Citation

Harris JR, Powers JR, Pan CS, Boehler B. J. Saf. Res. 2010; 41(3): 213-220.

Affiliation

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA. JHarris@cdc.gov

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, U.S. National Safety Council, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jsr.2010.01.004

PMID

20630272

Abstract

PROBLEM: Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) data indicate 306 aerial lift fatalities between 1992-2003. Seventy-eight of these fatalities specifically involved scissor lifts. Members of standards committees have requested that NIOSH conduct research to determine the effects of safety-control practices related to using fall-protection systems for scissor lifts. METHOD: This research examined the structural and dynamic stability of a scissor lift subjected to fall arrest forces. This was accomplished by conducting drop tests from a scissor lift. Anchorage locations evaluated included manufacturer-supplied anchorage points on the scissor lift platform as well as mid-rail and top-rail locations. RESULTS: Preliminary drop tests determined that a 2400 lb maximum arrest force (MAF) could be generated by dropping 169 lb through a fall height of 36" using Nystron rope as a lanyard. The scissor lift maintained structural and dynamic stability for all drop tests when fully extended and on an incline. DISCUSSION: Anchoring a fall arrest system to either the mid-rail or top-rail is not a recommended practice by the scissor lift manufacturer. Anchor points are provided on the platform floor of the scissor lift for this purpose. However, our results demonstrate that the mid-rail and top-rail absorb substantial energy from an arrested fall and may have potential as appropriate anchorage points. IMPACT TO INDUSTRY: Employers and workers should consider implementing fall arrest systems when using scissor lifts as part of their overall risk mitigation plan for fall injury prevention.

Language: en