OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

 

 

 
August 22, 2011
 
MEMORANDUM FOR: REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS
 
FROM: JAMES G. MADDUX, Director
Directorate of Construction
 
SUBJECT: Fall protection on aerial lifts during construction activities.
 

 

 

On January 14, 2009, OSHA issued a letter of interpretation regarding the use of a particular shock absorbing lanyard to satisfy the requirements found in §1926.453(b)(2)(v).  The Directorate of Construction has received inquires from regional offices, area offices, and the public asking if the January 2009 letter banned the lanyard in question.

OSHA did not ban the particular lanyard but stated, based on the manufacturer's instructions, which stipulated a minimum anchor point height of 18.5 feet, that it was likely that the lanyard's use would not comply with OSHA standards at lower heights.

In such cases, use of the lanyard below 18.5 feet would apparently not provide adequate fall protection.  This determination has raised questions about the use of body harnesses, typically married with appropriate lanyards, for fall protection in aerial lifts.  To help avoid any confusion on the issue, DOC is rescinding the January 2009 letter, #20070823-7896.

Under subpart L, employers must ensure that employees tie off at all times when working from an aerial lift [§1926.453(b)(2)(v)].  Employers must ensure that employees using personal fall arrest systems while working on aerial lifts at heights six feet or more above a lower level comply with §1926.502(d) of subpart M, specifically:

Personal fall arrest systems, when stopping a fall, shall:
...
(iii) be rigged such that an employee can neither free fall more than 6 feet (1.8 m), nor contact any lower level.  [§1926.502(d)(16)(iii)]

However, §1926.502(d) does not require employers to comply with manufacturer's instructions when using personal fall arrest systems.  To cite §1926.502(d)(16)(iii), the facts must show that the personal fall arrest system would permit a free fall of more than six feet or would permit contact with a lower level - and not base this conclusion solely on information provided by the manufacturer.

As has been the Agency's longstanding policy, an employer may comply with OSHA's fall protection requirements for aerial lifts in one of three ways:

  1. Use of a body belt with a tether anchored to the boom or basket (fall restraint system),
  2. Use of a body harness with a tether (fall restraint system), or
  3. Use of a body harness with a lanyard (fall arrest system).

If you have any questions regarding this memorandum, please contact Eric Harbin or me at (202) 693-2020.