrial equipment, safety of use is crucial in order to avoid accidental occurrence, in the interest of the employees and the company as well as optimisation of their usability. Irrespective of whether the hydraulic scissor lift table is used in a warehouse, a factory or a workshop, some safety regulation that can go a long way in making the most of this equipment while avoiding some of the risks include; Below is a list of important safety procedures which should be followed.

 

1. Conduct Routine Inspections

Priorities when operating hydraulic scissor lift tables should include making a safety check to look for risks or surge in failures. One should check for oil leaks in the hydraulic system, wearing off of such parts as reveal movement, and general visible damage on the table framework. Also, it is useful to look into table’s rating for the load that is to be put on it in order to avoid damaging the product. Therefore, adequate machinery checks do not only involve determining presence of one fault or another, but are also a cause of preservation of the equipment.

 

2. Know the Weight Limits

These hazards may include; hydraulic leakage, sudden falling off the table, or turning over of the hydraulic scissor lift table due to overloading. Each hydraulic scissor lift table has an attached weight capacity that should not be surpassed in any instance. Operators should be trained on the carrying capacity of the equipment and guide against overloading the equipment. In the event, one is in doubt, they should follow the manufacturers’ recommended weight limits or weight capacity guidance in the user’s manual.

 

3. Secure Loads Properly

At the same time when arranging items on the lift table take care to put equal load on both table tops and firm stable them. Loads not well balanced in the lifting position may tilt or fall over when off the ground. Employ the safety belts or guards where necessary and guarantee that small objects cannot move or roll off the work table. A secure load not only shields operators during their operations but also shields the materials that are being carried from any form of harm.

 

4. Wear a face mask

It is recommended that operators should use the correct personal protective measures when handling hydraulic scissor lift tables including gloves, safety glasses and steel toe boots. PPE also also acts as a backup in case of accidental mishaps while implementing control measures. Where there are abrasive or sharp objects likely to be used during operations, additional protective apparel may be required in cases of dropped or mechanically failed objects.

 

5. Check for Stability

Before using hydraulic scissor lift table, ensure that it sits on a firm and flat and even surface. If the ground surface is uneven, it inclines the table thus producing an unsafe lifting condition. It is always regrettable to find out that the floor is not strong enough to hold the specific event or gathering; this is particularly so when organizing an event in the construction site or an open air where the floor tends to be incompetent. Some of the models are equipped with height adjustable legs to improve stability that may be very useful on an irregular plane.

 

6. Keep away from any jazzy or over enthusiastic movements.

Hydraulic scissor lift tables as like any other hydraulic equipment should be operated with very much precision and slowly. Don’t lift, lower or shift the table quickly, as this causes fluctuation on the load and with equipment. The risk of load shifting or of equipment failure is minimised when operators are trained in the use of a steady pace. If applying lift use minimal speed beginning from the slowest one and then gradually increase within the specific table.

 

7. Keep Hands and Feet Clear

Reporting all observed types of hazards when operating the lift table: avoid contact with hands, feet and any other extremities with moving parts or pinch points. Hydraulic scissor lift tables are characterized by many mechanical parts which can be dangerous to the limbs and even the cloths which may get trapped in. Many tables are fitted with safety measures like red stop buttons or warning signs to guide the users to stay away from the hazard area but the safest decision is to keep your distance.

 

8. Power Down When Not in Use

Inasmuch as the hydraulic scissor lift table may be left on for long periods of time to charge, ensure that when it is idle the machine should not be connected to a power source when in operation and that is when power should be disconnected. This is done to avoid any inconveniences such as triggering of the seat belt by other controls or by anyone else. Mobile lift tables should have the wheels or casters locked to avoid their movement especially when there is lot of traffic on the floor or even when there are moving equipment around the lift tables.

 

9. Train Operators Thoroughly

Training is one of the most fundamental activities in the provision of safe operation. All operators should also undergo practical training to show how hydraulic scissor lift tables should within areas such as capacity, usage, and safety operations contingency measures. Any personnel who have gone through training will easily note risks that may be present and improve on adherence to guidelines thus make training a critical safety practice.

 

Conclusion

Hydraulic scissor lift tables must be safe to use and these tips form a good starting point for safety when using the equipment. As a result, appropriate measures are to ensure that more frequent inspections are conducted, weight limits are obeyed, surface stability is maintained, and proper procedures concerning handling are observed in order to minimize the incidence of mishaps. Training announced and implemented with good practices will guarantee the utility of hydraulic scissor lift tables in your business and not endanger the lives of your employees.