What Features And Safety Devices Do I Need To Be Aware Of In Scissor Life Hire?

Many people do not realise that there are a number of features and safety devices available that can enhance their scissor lift hire, making the work go as smoothly as possible and lessening the risk of injury. If you are interested in hiring one of these machines, where for short or long term use, it is important that you are aware of these features and safety devices.

Features

These are the most significant features that you should be looking for in your scissor lift hire to ensure efficiency:

• Engine Types – Your lift will be powered by a petrol, diesel, electric or a hybrid engine. The most common of these is easily diesel, but the fumes emitted can make them dangerous to use indoors and they are known to be quite noisy. The newest of these engines is the hybrid, which can swap between diesel and electric to give you the best of both worlds.
• Self-Propelled – This category covers any machine that can be moved into position under its own power. These lifts are actually a vehicle in their own right and many of the larger models are even road legal. Some can even be moved whilst their platform is at full extension (although the speed should be limited for balance concerns).
• Vehicle Mounted – These lifts come in a number of different varieties and are usually the largest of the bunch. The most common sort of models that fall under this category include vans and truck mounts, but it is not uncommon to find them mounted on railway cars. These platforms can often reach incredible heights and moved between locations easily.

Safety

The working environment surrounding scissor lifts can be incredibly dangerous, so it is important to utilise these devices:

• Outriggers – These are extendable supports that are designed to add extra stability to the lift when it is in use. They are especially common on vehicle mounted models, as the vehicle’s suspension can make the situation dangerous due to the changing centre of balance.
• Pothole Protection – These are similar to outriggers, however, they are especially common in self-propelled models that are capable of moving whilst in use. If the lift hits a pothole, these safety arms prevent the machine from becoming dangerously unbalanced.
• Level Warnings – This covers a range of warning alarms, lights and automatic cut-off devices. These will be activated when high wind or uneven ground causes operation to become dangerous. Your lift may have one type or it may have a combination of types.
• Emergency Descent – This will allow you to safely lower the platform should the lift lose power whilst in operation. In hydraulic lifts, this is usually achieved via a manual descent valve, which allows hydraulic fluid back into the pump reservoir and causes it to lower.

Now that you are fully aware of the various features and safety devices that are available with your scissor lift hire, you will be able to ensure that it is all put to use. Just remember, if you are ever unsure about the operation of a particular feature or safety device, make sure you ask the hire company for instructions before attempting to engage it yourself.

For more info about scissor lift:  http://www.liftech.com.au