Scissor Lifts: Three Fundamental Guidelines for Preventing Failure
If you have acquired scissor lifts for a specific project in your commercial or industrial space, you must think about promoting optimal performance. In general, if this piece of equipment does not function as expected, the productivity in your workplace will decline. In addition, there will be a high risk of accidents leading to injuries. Here are some core guidelines to keep the scissor lifts in a good state and prevent sudden failure.
Plan for Proper Setup
Scissor lifts can fail to function well due to improper setup. In simple terms, this can be problematic because it is designed to extend vertically. If one sets up without taking into account the consequences of the upward movement, the risk of malfunction will be high. For instance, the scissor lift's centre of gravity increases as the unit is extended, raising the probability of toppling. Therefore, when setting up, choose a good spot for placement. Avoid slopes, potholes, obstructions, low headroom and bad weather for better and safer operation.
Inspect the Equipment
It is advisable to schedule an inspection before the usage of the scissor lift in your operations. In general, when you hire the equipment, the providers will assess the unit before commissioning it for your use. However, some issues might arise over the planned usage. For instance, if the lift is placed in a high-traffic area, it could sustain damage due to impact. Regular check-ups will detect anomalies, eliminating the risk of malfunction. The critical aspects that you should assess include fluid levels, emergency controls, safety components and the power supply.
Plan for Maintenance
You should have a plan for maintenance for your scissor lift. This type of at-height access unit is not demanding in terms of upkeep. However, there are still recommended servicing tasks to keep the equipment in the best state. If you own the lift, consider developing a thorough maintenance timetable. The specific processes will depend on the type of equipment and the instructions provided in the owner's manual. Your plan should encompass the essential tasks in a checklist and the timing for the task. You can integrate the timetable with an electronic reminder system for optimal efficiency. If your scissor lift is a rental unit, discuss the terms of servicing with your equipment supplier for the hire duration.
Finally, you should conduct timely repairs on your scissor lift to avoid escalation of the problems and ensuing failure. If you notice minor or major anomalies, engage a licensed equipment specialist for troubleshooting and restoration.
To learn more, contact a company that provides scissor lifts.