Hello,

We currently use fall protection when using our scissor lift for good practice. However it was then raised that what if the person was to fall out of the scissor lift and because of the weight of the person potentially could cause the scissor lift to topple over.

What are your thoughts, should we just not use the fall protection?

Thanks

katie

Do you think fall protection should be used on a scissor lift?

Thanks

This topic has been discussed a few times recently:

http://forum.iosh.co.uk/...spx?g=posts&t=104246

It depends on the task, environment and type of MEWP.

I think the general consenus (supported by IPAF) is that using a scissor lift type MEWP on level ground the use of fall prevention (i.e. lanyard) is not reuquired. Some disagree (as always) and there may be other factors (adherence to site / company rules etc.).

There is little argument that a lanyard is always required for cherry pickers.

A full body harness with a short lanyard (adjustable) would be required in a boom type (cherry picker.)
You would not normally use a harness or any other type of personal fall protection in a vertical lift (Scissor)unless there are exceptional circumstances or if it is a specific site rule. I do not always agree with this type of specific site rule but unfortunately the client who is paying usually gets his way.

Any work such as this should be subject to a specific task RA which should then identify any need for extra fall protection

It would be impossible to tip or topple a MEWP when the correct harness/lanyard and anchor point is selected and used as identified by your competent person during the RA process, whilst the MEWP is being operated in normal practise by an experienced trained operative .