What safety equipment is required when working from an aerial lift according to regulations?

When working from an aerial lift, the regulations mandate the use of a full body harness with a 6-foot deceleration lanyard as a critical aspect of safety. This equipment is designed to protect workers from falls, which are one of the leading causes of serious injury in construction and maintenance activities performed at height.

The full body harness distributes the forces of a fall over a larger area of the body, reducing the risk of injury. The deceleration lanyard, typically designed to deploy a shock-absorbing mechanism, helps to minimize the impact on the body during a fall by gradually slowing the descent, allowing for a controlled stop.

Therefore, the combination of a full body harness and a deceleration lanyard not only meets safety regulations but significantly enhances the overall safety of personnel operating in potentially hazardous situations at elevation. Proper use of these items ensures compliance with OSHA standards and promotes a safer work environment.