Let's get this discussion going!
Question of the day 👇🏻 We have the answer from OSHA, but we are curious as to your thoughts on this topic. Is it acceptable to use an aerial lift's approved anchor points while working OUTSIDE of the aerial lift's platform? For example, you access a roof by using an aerial lift, step out of the aerial lift's platform onto the roof, and remain tied off to the aerial lift's approved anchor points while working on the roof. Is this acceptable? Let us know your thoughts and reasoning in the comments. #arrowsafety #safety #safetyconsultant #safetytraining #manufacturing #osha #glasgowky #louisville #kentucky #assp #construction #oilandgas #training #fallprotection #maltadynamics
First I would ask does the lift manufacturer allow it? But for the most part I would say know, how do you secure the lift
As a new player in safety, I would say no because if a fall occurred, they would fall and swing and could hit the house or the JLG itself. My best advice would be to tie off to the basket, then step off and tie to another anchor point that has been engineered and take the second tie-off. To ensure 100% tie-off if possible.
Just had this discussion with OSHA and the consensus was while it is not practical… the employer must reference the lifts manual for guidance. If it is approved by the manufacturer in the manual OSHA will require that the employer does ensure all risks are identified and the base of lift is protected.
They make an attachment for aerial work basket that is to be used for when workers “need to” climb out of basket.. its jet blast approved.. haven’t seen osha compliant yet. In short, I always refer to the manufacturers operation manual.
I was always told in many trainings by many SMEs that the answer is NO. If you exit the basket or platform, you must be tied off to an engineered anchor point outside the basket. I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't read this portion of the standard in over 10 years. Instead, I adopted that as a rule in my programs and trained others to the same. With that being said, I have always questioned why not. You don't always have access to an engineered anchor point other than what is on the lift. So, let me tuck my tail and wait for the comments to fly. But hey! Anything to increase my knowledge. There will ALWAYS be opportunities for improvement. Thank you Drew Hinton, PhD, CSP, CHMM, EMT for sparking a great discussion!
No it is not ok to still stay tied off to the lift. You would have to have a duel tie off lanyards while hooked into the lift, hook onto an anchor point on the roof and then disconnect from the lift.
It actually is up to the individual manufacturer. Geni has a written procedure on their web site that allows work outside of the basket while using the basket for an anchor point. I also know that certain JLG lifts are authorized overhead anchor points similar to the x series grabber.
As long as you are not walking away far from the basket.
Health and safety professional passionate about finding solutions and keeping workers safe.
11moJLG has an anchorage system you can install on outside of basket to use for situations such as this. I’d say a LOTO would be needed in case anyone down below needed the lift.