Modified Guidance on AWP Fall Protection

Words: Dan Kamys

Modified Guidance on AWP Fall Protection

OSHA has rescinded its January 2009 letter of interpretation #20070823-7896 on the use of shock-absorbing lanyards in aerial work platforms (AWPs). The 2009 letter of interpretation had created uncertainty in the industry by suggesting that a manufacturer’s requirement for a minimum anchorage point elevation of 18.5 feet would prevent the use of a fall protection system (six-foot lanyard with shock absorber, full-body harness) in an aerial lift. This question was put previously to OSHA, due to concerns that at times the distance between the platform and the ground would be less than 18.5 feet.

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) continues to stand behind its 2007 technical guidance H1, which provides clear and simple recommendations for personal fall protection (PFP) in AWPs. Technical guidance H1 is available in the “Publications” section of www.ipaf.org.

The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Curtis Hoover
Resources
Read More
Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Linda Potter
Technical Talks
Read More
Building Solutions: The Critical Role of Cavity Space in Masonry Moisture Control
April 2026

Long before “rainscreen” became a popular term in building science, masonry cavity walls were functioning on that very principle. A brick veneer cavity wall is designed with the expectation that water will penetrate the exterior

Linda Potter
MAP Partner
Read More