The American Rental Association (ARA), the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and the Scaffold Industry Association (SIA) have joined forces to create a best practices guidebook for the users of aerial work platform (AWP) equipment. The new Statement of Best Practices of Personal Fall Protection Systems for Aerial Work Platform Equipment, unveiled at The Rental Show in Las Vegas, focuses on personal fall protection (PFP).

According to Carla Brozick, CAE, senior director of education and training at ARA, this issue was addressed because of the confusion that exists regarding what PFP is required when using AWP equipment. Brozick served as the coordinator of this industry effort. The objectives of this new document are to:

*  Educate the industry on applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and the industry-recognized and supported American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards.

*  Provide information to assist users and operators during their selection process to identify the most appropriate PFP system for their job functions while operating AWP equipment.

*  Inform the user and operator how to recognize and guard against the potential fall hazards associated with the use of AWP equipment.

*  Encourage the incorporation of best practices for PFP with AWP equipment into a company’s fall protection plans.

To order a printed copy or download a PDF of either guide, go to the “Risk Management” section of www.ARArental.org. For questions about these guides or ARA membership, call ARA Member Services at 800-334-2177.