Based on the work height, I assume that you would be using work positioning lanyards rather than fall aresst (as there is probably insufficient distance for it to deploy in the event of a fall). Therefore you should not really be putting any laod on the lanyard as such, as it would be merely preventing you trying to stray too far. Thus it is probably acceptable to hook onto the railing - two lanyards conected on opposite sides of the platform thus preventing trhe operative from stepping out.

Thanks for the replies, one point: I did not think you could attach anything to the guardrail.

I thought that there would be a reaction to me suggesting the use of the guard rail to attach a RESTRAINT lanyard to. There is no prescriptive legislation for most things, but best practice on this subject will be found from the International Access Platform Association. The IPAF are the lead body for guidance in this area. Their guidance states that the restraint lanyard should be attached to a "suitable" anchor point. So we have to determine if the guard rail is suitable for this purpose ie risk assessment. I would be interested to any guidance to support frankc,s point on this, what guidance, acop or regulation states that a guard rail is not a suitable anchor for RESTRAINT. This may help with the debate

Hi Steve, i haven't got suitable guidance to back my statement up (as yet) however i would definitely assume a 'suitable anchor' is something which is designed to accept a certain loading should it be required. I wouldn't have thought a hand rail is designed for that purpose.

IPAF documkents refer to MEWPS in general terms and I haqve yet to find any need to use even restraints on a scissor lift when properly used and supervised. If you believe restrainbts are required there is something wrong with either competence, supervision or the work environment. Of course if it comes down to the client insisting on superfluous measures it comes down to the golden rule - He has the gold so he sets the rules. In this case use the handrails but insist on the guys being properly trained and supervised never to climb on handrails or drive over rough / unstable ground. As I have said before on many occassions - if you believe harnesses are required on scissorlifts then the quid pro quo is that they are also needed on all scaffolds by dint of the same logic process! Bob

Yep we agree - Only awkward clients and PCs will drive this requirement forward. Bob

I agree it's unnecessary to use a lanyard in a scissor lift but i'm still not convinced it is ok to use the handrail as an anchor point. Can the scissor lift be operated from the point of restraint or is a 2nd person required to operate it?

I'll leave it Steve. It might just be the way i'm looking at it.

Sorry for the late posting here, I have only just read the thread. The handrail of a scissor lift is not designed or built to take any kind of shock load, and to achieve fall restraint from a scissor lift guard rail is a very difficult task! The handrail only needs to be 1100mm high to enable work to be carried out without the aid of a harness. I have seen a lot of scissor lifts with anchor points in the flooring which allow for fall restraint with the correct lanyard being worn, however the points are rarely tested and in my opinion un-needed.

Risk Assessment, Supervision, Competent Workers for task and good instruction not necessarily in that order, that's all folks! Restraint at 1.75m lets get real. I understand W at H can be dangerous and remains the biggest killer, but lets bring H&S back to the NoRM.

Although company policies differ (god knows why) i thought that we were all supposed to be reading from the same song sheet as it were, dont agrre with a companies policy or methods of work, if you know that they are not as per legislation, or safe practices. If you have carried out your Risk Assessment and have come to the conclusion that harnesses are not required, then stand your ground, it's you and your company who are accountable for your employees, not your clients!

I had dealings in with a past employer that the head of h&s introduced the same policy for use of harness/restraint whilst using a scissors lift. My argument was that it was only introduced in response to a team being caught out by a HSE inspector when he attempted to remove himself from the lift onto part of a roof! The fact of having training, instruction, method statement & risk assessment that this must not happen did actually occur. There is only so much you can put into ensuring the work is carried out in a safe manner without playing policeman etc and not practicable to be there in person at all times. We have to also be able to allow the employee some degree of responsibility and when such things occur to take swift & appropriate action even to the point of disciplinary action which of course requires full cooperation of senior management. The platform is designed in mind not to include restraint or fall arrest systems why add to it. If the client insists and you cannot compromise then consider hiring a unit that has an appropriate anchor point installed?