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Manlift Safety

Manlifts are devices used to transport workers from one floor or platform to another. To prevent accidents and injuries for those who use manlifts, OSHA, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has safety requirements in place for employers and workers to follow.

  1. Inspections

    • OSHA says that periodic inspections of manlifts are mandatory and intervals between inspections must not exceed a maximum of 30 days. During an inspection, if manlifts are found to be unsafe, they may not be used again until the proper repair is complete.

    Features

    • Manlifts have many features that make them work. Belts, for example, are used for operating the manlift and must be made out of a hard-woven or rubber-coated canvas or tough leather that is able to withstand friction, according to OSHA. Brakes are another feature of manlifts, and must be capable of stopping and hoisting the manlift when the descending end has 250 pounds on each step.

    Considerations

    • Manlifts shall not exceed a maximum speed of 80 feet per minute. OSHA prohibits manlifts faster than 80 feet per minute to be installed. In case of emergencies, manlifts must have emergency stop mechanisms in place to abruptly cut off the power.

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