Only one of several types of tie-off instructions put on modern scissor lifts. (Photo: Jan Thomas)

Last Friday I received a call from a client’s superintendent asking me to go over the reasoning and authority for tying off on scissor lift and other personnel hoists. This is the same question I’ve been answering for years and I’ve been answering it in the same way for years… specifically, “Despite what OSHA says, if the manufacturer has provided anchors points, please use them as they have been put there for your safety!”  

In Virginia, in the fall of 2006, my answer became a little stronger as I could now point to the “authority” of VOSH when someone wanted to argue with me that OSHA doesn’t require tie off on scissor lifts. 

Earlier this year I wrote our clients a memo on this topic – it applies to industrial worksites, construction and all sectors of employment in between.  Here is a link to that memo. 

By the way, the superintendent was being questioned by one of his disbelieving subs.  So I reminded him that the true answer to “Why do we have to tie-off?” is “Because it’s our rule!”