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Posted By NSO
We have people working on site using access booms and scissor lifts. We are getting confusing information from hire firms and contractors who say that a harness must be worn when operating an access boom but not a scissor lift. My own take would be to wear a harness in both, can anyone clear this up for me with a definitive answer.
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Posted By Arran Linton - Smith
If you have any further query on this matter, refer to paragraph 177 in HSG 150.
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Posted By P.R
Hi
There are no specific requirements to wear a harness in a scissor lift, especially in an extendable one where a restraint harness may become restrictive, however, in a boom lift, you could be catapulted out if the boom flicks.
Hope this provides some clarification.
Peter
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Posted By Kevin Drew
NSO,
There is some good advice in HSE Operations Circular OC314/10, MEWPs and safety harnesses.
Unfortunatley there is no definitive answer, dare I say it, you need to risk assess it.
To summarise, you do for boom type MEWPs but not necessarily for scissor lifts. The above document "relates primarily to 'cherry pickers'. However, the advice is also relevant to scissor-type MEWPs if the operator is at risk of falling, eg as a result of leaning over the guard rail".
So your risk assessment should determine which way you go.
Hope this helps.
Kevin Drew
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Posted By NSO
Thanks for the information, risk assessment it is then.
NSO
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Posted By Chris D
Make sure you consider in your risk assessment whether 'fall arrest' or 'restraint' is to be used. Restraint is prefered with an adjustable type lanyard. Dont forget if you are allowing people to fall you must have a rescue plan, the anchorage point must be able to take the load and the operative must have a clear route to fall through and sufficient height.The fall distance required must be in excess of around 21ft to allow the harness to be effective.
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Posted By Peter R Peacock
There is good guidance in the IPAF Technical Guidance Note H1/05/05 and also in HSE Information Leaflet MISC614 Preventing falls from boom-type mobile elevating platforms.
Also local site rules may apply, some construction companies insist that harnesses and lanyards are worn whatever type of machine you use.
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Posted By Derrick Robinson
Be aware when making your assessment that most scissor lifts do not have a properly designed attachment point for a harness whilst all booms should.
If you are going to specify that operatives need to use fall arrest/restraint PPE in scissors you will need to be sure that the handrails are robust enough to take the load.
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Posted By NSO
Thanks, useful info regarding the loading capability of the handrails. Basically it really makes more sense to use a boom if a harness is deemed necessary.
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Posted By Chris W
The restraint lanyard should be attached to the designed anchor point inside the platform. The operators manual will show where they are.
If there are no anchor points in the scissor lift - hire one that does have them.
If you compromise and use a boom where you need a scissor lift that would raise the question as to whether you planned the task correctly and used "the most suitable equipment" for the job.
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Posted By Sean Nuttall
Seems there may be a few points missing here chaps.
Fall arrest from Mewps is not acceptable practice for a number of reasons.
1. The clipping on points on scissor lifts are not all rated for the expected loads of a falling "standard man" of 16 stone. It is an old wives tale that they are. If you don't believe me then go check and then look at the potential loadings from said 16 stone man both with a fall arrest lanyard and with fall restraint!!
2. The shock loading from our standard man falling can easily overtip a substantial Cherry picker.
3. Fall arrest lanyards do not routinely have means of shortening the length of the strop to prevent an operator from reaching out. (Yes I know Spanset do offer this option on some of their fall arrest lanyards but how many do you see on site ?)
4. If an operator can still fall out of your scissor lift then the planning of the operation needs to be revisited to see if other options exist.
Unless you have a suitable fall arrest lanyard with extra loops sewn in to allow the shortening of the length to prevent an operator reaching out; Then you need to use an adjustable length fall restraint harness.
As people have said, there is no requirement in scissor lifts.
If you want to discuss in depth then please e mail me and I will give you a contact tel number as there are far too many old wives tales floating about regarding this issue.
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Posted By Ralph Baqar
I've e-mailed you direct.
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