To tie off or not tie off, that is the question

Scissor lift expert debates the benefits and hazards of using fall protection at heights.

by Rob Vetter

Over the years, the battle has raged over whether the use of personal fall arrest harnesses by scissor lift operators is appropriate. The rationale on each side of the issue is intelligent, compelling, and complete with opinions from well-informed people.

The core argument from the pro-harness side stems from the assertion that scissor lift operators are subjected to the same falling hazards as anyone else working at height, so why not wear a harness?

On the con-harness side, some arguments follow the logic that if a scissor lift operator who is tethered to the unit goes over the guard rail, the sudden force(s) exerted on the machine when his/her weight comes to an abrupt stop at the end of the lanyard’s travel could topple the unit. Plus, as the unit plummets down with the operator in tow, the lanyard may “slingshot” the operator into the ground and possibly under the machine, causing even greater injury than if he/she free-fell or jumped clear.

OSHA standards
OSHA regulations nor ANSI/SIA standards require the use of personal fall protection harnesses for operators of scissor lifts. Many manufacturers do not provide an anchor point to connect the snaphook of a lanyard. Finally, OSHA prohibits tying off to a guard rail in 29CFR 1926.502(d)(23)). Other issues deal with how wearing a harness restricts the movement of the operator or that wearing a harness may actually lull the operator into a false sense of security. That’s a small taste of the raging battle.

Here is my stand: I believe scissor lift operators should be required to wear a personal fall restraint harness, provided there is a suitable anchor point in which to tie off.

Take note: I refer to the harness being used for fall restraint rather than a fall arrest. Fall arrest systems are designed to stop a fall in progress, while fall restraint systems prevent a fall from occurring. No fall means no undue force on the unit, therefore no tip-over. The operator stays on the platform and the lift stays upright.

A fall restraint harness may restrict the operator’s motion, but this is in exchange for preventing a fall and/or possible fatality.

I also disagree with the “slingshot” theory. The laws of physics do not support it. A few centuries ago, Galileo discovered something we know today as the law of falling bodies. It basically states that anything that falls accelerates toward the earth at a rate of 32'/sec. until reaching peak terminal velocity (top speed) of about 120 mph.

If a scissor lift tips over, the operator and platform will travel toward the ground at approximately the same speed; there will be no “slingshot” effect and certainly no need to jump from the platform. In addition, an operator wearing a harness will not sustain further injury as a result of multiple impacts with the ground from bouncing after impact.

For those who think they can fare better by jumping clear of the unit, I have serious concerns about the practicality of that notion.

When an aerial lift goes over, it typically happens unexpectedly and quickly. Even a conditioned athlete who is ready for the unit to tip would have difficulty picking the right moment to leap clear. The average operator is unlikely to have the physical prowess or presence of mind to do the right thing at the right time. Plus, they still must deal with the actual fall to the ground.

But OSHA says...
That brings us to OSHA regulations which, after all, are the law and it says you don’t have to wear a harness to operate a scissor lift.

To avoid getting wrapped up in regulations-speak, my position is that we are not attempting to determine if we have to wear it, but whether we should. I impart this wisdom to operators who get caught up in the intricacies of OSHA law. When you operate aerial lift devices, the only law you need to concern yourself with is the law of gravity. Respect for occupational safety and health laws will affect your relationship with OSHA, while respect for gravity will affect your relationship with the ground.

As far as harnesses giving operators a false sense of security – it shouldn’t – it should give them a real sense of security. It is a fact that an operator wearing a personal fall restraint harness is less likely to be killed by falling from the platform, which in itself is reassuring.

More scissor lift operators are killed by falling from the platform than by tipping the unit over. If the unit goes over for any reason, the effect on the operator will be ugly with or without a harness.

No anchor points?
The last point to consider: Manufacturers rarely provide an anchor point for tie-off on most scissor lifts and guard rails aren’t supposed to be used for that purpose, according to OSHA.

The wording of the regulation refers to tying off fall arrest systems. You may recall that fall restraint is recommended, but let’s not split hairs. If there is no anchor point for tie-off, a harness cannot be used.

However, anchor points and systems installed by the manufacturer are now more common and some users/owners of large fleets are installing anchor points under the direction of the manufacturer or a professional engineer. Some anchor points permit excellent operator mobility by providing an attachment point that allows the snaphook to travel much like a lifeline in other fall protection systems. Manufacturers and end-users are accommodating harnesses for scissor lift operators. It might be a matter of time, although possibly a long time, before OSHA does the same.

Operators of scissor lifts should wear a personal fall restraint harness because it is the right thing to do. Although the risk of falling from a scissor lift may not be as prevalent as it is at other elevated work positions, one fall is one too many.

Editor’s Note: Rob Vetter is technical director and partner with the IVES Training Group, a provider of heavy equipment and instructor training program and materials. Contact Rob at 800-643-1144; rob@ivestraining.com or at www.ivestraining.com.

Published in the July/August 2007 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

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