Q: Is it acceptable to use a scissors lift from an elevated
platform that has perimeter openings of 40 inches around the outside of the
floor?
A: Since the wall
openings are 40 inches, it is required for workers working from the floor level
to have fall protection. In this case the horizontal lifeline and fall
arrest harnesses are acceptable, as long as they are used in the proper
form.
Any employee using the scissors
lift will be required to have their fall arrest harness secured and attached
until entering the lift because of the 40 inch openings. When in the
lift, the wall structures and the curtain walls must act as a curbing system;
that will not allow the lift to reach the edge of the floor, exposing the
employees to the risk of driving the lift off the edge.
This process must be made as
safe as possible to ensure that the lift is incapable of driving over the
curtain walls that are acting as the curbing system. If there are any
potential hazards that may occur, they must be addressed. OSHA may be
unclear with the use of equipment use from an elevated platform, but OSHA does
state under the General Duty Clause that the employer must ensure a safe
workplace for the employees.
Safety challenges can come up at any time, trust the OSH consultants at LSCI to help with your company's safety.
