When work needs to be performed from outside of an elevated aerial platform, a means of fall protection is an absolute requirement.
A personal fall arrest system (PFAS) mounted on an approved Snorkel aerial platform allows it to function as an anchorage. Typical applications include work on airplane wings, fuselage or other surface where it is essential for work to take place outside the confines of the platform and there is no other practical means of fall protection.
The PFAS is compliant with OSHA 1926.502(d) (15)(i) and OSHA 1926.502(d)(15)(ii), and includes the following:
- Four brackets with D-ring anchorages
- Mounting hardware
- Operator’s Manual
Platform Compatibility
The PFAS option is available globally for any Snorkel machine that has been tested and approved by Snorkel’s engineering team.
Current Snorkel models tested and approved:
- A46JRT articulated boom lift
- A46JE electric articulated boom lift
- AB60J articulated boom lift
- AB85J articulated boom lift
- TB86J telescopic boom lift
- 400S/460SJ mid-size telescopic boom lift
- 600S/660SJ mid-size telescopic boom lift
The PFAS must only be installed on approved platforms, many of which have a bumprail that adds to the structure necessary to handle the additional load requirement. Snorkel recommends that the PFAS be installed on platforms with walk-through swinging gates. However, with proper training and care, platforms with gravity gates may be used for PFAS installation.
Safety Alerts
A safety alert symbol is used to indicate danger, warning, and caution instructions. Follow these instructions to reduce the likelihood of personal injury and property damage. The terms “danger,” “warning,” and “caution” indicate varying degrees of personal injury or property damage that can result if the instruction is not followed properly.
Operator Responsibilities
The PFAS has been factory tested for compliance with industry standards. However, its use can be potentially dangerous in the hands of untrained or careless operators. Training is essential and must be performed by a qualified person.
A qualified person is anyone who:
- Has been trained by Snorkel.
- Is an approved Snorkel representative.
- Has been trained by an approved Snorkel representative.
- Has been trained and qualified by anyone who meets the above requirements.
Machine functions must not be operated at any time while personnel are external to the platform and anchored to the PFAS anchorages. The operator bears ultimate responsibility for following all manufacturer’s instructions and warnings, regulations, and safety rules of their employer and/or any state or federal law.
Securing Lanyard
Only one operator at a time may be outside of the platform and must be anchored to any of the four PFAS anchorages using a double leg shock absorbing lanyard. The weight of the operator anchored to the PFAS anchor must not exceed 310 lbs. (140kg), and the total weight of the personnel outside of the platform, other personnel and material inside the platform must not exceed the rated platform capacity.
The platform must be positioned so the PFAS anchorages are at or above the height of the fall arrest harness lanyard attachment. While inside the platform, all personnel must use the fall restraint system. Fall restraint anchorages are located inside the platform and are commonly located below the upper control box. PFAS anchorages are only to be used for attaching shock absorbing lanyards and are not for lifting or tying the machine down during transport.
The operator must transition from one corner anchorage to another by first attaching the second leg of his or her lanyard to the new position before disconnecting the first leg from the current position. The operator must have at least one leg of his or her lanyard attached to any of the four PFAS anchorages, or a fall restraint anchorage inside the platform, at all times.
Platform Bumpguard
The PFAS is available as a factory installed option on select Snorkel aerial lifts. It is also equipped as standard with the installation of the Aircraft Package or Deluxe Aircraft Package. Both optional packages include the Aircraft Bumpguard System that provides all-around protection on the platform.
The Bumpguard System allows a means to stop platform movement when the platform encounters a stationary object. Although the system was designed for aircraft applications, it may also be used at other jobsites. Accidental work surface contact could result in costly repairs, such as glass clad buildings, delicate instrument installations, dry dock work around nuclear-powered ships, etc.
The Personal Fall Arrest System and Bumpguard Systems are available as an option on select Snorkel aerial lifts. Contact your local Snorkel sales representative for more information.
For User’s Manual with safety, operator’s, and parts information, visit The Platform by Snorkel.
Please reference the following manual part numbers.
- PFAS: 0182150
- Boom bumpguard: 7050008
- Scissor bumpguard: 9980254
