Safety Knights

Some manufacturers allow it and some do not. Genie makes an attachment for the outside of the basket to use.

As mentioned already, Genie does have an attachment for this purpose (tying off while outside the basket of an aerial lift). However, personally, I don't buy into it and find it too risky. OSHA does not allow you to tie off to anything outside of the platform while working inside the basket, so I don't know why that would change when used the other way? I know Genie has specific instructions on this (e.g., you must use a 6-ft shock-absorbing lanyard, only users under 300 lbs. can use it, etc.), but my concern is that if the platform (or entire aerial lift) is moved, whether intentionally or unintentionally, it's pulling you off of the roof, mezzanine, or whatever working surface you're on. Genie's manual for this fall arrest bar does require that someone be located on the ground directly at the controls to prevent unauthorized use of the controls, but, realistically, would that be done? Probably not.

Overall, is it legal/OSHA-compliant to tie off to the aerial lift while outside of the platform? I can't say for certain, but will actually write OSHA now because I've been wondering about the Genie Fall Arrest Bar myself. However, even if OSHA says it's compliant, I personally wouldn't feel comfortable utilizing it with any of my workers at any of our job sites.

With that being said, ANSI A92.22-2018 does have a section addressing entering/exiting the platform while at heights, which requires either the manufacturer or a qualified person to address 13 different issues, including fall protection.

If/when I hear back from OSHA on this topic, I'll update this.

I don’t allow it with our Ironworkers. Hydraulic failure, someone hitting it, or even a strong wind and you just yanked the guy.