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be exposed to a fall. Although it is commonly thought that fall restraint systems have a specific lanyard length to prevent falls, these systems do not have a lanyard length maximum.
One company has patented technology on a platform liner that offers both fall protection and fall restraint on an insulated unit. In this special dual-use liner, the operator is retained in the platform; however, should the platform tear off, the operator has a secondary restraint strap tied to the boom tip. The use of this technology provides owners and users of vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating aerial devices comfort in knowing that users of the unit are protected against both ejection and falls should a catastrophic failure occur.
Fall Protection, OSHA and ANSI
One of the first hazards associated with aerial lifts that OSHA mentions is a fall from an elevated level. OSHA Standard 1926.453 covers aerial lift operation and safety, and OSHA Standard 1926.502 describes fall protection systems criteria and practices. Through these standards and letters of interpretation, owners and users of vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating aerial units can derive their fall protection requirements. OSHA points to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to provide further guidance on fall protection and guidance on training.
ANSI Fall Protection Guidance
Aerial lift manufacturers are required to provide anchorage(s) on the boom, platform or platform mounting with the number of anchorages equaling or exceeding the number of permissible occupants. So, two operators cannot attach to the same anchorage point? Wait, they can! (With a caveat of course.) Two operators CAN attach to the same anchorage point if the anchorage is rated and identified as being for more than one person.
Are body belts authorized as part of a personal fall arrest system? While originally acceptable, as of January 1, 1998, body belts are not acceptable as part of a personal fall arrest system. Full body harnesses, connecting components and lanyards must meet the requirements of their applicable ANSI/ASSP regulation (ANSI/ASSP Z359.11, Z359.12, and Z359.3 respectively). Body belts are still allowed for body restraint systems; however, they are unacceptable for fall arrest systems. A full-body harness is a must.
While we are talking about body belts and full body harnesses, I would be remiss if we did not discuss lanyards. Personal fall arrest systems (remember, fall restraint systems—which do not have a lanyard length requirement—prevent an operator from falling out of the platform while fall arrest systems protect the operator should a fall incident occur) must limit falls to no more than six feet and must limit the arresting force on an employee to 1,800 pounds. Shock absorbing lanyards are preferred if using a fall arrest system. The proper lanyard length must be selected to meet the above requirements and limit the fall so the operator does not contact any lower level.
Fall Protection Training
The time to think about fall protection training is not after an accident; the time is now. The proper use of personal fall protection equipment is a portion of operator General Training which is required for all operators of vehicle-mounted elevating
and rotating aerial devices (see: ANSI A92.2). Only personnel who have received general instructions by a qualified person regarding the inspection, application and operation of aerial devices, including the proper inspection and use of fall protection equipment, may operate an aerial device. Some manufacturers offer in-person general training and online fall protection courses to get operators started on the right training path.
Personal fall protection must be inspected prior to each use, must be in good working condition and must not have ever been involved in a fall incident. Owners of aerial units have great responsibility to ensure their users are trained; however, it is important to note that it is the individual’s responsibility to inspect his or her own personal fall protection equipment before each use. They must also read, understand and follow all instructions and cautions associated with the fall protection system, including those attached to and/or packed with all personal protective equipment. Formal fall protection training will elaborate further on the inspection and proper use of fall protection equipment.
Lanyard Detection Systems
As aerial units have become increasingly complex and advanced, manufacturers have explored how to make the units more efficient and safer. New technology now exists that can detect whether an operator has correctly fastened their lanyard to the proper anchorage. The lanyard detection system is a new technology that has been introduced to reduce fall incidents. If an operator has not correctly fastened their lanyard to the correct anchorage, the aerial unit will not operate. Telematic capabilities are available with some lanyard detection systems to provide information for owners and safety managers on which operators are consistently failing to attach their lanyard before attempting to use the aerial unit.
Be Safe!
The proper use of fall protection systems prevents serious injuries and saves lives. I implore all owners and users of vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating aerial units to inspect and use the proper fall protection systems during the use of the units. Do not wait for an OSHA fine or a fall incident to conduct fall protection training and inspections. Keep your crews safe and be committed to safety.
■ For more information on the use of body belts versus full body harnesses, refer to the letter of interpretation.1
■ For more information on standards for vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating aerial devices, please refer to ANSI A92.2.
■ For more information on the Fall Protection Code, please refer to ANSI/ASSP Z359.1-2020.
Andy Netzel is the Business Manager for Altec Sentry, the training arm of Altec industries, Inc. Andy learned the value of thorough training during his time as a United States Army UH-60 Blackhawk pilot. He has earned his Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West point and a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University. Andy currently resides in Houston, Texas, and enjoys golfing and camping in his free time.
REFERENCE
1. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2000-08-14-0.
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 | Occupational Health & Safety 33