When operating a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP), commonly known as a scissor lift, operators must determine the necessary fall protection. Whether a harness is required is not a simple yes or no answer, as the rule depends on specific regulatory interpretations and the work location. Understanding the distinctions between equipment and various mandates is necessary for compliance and worker safety.
Scissor Lifts vs. Boom Lifts
Confusion regarding fall protection often stems from the regulatory distinction between scissor lifts and boom lifts, both types of MEWPs. A scissor lift elevates a large, usually fully enclosed platform using crossed supports that lift the work surface straight up. Federal regulators traditionally classify these machines as mobile scaffolds, based on their design and function in construction and general industries. This classification dictates which specific safety standards apply.
Boom lifts elevate a smaller, unenclosed platform at the end of an articulating or telescoping arm that moves horizontally and vertically. These machines are classified as aerial lifts, subject to different fall protection requirements. The structural difference—a scissor lift’s enclosed guardrail system versus a boom lift’s open platform—is the basis for varying federal safety rules. Because boom lifts present a higher risk of ejection, a full-body harness and lanyard are almost always mandated for their use.
Federal Requirements for Fall Protection
Federal safety regulations establish the minimum standard for fall protection when operating a scissor lift. Under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards governing scaffolds, the primary method of fall protection is the platform’s guardrail system. If the guardrails are properly installed, secured, and meet height specifications, they are considered sufficient protection against falls for personnel working within the platform.
This regulatory interpretation means a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS), or harness and lanyard, is generally not mandated by federal law when operating a scissor lift with intact guardrails. The guardrails must be fully in place on all sides, and the entrance gate must be closed and secured while the lift is elevated. A harness only becomes a requirement under federal regulation when the existing guardrail protection is compromised or temporarily absent for a specific task.
One exception occurs if guardrails must be temporarily removed to load material onto the platform; an alternate form of fall protection, like a PFAS, must be immediately implemented. Furthermore, the manufacturer’s instructions must always be followed. If the manufacturer explicitly requires a harness for operation, it must be worn regardless of guardrail presence. Operators must stand only on the platform floor and never on guardrails or other objects to gain additional working height.
Understanding Personal Fall Arrest Systems
If a situation or policy dictates the use of a harness, the operator must understand the integrated components of a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS). A PFAS is composed of three interconnected parts, often called the ABCs of fall protection, which must work together to safely arrest a fall.
The “A” is the anchorage point, the secure connection location on the lift that must support a substantial force, often 5,000 pounds per worker. The “B” is the body support, the full-body harness designed to distribute the force of a fall across the user’s shoulders, thighs, and pelvis. The “C” is the connector, the lanyard or deceleration device that links the harness to the anchorage point. This connector absorbs kinetic energy during a fall, limiting the maximum arresting force exerted on the worker. The scissor lift must have certified anchorage points designated by the manufacturer suitable for connecting a PFAS.
State, ANSI, and Employer Mandates
The requirement for wearing a harness frequently goes beyond minimum federal standards, leading to the adoption of stricter tie-off rules. Many states operate their own State Plan OSHA programs, and several jurisdictions mandate 100% tie-off for all MEWPs, including scissor lifts. These state-level mandates supersede federal scaffold rules and require a Personal Fall Arrest System at all times while elevated, regardless of guardrail condition.
Industry consensus standards also influence safety practices. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) develops the A92 series of standards for MEWPs, which are widely considered industry best practices. While ANSI standards are not legal statutes, they often recommend fall protection tie-off in scissor lifts, even when not federally required. This recommendation acknowledges the potential risk of being catapulted from the platform during unexpected jarring or sudden movement.
Many large corporations and contractors adopt these stricter ANSI guidelines or develop internal safety protocols that exceed the federal minimum. Company policy often requires a full-body harness and lanyard to eliminate confusion between equipment types and standardize safety procedures across all MEWPs. Consequently, a worker may be required to wear a harness due to state law, an industry standard recommendation, or a specific employer mandate.
Essential Operational Safety Practices
Fall protection addresses only one aspect of safety; preventing the scissor lift from failing or tipping requires adherence to operational best practices. Operators must perform a thorough pre-shift inspection before each use, verifying that all controls, hoses, tires, and safety devices are functioning correctly. Operating the lift on a stable, level surface is necessary to prevent tipping events, as exceeding slope tolerances can shift the center of gravity and cause instability. The ground must be firm and free of holes or debris.
Maintaining safe distances from surrounding hazards, particularly power lines, is a non-negotiable safety rule. Workers must adhere to minimum approach distances specified by regulations based on line voltage. Operators must strictly adhere to the machine’s rated weight capacity, ensuring the combined weight of personnel, tools, and materials does not exceed the load limit. Proper training and certification are prerequisites for any worker operating a scissor lift.