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 guide, Statement of Best Practices of Personal Fall Protection Systems for Aerial Work Platform Equipment, focuses on personal fall protection (PFP). 

This issue was addressed because of the confusion that exists regarding what PFP is required when using AWP equipment and the need for a common resource to educate users on best practices of the safe use of PFP.

According to the ARA, 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