Do You Need Fall Protection on a Scissor Lift? | Rigid Lifelines

With their ability to elevate workers vertically and transport them to different locations, scissors lifts have become indispensable work platforms across numerous industries such as construction, retail, entertainment and manufacturing. Their unique lifting mechanism sets scissor lifts apart from aerial lifts, which operate through crossed beams that extend and retract similarly to how scissors open and close.

Safety is paramount when working with scissor lifts, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the equipment’s capabilities, limitations and adherence to best practices.

Table of Contents
OSHA Scissor Lift Requirements
Importance of Scissor Lift Fall Protection 
FAQs on Scissor Lifts
1. Are Scissor Lifts Safe to Use?
2. Can Scissor Lifts Be Used as a Replacement for Scaffolding?
3. What Are the Common Fall Protection Options for Scissor Lifts?
4. Can Scissor Lift Operators Use Personal Fall Arrest Systems?
5. How Can Employers Ensure the Safety of Scissor Lift Operators Regarding Fall Protection?
Body Belts – Are They Banned?
Key Points to Clip Into
Reduce Workplace Risks With Rigid Life Rail Systems
OSHA Scissor Lift Requirements
Fall protection is required when operating a scissor lift as mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Workers must comply with these regulations to ensure safety while working at heights. OSHA’s guidelines clearly state that workers must be tied-off the moment they step into the basket of a scissor lift. According to 29 CFR 1926.453(b)(v), workers in an aerial lift must wear a body belt and attach a lanyard to the boom or basket.

This requirement has no exceptions or qualifiers. Regardless of the height or duration of time spent in the basket, workers must always be tied off when operating a scissor lift.

Employers are responsible for protecting their workers from falls and other workplace accidents. OSHA scissor lift harness requirements state that employers must provide and enforce the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including harnesses, while operating lifts. Additionally, employers must train and certify their workers before allowing them to use scissor lifts on the job. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in costly OSHA fines and penalties.

One common question that arises is whether OSHA specifically requires a harness in a scissor lift. While OSHA’s standard 1926.451(g)(1) does not explicitly mandate safety harnesses in scissor lifts, other factors may necessitate their use. Contractor safety policies, local jurisdiction standards and additional guidelines may require safety harnesses in scissor lifts.

Furthermore, guardrails are required to prevent workers from falling. Employers should ensure that workers are trained to adhere to the following guidelines:

Before starting work on a scissor lift, workers must check if a guardrail system is in place.
Workers should only stand on the work platform and not on the guardrails.
Keeping work within easy reach is crucial to avoid leaning away from the scissor lift, minimizing the risk of falls.

Importance of Scissor Lift Fall Protection 
A scissor lift harness safeguards lift operators from accidents, injuries and potential fatalities. It also helps ensure compliance with OSHA scissor lift safety requirements. Moreover, harnesses are vital in preventing serious falls from scissor lifts.

Proper training on the correct usage of harnesses maximizes their effectiveness. This training empowers workers to wear harnesses correctly while operating scissor lifts, minimizing the risk of falls. 

OSHA reports that falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry. To address this issue, OSHA typically mandates construction companies to install a fall protection system, including a harness and lanyard, whenever a fall is possible from a height of 6 feet or more.

There are numerous reasons to prioritize using safety harnesses when operating scissor lifts. However, specific problems may arise if scissor lifts operators wear harnesses while performing everyday tasks.

For example, if a scissor lift operator wearing a harness goes over the lift’s guardrail, there is a risk of accidental tip-overs. Tip-overs pose a danger to the operator and endanger nearby workers, pedestrians and individuals near the job site.

In addition, opponents of mandatory safety harness usage for scissor lift operators may argue that scissor lift manufacturers often do not provide anchor points to which operators can connect a snap hook for their lanyard. They may also highlight that OSHA prohibits tying off a harness to a guardrail.

Nevertheless, the advantages of wearing an OSHA-compliant safety harness on a scissor lift far outweigh the associated drawbacks. By consistently wearing safety harnesses while working at heights, scissor lift operators effectively protect themselves against falls and ensure their safety. 

FAQs on Scissor Lifts
Operating scissor lifts safely and effectively requires a solid understanding of their operation, maintenance and safety protocols. This section presents frequently asked questions on scissor lifts to address common queries and provide valuable information. 

1. Are Scissor Lifts Safe to Use?
Scissor lifts can be safe when workers follow proper safety measures and guidelines. Businesses must train operators properly, adhere to OSHA regulations, conduct regular maintenance and inspections, and implement appropriate fall protection measures. 

2. Can Scissor Lifts Be Used as a Replacement for Scaffolding?
Scissor lifts can sometimes be an alternative to traditional scaffolding, depending on job requirements and regulations. However, assess the task, height requirements, duration and other factors to determine the most suitable option. Follow local regulations and best practices to ensure compliance and safety.

3. What Are the Common Fall Protection Options for Scissor Lifts?
The common fall protection options for scissor lifts include safety harnesses, lanyards, retractable lifelines and guardrails. The appropriate choice depends on the specific requirements, tasks and height considerations.

4. Can Scissor Lift Operators Use Personal Fall Arrest Systems?
Yes, operators can use personal fall arrest systems, such as safety harnesses and lanyards, as a means of fall protection. Ensuring proper usage, training and compliance with OSHA regulations is crucial.

5. How Can Employers Ensure the Safety of Scissor Lift Operators Regarding Fall Protection?
Employers should prioritize fall protection by providing comprehensive training, conducting regular equipment inspections, enforcing proper usage of fall protection equipment and maintaining a safety-conscious work environment. Additionally, establishing and following robust safety protocols and procedures is essential.

Remember that safety should always be the top priority when operating scissor lifts. If you have any doubts or questions, consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or seek professional advice.

Body Belts – Are They Banned?
OSHA banned the use of body belts in 1998. However, they are still permissible for body positioning or fall restraint systems in boom lifts. These systems prevent employees from being exposed to falls in the first place and can still use body belts. While this is technically compliant, it is safer to have harnesses available to avoid any potential misuse of body belts. Full-body harnesses are acceptable in all situations and provide a higher level of safety.

Key Points to Clip Into
Employers should conduct thorough inspections of scissor lifts before each use. Pre-use inspections help identify potential issues and ensure workers use safe and well-maintained equipment. Workers should receive proper training on correctly using scissor lifts, including safe movement within the platform and the appropriate use of fall protection equipment. They should also be educated about the hazards associated with working at heights and be trained to identify and avoid these risks.

Clip the lanyard to the designated anchor points on the scissor lift. These are typically steel angles welded into the rail system or rings in the floor. Do not wrap the lanyard around the rails or tie it back to your harness. Tying off directly to the rail is also prohibited.

Workers must always keep their feet firmly on the floor of the scissor lift basket. Never tie off to an adjacent structure or anchor point outside the scissor lift. If fall protection is necessary, it should be connected only to the lift.
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