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What is the aerial lift minimum handrail height?
Fall protection requirements for handrail systems require a minimum height of 42”, plus or minus 3”. If an operator steps up on the rails or toe boards the operator will not have proper handrail height for their body. Unfortunately, many Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) professionals are not aware of this guideline and allow maintenance crews to climb on handrails as long as they wear body harnesses and lanyards.
Body Harness Standards
Wearing a body harness and lanyard on aerial lifts does not meet fall protection requirements. For harnesses alone to meet standards, the lanyard must be connected to an attachment point able to withstand a 5,000 lb static load. Most aerial lifts used in warehouse facilities have a platform capacity of 500-750 lbs.
In 2012, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that falls to a lower level accounted for 544 fatal work injuries. To decrease this number, we must educate our aerial lift operators on the dangers of climbing.
ProLift’s Training Team is here to support you with answers related to federal regulations and aerial lift trucks. Have questions? Contact ProLift today – or learn more about safety training classes offered.
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