512 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 16-22

Sections

21-8. General Requirements.

Controlled Access Zones

USACE does not recognize Controlled Access Zones as an independent method for fall protection.

Scaffolds

Equip Supported Scaffolds with guardrail systems or alternative fall protection.
A Competent Person (CP) evaluates and decides on fall protection during scaffold erection and dismantling.
For Suspended Scaffolds, workers must use a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) tied to an independent lifeline, and conduct a risk assessment documented in an Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA).

Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms (Scissor Lifts)

Ensure scissor lifts have standard guardrails, anchorages per ANSI/ASSP Z359.1, and use restraint systems to prevent ejection or climbing out.
Self-Retracting Devices (SRDs) must be approved by both scissor lift and SRD manufacturers and used as per their instructions.

Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs) (non-Scissor Lifts)

Use restraint systems or PFAS on AWPs, anchoring to the basket or bucket as per manufacturer's instructions. Ensure lanyards provide sufficient fall restraint.
Only use SRDs if allowed by both AWP and SRD manufacturers, and avoid tying off to adjacent structures unless using safe devices for 100% tie-off during transfer.

Manually Propelled Elevating Work Platforms

Ensure these platforms have standard guardrails and, if equipped with anchorages per ANSI Z359, use a restraint system.
Lanyards in the restraint system must prevent climbing out or ejection, and SRDs are only allowed if approved by both platform and SRD manufacturers.
Do not move the platform with occupants on it and avoid climbing over guardrails.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

21-9. Who evaluates and decides on fall protection during scaffold erection and dismantling?

A KO or COR

An Authorized Person (AP)

A Competent Person (CP)

A Qualified Person (QP)

You forgot to answer the question!

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 21-8 (l.–p.).

21-8. General Requirements. (l.–p.).

l.  Controlled Access Zones.  USACE does not recognize Controlled Access Zones as acceptable for controlling exposure to fall hazards, and therefore, cannot be used independently as a fall protection method.  (21-8.l)

m.  Scaffolds. (21-8.m)

(1)  Supported Scaffolds.

(a)  When possible, equip scaffolds with a standard guardrail system according to paragraph 21-8.d. If a guardrail system is not possible, use another fall protection system or method (for example, personal fall protection).

(b)  For workers erecting and dismantling scaffolds, a CP must conduct an evaluation to determine the feasibility and safety of providing fall protection.  If fall protection is not feasible, submit an AHA detailing rationale for infeasibility of use of fall protection for approval by the USACE supervisor or acceptance by the KO or COR. (See para 21-6.a)

(2)  Suspended scaffolds.

(a)  For single point or two point suspended scaffold, in addition to railings, workers must also tie off to an independent vertical lifeline using a full body harness.

(b)  For other suspended scaffolds (for example, catenary, float, needle-beam, boatswain chairs), workers must use a PFAS tied off to an independent vertical lifeline using a full body harness.

(c)  Perform a risk assessment when persons are supported on a multi-point adjustable suspended scaffold to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of the use of PFASs.  Document the risk in the AHA for the activity being performed.

n.  Self-Propelled Elevating Work Platforms (Scissor Lifts).  The term “scissor lifts” is used to mean all type of self-propelled elevating work platforms having a platform that cannot be positioned completely beyond the base (see ANSI/SAIA A92.6).  (21-8.n)

(1)  All scissor lifts must be equipped with standard guardrails.

(2)  All scissor lifts must be equipped with anchorages according to ANSI/ASSP Z359.1.

Note.  Do not use scissor lifts unless they are equipped with anchorages.

(3)  Use restraint systems on all scissor lifts. The lanyards, to include adjustable energy absorbing lanyards, used in the restraint system, must be sufficiently short to provide fall restraint and prohibit workers from climbing out of or being ejected from the platform.

(4)  Do not use an SRD unless permitted by both the scissors lift and SRD manufacturers and used according to the manufacturers’ instructions.

(5)  Do not climb on or over the guardrails.

o.  Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs) (non-Scissor Lifts).  These are boom supported elevating work platforms (see ANSI/SAIA A92.5) and vehicle mounted rotating and elevating aerial devices (see ANSI A92.2).  (21-8.o)

(1)  Use restraint systems or PFAS on all AWPs.  Workers must anchor themselves to the basket or bucket according to the manufacturer’s specifications and instructions. Do not anchor to the boom unless allowed by the manufacturer and approved by the CP.

(2)  Lanyards, to include adjustable energy absorbing lanyards, used in the restraint system must be sufficiently short to provide fall restraint and prohibit workers from climbing out of or being ejected from the platform.

(3)  Lanyards with built-in shock absorbers are acceptable.

(4)  Do not use an SRD unless permitted by both the aerial work platform and SRD manufacturers and used according to the manufacturers’ instructions.

(5)  Do not tie off to an adjacent pole or structure unless a safe device for 100% tie-off is used for the transfer.

p.  Manually Propelled Elevating Work Platforms (see ANSI/SAIA A92.3).  (21-8.p)

(1)  All manually propelled elevating work platforms must be equipped with standard guardrails.

(2)  If the platform is equipped with anchorages meeting the ANSI Z359, use a restraint system in addition to the guardrails.

(3)  The lanyards, to include adjustable energy absorbing lanyards, used in the restraint system, must be sufficiently short to provide fall restraint and prohibit workers from climbing out of or being ejected from the platform.

(4)  Adjustable energy absorbing lanyards with built-in shock absorbers are acceptable.

(5)  Do not use an SRD unless permitted by both the work platform and SRD manufacturers and used according to the manufacturers’ instructions.

(6)  Do not occupy a platform when being moved.

(7)  Do not climb on or over the guardrails.