What fall protection is required by OSHA when working on an aerial lift?

When working on an aerial lift, the requirement for fall protection, as mandated by OSHA, is the use of a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS). A PFAS is designed to prevent a worker from falling to a lower level, and it consists of components such as a harness, anchor points, and lanyard systems. The necessity of a PFAS in aerial lifts is particularly important because these lifts often operate at significant heights, where even a short fall can lead to serious injury or fatality.

In the context of aerial lifts, a PFAS is critical because it provides the necessary safety measures to secure workers while they are elevated. This system must be properly implemented and inspected to ensure that it functions correctly and provides adequate protection.

Other options may reflect safety measures but are not specifically required by OSHA for aerial lifts. For instance, a guardrail might be present on some aerial lifts but it is not a universal requirement. Similarly, while a safety harness is a part of a PFAS, it is not sufficient on its own without other system components. Safety nets, while useful in some construction contexts, are not applicable to the specific conditions of aerial lifts. Hence, a PFAS stands out as the essential form of fall protection in this