Aerial Lifts Common Fall Restraint and Arrest Options

One option is to use short lanyard connected on one end to a belt or harness worn by the occupant and on the other end to the platform anchorage. The length of the lanyard is critical to the ability of the system to prevent a fall. If the lanyard is too long, the force of the victim hitting the end of the lanyard would likely cause the lift to tip over or could cause the victim to swing into the lift, causing severe injuries. Another critical factor is the location of the anchorage points on the aerial boom lift.

Another option is to use a lanyard with an adjuster. This allows the user to determine the shortest length required based on the particular situation. A lanyard with an adjuster allows the user to have either a fall restraint system or a fall arrest system, depending on the length of the lanyard. If the lanyard with an adjuster is used in a fall arrest system, it must be used in conjunction with a shock absorber.

To learn more about Aerial Lifts visit our OSHA Aerial Boom Lift Safety Online Training web page.