I waded through the regs once more. I had forgotten that
OSHA has a Construction Industry section 29 CFR 1926. (29 CFR 1910 is general industry and applies any workplace.) The two sections do not conflict, but 1926 provides regulations on construction sites and specific types of high elevation work. They also have a definition of "construction work" which is: "Work for construction, alteration, and/or repair, including painting and decorating". (I have no idea where "general industry" ends and "construction" begins in technical theater work. [for example, is replacing one light "Construction" or just Maintenance".] However, I am sure this has been established at the professional
level.)
But a couple interesting things of note from 29 CFR 1926.453 Aerial Lifts:
"…(b)(2)(iii) Belting off to an adjacent pole, structure, or equipment while working from an aerial lift shall not be permitted.
(b)(2)(iv) Employees shall always stand firmly on the floor of the
basket, and shall not sit or climb on the
edge of the
basket or use planks, ladders, or other devices for a work position.
(b)(2)(v) A body belt shall be worn and a
lanyard attached to the
boom or
basket when working from an aerial lift.
Note to paragraph (b)(2)(v):
As of January 1, 1998, subpart M of this part (§1926.502(d)) provides that body belts are not acceptable as part of a personal fall arrest
system. The use of a body belt in a tethering
system or in a restraint
system is acceptable and is regulated under §1926.502(e)…"
There is a distinction between a "personal fall arrest
system" and a "tethering" and "restraint"
system. And it appears to come from the Fall Protection rules which include both railings,
safety nets, and fall arrest systems. If the
edge is protected by an
OSHA railing or
safety netting, then fall arrest is not needed. I'm pretty sure that all aerial lifts meet the railing regulations. Therefore, the fall arrest systems are not needed, just the short
lanyard. (I don't know the rationale behind the
lanyard use on a lift compared to working near a railing of a fixed
platform. On the other
hand, people do stupid things, like reaching too far, standing on the middle railing,
etc.)
Note, these are a federal rules, and there may be different State rules. (A State rule, if present, may be more stringent, but not less stringent.)
Joe