Scissor Lift Meaning & Definition US

What is a Safety PLC?

A safety PLC, also known as a safety programmable logic controller, is used to control machinery and equipment, and is designed to automate industrial processes. 

A safety PLC performs all the functions of a conventional PLC, but it comes with additional operational functionality which allows it to operate safety systems too. 

The main purpose of a safety PLC is to prevent failure, and if it’s going to fail, it should be designed to fail in a safe and predictable manner. This is possible through the use of microprocessors and built-in redundancies. 

Safety PLCs and Their Importance in a Safety Instrumented System (SIS)

A safety PLC is a critical component within a safety instrumented system (SIS). The SIS is designed to monitor different processes, such as machine operations, using sensors. 

In case the readings reach an unacceptable level that fall outside of the defined parameters, the SIS automatically initiates equipment shut down, or kills harmful processes. 

Safety PLCs are connected to the sensors, and they are also referred to as logic solvers. The main difference between a regular PLC and a safety PLC is that the latter has additional redundancies built into it to prevent failure. 

Standards Governing Safety PLCs

Not every regular PLC can be considered a safety PLC. Safety PLCs must be designed in accordance with a series of international standards, including IEC 61508 – Functional Safety of Electrical/Electronic/Programmable Electronic Safety-related Systems.

The standard clarifies that while zero risk systems are impossible, there are ways to mitigate non-tolerable risks and to bring them within acceptable limits. 

Safety PLCs are designed to offer a broad spectrum of diagnostics, which is one of the main factors that companies evaluate when selecting them. 

Understanding Safety Integrity Level (SIL)

The Safety Integrity Level is a metric used to determine system performance in terms of safety, and is expressed as a probability of failure on demand (PFD). Safety PLCs usually have a SIL rating, indicating how secure they are. There are four SIL ratings: SIL 1, 2, 3, and 4. The higher the rating, the safer the unit, and as such, the lower its probability of failure.

Safety PLCs that are designed to reach a Safety Integrity Level of three or higher are designed to detect more than 99% of potential failures. Numerous tests are conducted on the safety PLC, including program flow control and diagnostic reviews. 

Before a SIL rating is assigned, companies must also use injection testing to analyze it for software faults. Companies must ensure that corrupted programs within the PLC are detected and that it responds in a safe and predictable manner. 

Benefits of Using Safety PLCs

Safety PLCs offer numerous benefits, which is why they are so prevalent in many industries. Here are some of the main benefits they offer.

Saves Time and Money

One of the biggest benefits of using safety PLCs is that they help companies save a great deal of time and money, as they don’t have to worry about installing additional field wiring. 

Since safety PLCs completely negate the need for installing relays, there’s no need for companies to invest in additional wiring or worry about its maintenance.

Saves Space

Similarly, because there’s no need for additional components and wiring, companies can use space more efficiently within the facility. As compared with safety relays, PLCs are much smaller and take up less space on a panel. 

Furthermore, they can be used for standard process control as well, making them quite versatile in terms of use. 

Long-Term Savings

A major benefit of safety PLCs is that they help companies increase long-term savings The initial cost of safety PLCs is generally higher in comparison to safety relays, but in more complex systems that require numerous relays, safety PLCs are a better choice. 

Companies don’t have to spend on additional wiring, worry about allocating space, or spend money on component maintenance. All of this translates into greater savings over a longer time period.

Faster Processing

Speed is a key concern in facilities with complicated systems. Because safety PLCs have lesser wires and connections, they are generally much more reliable. 

Furthermore, setting up safety PLCs is also more convenient, and the risk of miswiring is significantly lower. When modifications need to be made to the wiring, it’s much easier to do with safety PLCs as compared to relays. 

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What is a Scissor Lift?

A scissor lift is a commonly used piece of equipment and is often found on construction sites. Scissor lifts are simply aerial platforms with a lifting mechanism attached to them. 

It’s commonly used for maintenance purposes, for hanging signs or for use in construction. Most scissor lifts have a sturdy enclosure around them, thus allowing workers to easily perform their tasks without worrying about falling over. 

It’s one of the many types of construction lifts that’s used to elevate workers to different heights. While boom lifts are also used in construction, most scissor lifts are generally different. For starters, they can’t reach as high as boom lifts. 

More importantly, they are widely considered to be a more practical and affordable option for use in projects where height isn’t a significant factor.

What is the Importance of a Scissor Lift?

Scissor lifts are commonly used in construction projects and generally offer various benefits to users. Here are some of the many reasons why scissor lifts are so important. 

They Lift Workers to Heights They Can’t Reach Otherwise

One of the major reasons why scissor lifts are so popular is because they allow workers to reach heights that they won’t be able to reach otherwise. This offers greater flexibility and allows workers to complete their tasks much quicker.

Reduced Worker Fatigue

Without a scissor lift, workers would have to lift themselves up using makeshift platforms or ladders. This puts greater stress on their body, and even prevents them from working properly. 

Ultimately, all of this can result in increased worker fatigue. Due to their simple yet effective design, these lifts reduce worker fatigue and offer a greater range of movement.

Reduces Risk of Repetitive Strain Injuries

Scissor lifts allow workers to better position themselves at improved work angles. They don’t have to worry about awkwardly positioning their body to reach elevated heights. 

Improved Worker Safety

Apart from their benefits related to worker fatigue and reduction in injuries, scissor lifts are also suitable as they improve worker safety overall and reduce the changes of accidents.

Types of Scissor Lifts

There are several popular types of scissor lifts that are generally used on work sites. Here’s a brief description of popular scissor lifts.

Electric Scissor Lifts

Electric scissor lifts are a popular choice because they are generally fuel efficient. Instead of requiring diesel or petroleum, they have an electrical powertrain that works noiselessly. 

It doesn’t emit any fumes or make any noise, and they are a suitable choice for use indoors. Electrical scissor lifts generally need to be plugged into an outlet or charged before they can be used. Owing to their more efficient design, these scissor lifts are also easier to transport and don’t take up much space.

Hydraulic

Hydraulic scissor lifts have an engine-powered hydraulic system. Some even have a hand-operated system in place that allows the platform to move up or down. Owing to its relatively simple mode of operation, these lifts don’t require any training to use.

However, because of the nature of hydraulic systems, these lifts are generally ideal in projects where speed isn’t a major concern. 

Diesel-Powered

Diesel-powered scissor lifts are incredibly common, and are generally used on larger construction sites. They have a cross-braced system that lets them reach heights of up to 30 feet. 

Certain models can even reach heights of up to 60 feet. However, these are not eco-friendly; traditional diesel fuel is generally quite inefficient, and releases harmful fumes into the air. 

That’s one of the main reasons why diesel-powered scissor lifts are generally used in outdoor areas, where noise or fumes can dissipate more conveniently. Because of their larger size, they can accommodate more workers on the same platform.

Pneumatic

Pneumatic scissor lifts use air pressure to lift higher. The lift doesn’t emit any harmful fumes and is widely considered to be eco-friendly. They simply compress atmospheric air to achieve lift. 

However, because pneumatic lifts are solely powered by air pressure, they are generally not as sturdy or as versatile as diesel or electric scissor lifts.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Scissor Lift

It’s important to consider different factors when selecting a scissor lift for a project. Here are some factors to consider.

Platform Size

The platform size is important and has a major impact on worker safety. If there are several workers on a smaller platform, there’s always an increased risk of incidents.

Weight Capacity

Make sure that you choose a scissor lift that can support the appropriate weight depending on the number of workers that will operate on the platform.

Height

As mentioned above, some lifts can go as high as 60 feet. It’s important to choose a lift that can reach suitable heights based on the project’s requirements.

Stability

Load stability is an important factor. For instance, if you’re going to work with heavy weights on an elevated platform, it’s important that the lift has a load stability mechanism in place. 

Fuel Type

Finally, you need to consider the fuel type for the scissor lift.

Prevent Worker Injuries on Scissor Lifts and Other Equipment Through EcoOnline’s Health & Safety Software

EcoOnline’s Health & Safety Software is a modular, cloud-based solution for companies that want to improve workplace safety. It lets companies manage an asset register and include information about specific equipment, such as scissor lifts.

It can also be used to provide guidance to employees about the best ways to use scissor lifts and to record, report, and analyze any incidents.

to Improve Workplace Safety

EcoOnline’s Health & Safety Software makes it easy for companies to record and analyze any incidents in the workplace. 

The cloud-based solution is designed to improve risk assessments and allow for more comprehensive safety audits, making it easier for companies to test and analyze safety systems in the workplace.