What Is the Appropriate Method of Fall Protection While Operating Boom Lifts?

Did you know that 45% of all fatalities while operating boom lifts occur to electrical workers, the highest percentage of all the trades. The top causes of these hazards are electrocution (43%), falls (26%), collapse/tipover (17%), caught between the bucket edge and roof joist/beam (7%).

OPERATING BOOM LIFTS What is the appropriate method of fall protection while operating boom lifts? During the past couple of years, there has been a lot of controversy and discussion regarding fall protection while operating boom lifts. After carefully evaluating all options with input from a variety of resources; manufacturers, vendors, safety professionals and OSHA, and utilizing current technology, the best method is to use a 6 foot self-retracting lifeline (SRL) instead of a 6 foot shock absorbing lanyard. Also do not use a SRL longer than 6 feet – such as a 10 footer. This policy is in effect immediately and supercedes any previously issued tool box talks/policies. Staff Electric will continue to monitor the situation and make policy adjustments as more information becomes available. Lift manufacturers continue testing how their equipment responds in the event of a fall. Additionally, fall protection manufacturers continue to make improvement to fall protection equipment.

Currently, two types of 6’ SRL’s are available from the shop (pictured below). These lifelines utilize an inline shock pack along with the self-retractor mechanism, which reduces forces on the worker’s body and anchor point even further. These SRL’s also use upgraded snaphooks/latches and carabineers meeting the 3600 lb gate requirement per the most recent ANSI standard.

The reasons for using a 6’ SRL for boom lifts are:  Locks up quickly to prevent workers from being bounced or catapulted out of the lift.  At 6’ length, prevents worker from climbing out of the lift and keeps free fall distance to less than 6 feet, as required by OSHA.  Provides better fall protection at lower work heights (less than 18.5’) and as the lift is raising/lowering to prevent the worker from striking the ground at these lower elevations.

OPERATING SCISSORS LIFTS Is fall protection required while operating scissors lifts? Generally no, unless the site rules dictate that fall protection is mandatory for all lifts. Guardrails provide adequate fall protection for scissors lifts, in most circumstances, according to OSHA and Staff policy. For unique situations when the guardrails do not provide adequate fall protection, then tie off to

Fall Protection with Aerial Lifts 1 December 2012 overhead structure capabile of meeting 5000 lb anchorage point requirement. Tie off using a 6’ SRL and beam sling, beam anchor, or similar device. What if I can’t reach my anchor point? The beam or joist is out of reach due to overhead obstructions? Then use a first man up pole, available through the shop. This long telescoping pole can reach up and grab the beam/joist. A SRL is attached to the grabbing hook for your fall arrest.

Are there exceptions where fall protection is mandatory for scissors lifts? As mentioned earlier, some owners and general contractors institute rules over and above OSHA and require fall protection on scissors lifts too. Some examples are Milwaukee Metropolitian Sewerage District, Gilbane, and Turner Construction. Use a 6’ SRL appropriately attached to the scissors lift, typically a certified anchor point secured to the floor of the lift.

A review of some basic safety rules for operating lifts: Before you begin operating the lift: * Complete the walk around equipment inspection-daily. * Control and Function Check * Site Survey- Inspect the workplace for surface hazards, holes, drop-offs, ramps, unstable ground conditions, overhead hazards, and environmental conditions (wind, weather). * Familiarize yourself with the operator’s manual and determine the operating capacity. * Maintain a minimum of 20 feet of clearance to overhead power lines * Always close the safety gate/chain across the access opening. * Use the three-point contact when mounting and dismounting the lift. Never jump off the lift. * Awareness of overhead obstructions; cranes, ceiling fans, heaters, light fixtures, overhead doors, sprinkler pipes, steam lines etc. * Always face the direction you are driving. * Keep the platform clean and clear of debris. * Never put a ladder on the platform to raise the work level. * Never climb on guardrails, planks, boxes or guardrails. * For most models, do not operate if the wind is greater than 25 mph. * Be aware of travel path for holes, drop-offs, bumps, floor openings, debris on the floor. * Know the floor capacity of the area you are operating the lift. * Never push/pull objects with a lift. * Never use the lift as a crane for lifting materials. * Never overload the platform – know the capacity. * Evenly distribute the weight of tools. * Never alter or disable safety devices/interlocks (e.g. safety bar/pothole protection). * Elevated driving must be only done on firm level surfaces. * Do not operate over personnel on the ground. * Keep non-operating personnel 6 feet away from the lift.  Rescue Procedures- operate lift from ground level.  Maintenance- report deficiencies immediately to your supervisor.

Fall Protection with Aerial Lifts 2 December 2012 In summary, 6 foot shock absorbing lanyards have become obsolete for use with boom and scissors lifts. Staff policy is to use a 6 foot self-retracting lifeline (SRL) instead for both boom lifts and scissors lifts. Remember do not use SRL’s longer than 6 feet in boom and scissors lifts. SIGN-OFF SHEET: Fall Protection with Aerial Lifts This sign-off sheet documents the employees who have participated in a training session on Staff Electric’s policy regarding aerial lifts. Completed sign-off sheets need to be faxed to (262) 790-1044 or mailed to Kurt Wildner, Safety Director.

Foreman: Job Location:

Date of Training:

P R I N T Name below: Employee Signature

Fall Protection with Aerial Lifts 3 December 2012 Fall Protection with Aerial Lifts 4 December 2012