I notice some contractors when using a mixture of mobile platforms, both Scissor lifts and Boom lifts (Cherry pickers), use Inertia reel fall arrestors and others use Rope lanyards. In both cases hooked on to a floor based anchorage point .

I think the Rope lanyard adjusted for the particular platform, regardless if Cherry picker or Scissors Lift is more acceptable?

I suppose the Q I'm asking is what is the correct type of harness that should be used in Boom Lifts (e.g.Cherry Pickers) and what is the right type that should be used in Scissors Lifts?
If there is a difference between the type of lanyard that should be used,what is the reasoning or does it matter?
I get differing answers and am inclined to go for the Rope lanyard as its adjustable for the particular platform and the optimum position for the Inertia reel is at a height, although usually anchored to the floor. Also if the Inertia lanyard fails locking mechanism fails there is a considerable length (c.3.5M) to fall before the belt fully unravels

Generally the Cherry picker lifts (c 10m) go higher than the Scissors lifts (5m)and in most cases are used for maintenance work.

Appreciate any comment.

aiden

Aidan, stick to inertia reel for all types. What happens if they have an incident on the way up or way down. The inertia reels that I used to use LOCK OUT fairly quickly and not after the distance u state.

Talk to Anderlift or any reputable company.

Also remember to have a recovery plan in place to rescue the party if they do end up in the situation that they have had an accident.

I would go with Chris on this one it would be the lanyard as this stops the the operator from leaving the con finds of the platform so they can't climb on racking etc. Also i would have thought it better to be a fixed length rather than any type of adjustment as surely they could adjust it so they could then get outside of the cage.

Also inertia reels might not lock out that quickly certainly if you are working at lower heights you might splat on the floor before it looks out. Also you will need a specific inertia reel as most i believe work from over head and not sure how they would work fixed to the floor of the MEWP and then over handrail and the operator dangling on the end i would imagine the handrail would give way and the inertia reel may very wel not work ?

There been lots of post on MEWP and lanyards and people have linked to some very good documentation form various websites do a search on the forums and see what turns up( i'm sure there was a discussion in the last week)

Also there is view point that you don't need lanyards on scissor lifts as there movement is less likely to topple someone of the platform but i think as all ways a RA is required.

Phil

Oh Boy...

This could be a contentious one. Here's my experience on it.

1. Cherry Pickers. Real chance of being thrown out due to travelling over uneven ground. 100% tie off required & either type of lanyard can be used. If thrown out the operator is going to have some bumps & bruises no matter what. Personally I'd favour the retractable type of lanyard here as there's a better chance of the operator staying inside the basket.

2. Scissor Lifts. As with Chris, above, I don't think there is a risk that the operator will be thrown out. The lanyard wearing requirement for this type is, IMO, to stop "climbers". I don't have a preference for the type of lanyard worn here. Either will do.

I don't subscribe to the idea, as you've suggested, that the inertia locking mechanism might fail. It's not designed to fail, low probability, and so should not be considered here.

By 'retractable' i'll assume you meant restraint?

They don't have to adjust them, Mick. You can purchase them at a suitable length where you CANNOT be thrown out of the basket.
W@H Hierarchy (as alan stated)
Avoid
PREVENT
Protect