Types of Harnesses Required by OSHA for Scissor Lifts

Scissor lift operators can wear a full-body harness with a fall restraint or self-retracting lifeline/lanyard system. The scissor lift safety harness can be anchored to a scissor lift via a lanyard. The harness lets a scissor lift operator work at heights without limiting their mobility. If a scissor lift operator wearing a harness with a fall restraint falls from their lift, they cannot drop. This is because the operator is connected to the lift.

CertifyMeOnline.net believes that all aerial lift workers, as well as workers on the ground, are entitled to a safe working environment, and that includes enforcing OSHA requirements when it’s necessary to wear a scissor lift harness.

OSHA Platform Requirements for Scissor Lifts

Learning How to React to a Fall Can Save Your Life. 

Scissor lift safety harnesses remain a highly debated issue. Our training is designed to help employees foster safe working environments for their lift operators. That’s why we cover the following topics in our Fall Protection Training and Safety Courses:

✓ The correct use of various fall protection safety devices

✓ Safety devices that are needed and those that aren’t

✓ Features and benefits of various fall protection safety devices

✓ OSHA’s requirements for using harnesses on scissor lifts

✓ Guidelines for using scissor lift harnesses

In addition to fall protection training, we offer Class 7 vehicle operating training and aerial lift and scissor lift operator training. We also provide our Train The Trainer course, which is an ideal program for employers who want their businesses to have a safety coordinator who’s also a certified in-house aerial lift and scissor lift trainer.

Why Invest in Scissor Lift Fall Protection Training

While scissor lift safety harnesses are undeniably useful, they’re only one component of a quality safety program. CertifyMeOnline.net offers comprehensive scissor lift fall protection training that pairs perfectly with the safety equipment used on your job site. We can teach workers when fall protection devices are necessary and how to use them properly. Our 100 percent OSHA-compliant training covers it all. 

Employer Responsibilities Under OSHA Regulations

Employers are required to ensure all scissor lift operators:

✓ receive comprehensive training before operating the equipment.
✓ training must cover proper operation, safety protocols, hazard recognition, and the manufacturer’s guidelines specific to the equipment being used.
✓ must verify operator competency through evaluation
✓ maintain documentation of completed training.
✓ refresher training is required when new equipment is introduced, accidents occur, or when operators demonstrate a need for additional instruction.

The employer is also responsible for:

✓ maintaining the scissor lift in a safe operating condition
✓ regular inspections
✓ proper maintenance according to manufacturer specifications.
✓ conducting pre-use inspections
✓ scheduled maintenance
✓ promptly addressing equipment deficiencies.
✓ ensure appropriate fall protection is available
✓ fall protection is properly used when required
✓ maintain clear documentation of all inspections and maintenance work
✓ establish clear procedures for reporting and addressing safety concerns.
✓ workplace must be assessed for potential hazards like overhead obstacles, uneven surfaces, or electrical hazards, with appropriate control measures implemented to protect workers.

Common Misconceptions About Scissor Lift Harness Use

A common misconception is that fall protection is never required on scissor lifts because they are considered mobile scaffolds with guardrails. While it’s true that guardrails are the primary form of fall protection on scissor lifts, OSHA requires operators to use personal fall protection equipment when specified by the manufacturer, when required by employer policy, or when additional fall hazards exist, such as climbing on or leaning over guardrails. Simply having guardrails doesn’t automatically eliminate the need for a harness system.

Another widespread misunderstanding is that if a harness is required, any type will suffice. In reality, the harness system must be appropriate for the specific application and properly rated for fall restraint use in scissor lifts. Some believe that fall arrest systems are always better than fall restraints, but in scissor lifts, a properly used restraint system that prevents the operator from reaching fall hazards is often the safer choice. Additionally, there’s a misconception that harnesses only need to be inspected annually; in fact, they require inspection before each use for wear, damage, or deterioration. Operators sometimes believe that simply wearing a harness provides protection, overlooking the crucial importance of proper anchor point selection and connection. The anchor point must be approved by the manufacturer and capable of supporting the required loads.

Scissor Lift and Harness FAQs

Do Workers Need to Wear a Harness Every Time They Use a Scissor Lift?

OSHA harness requirements for scissor lifts were enacted to prevent falls and serious worker injuries. A 2005 OSHA memo stated the following: “When working from an elevated scissor lift, a worker need only be protected from falling by a properly designed and maintained guardrail system. However, if the guardrail system is less than adequate, or the worker leaves the safety of the work platform, an additional fall protection device would be required.” In addition, OSHA platform requirements guideline 1926.451 (g) (1) states that any worker elevated 10 feet or more above the ground or a platform below shall be protected from falling to the lower level.

Does OSHA Require Workers to Wear a Harness on a Scissor Lift?

OSHA considers guardrails to be scissor lift fall protection, partly because scissor lifts, in OSHA’s view, are considered scaffolding,  not necessarily aerial lifts. Assuming there’s an adequate guardrail system in place, scissor lift harnesses aren’t required by OSHA, but for all other situations, a personal fall restraint system is mandatory. At CertifyMeOnline.net, it’s our opinion that fall restraint safety systems should be used whenever possible. Even when there isn’t a harness required on a scissor lift, it’s a good idea to don PPE whenever possible.

The reason harnesses aren’t always required while onboard forklifts and scissor lifts is that their reach capabilities are far less than boom lifts, bucket lifts, and other aerial lifts. These types of lifts are all used to raise and lower workers, cargo, and equipment, but scissor lift platforms are larger and much closer to the ground than platforms on other aerial lifts and bucket lifts.

At What Height is a Harness Required on a Scissor Lift?

Since falls are a leading cause of death in the construction industry, fall protection systems are usually required. While OSHA scissor lift harness requirements are mum on exact heights, it can be helpful to look at fall protection system requirements. OSHA says that any job performed more than six feet above ground requires the use of a fall protection system. 

When Should I Wear a Scissor Lift Harness for Safety?

✓ When the platform is more than six feet above the surface, and there isn’t a sturdy guardrail system in place

✓ When a scissor lift harness is required by the employer and is a part of the  company’s safety policy

✓ When recommended by the scissor lift’s manufacturer

✓ When a worker leaves the lift’s platform while it’s elevated

✓ When it’s required under local workplace safety standards

What is a PFAS?

A Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) is a safety system that prevents injuries from falls.

A complete PFAS consists of three critical components working together:

Anchor Point/Anchorage – A secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards, or deceleration devices. Must support at least 5,000 pounds per attached worker.

Body Support – A full-body harness that distributes fall forces across thighs, pelvis, waist, chest, and shoulders. Single-strap body belts are no longer acceptable as they can cause severe injury.

Connecting Device – Equipment like shock-absorbing lanyards, self-retracting lifelines, or rope grabs that link the harness to the anchorage point. These must limit free fall distance to 6 feet or less.

The key difference between PFAS and simpler fall protection is that arrest systems are specifically designed to both stop a fall and limit forces on the body to prevent injury. Just having a harness or lanyard alone doesn’t constitute a complete PFAS under OSHA standards. The proper use of fall protection equipment is highly recommended.

What are the Recommended Traffic Control Measures for Scissor Lifts?

Physical Barriers

• Set up warning tape, cones, or barricades around the work area
• Keep at least a 6-foot clearance zone around the lift
• Install barriers to separate vehicle traffic from lift operations

Visual Warnings

• Put up clear warning signs to alert nearby workers and vehicles
• Use flashing lights or beacons on the lift while it is operating
• Add reflective tape or markings to the lift for better visibility
• Post speed limit signs in areas where lifts are used

Movement Controls

• Mark specific travel paths for scissor lifts
• Mark areas where pedestrian and vehicle traffic is not allowed
• Set up one-way traffic patterns when possible
• Create right-of-way rules for lifts and other vehicles

Administrative Controls

• Assign spotters in high-traffic areas or when visibility is limited
• Plan lift operations during times with less traffic when possible
• Write traffic management plans for worksites
• Train operators on traffic awareness and communication procedures

Communication Methods

• Use hand signals between operators and ground staff
• Use radio communication protocols
• Install mirrors at blind corners
• Give verbal warnings when moving near pedestrians

OSHA Rules – How Often Do They Change?

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) does not change its rules frequently, but when it does, the changes are usually significant, carefully considered, and sometimes years in the making.

Typical Rule Change Frequency

• Major rule changes occur every few years, often in response to new data, technological advancements, court rulings, or national incidents.

• Minor updates, clarifications, or interpretive guidance are more frequent and can occur multiple times a year, especially through enforcement memos or revised fact sheets.

Historical Examples

Here are a few examples of notable changes:

• Hazard Communication Standard (2012 & 2023): OSHA aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) in 2012 and issued a proposed update in 2021 (finalized in 2023) to further align with international standards.

• Silica Rule (2016): Introduced a new permissible exposure limit (PEL) after decades of discussion.

• COVID-19 ETS (2021): Emergency Temporary Standards were issued rapidly in response to the pandemic, but these were contested and partially withdrawn.

How to Stay Updated

• OSHA posts all updates to the Federal Register.

• The OSHA Newsroom and Rulemaking page is also a great resource for proposed and final rules.

• For employers, signing up for OSHA QuickTakes (their email newsletter) is a smart move.

Also See: Step-by-Step Guide To Safe Scissor Lift Operation

OSHA Scissor Lift Requirements Made Simple: Get Certified & Protect Your Career Today

If you’re overwhelmed by the decision to wear a scissor lift safety device, you’re not alone. Plenty of people feel confused by OSHA’s requirements. That’s why we created a comprehensive training course for new and experienced operators that meet OSHA scissor lift requirements. If you’re hoping to protect yourself and your colleagues from workplace accidents and injuries, CertifyMeOnline.net has the resources to help keep you safe.

In as little as one hour, your entire team can become OSHA-compliant. Enroll today, or reach out to our OSHA experts for additional guidance. We’re always happy to answer questions and point you in the right direction. Contact us online or call us at (602) 277-0615 now.

Reference: OSHA General Standards for Occupational Safety