Manlifts
A manlift is a device consisting of a power-driven endless belt moving in one direction only, and provided with steps or platforms and handholds attached to it for the transportation of personnel from floor to floor.
Manlifts may still be in use in grain elevators and in some employee parking garages where space is limited.
Manlifts (Belt Manlifts)
What are the hazards associated with the use of manlifts?
Attempting to carry items onto a manlift can result in injury due to the item (e.g., freight, lunchbox, construction materials) being caught between the lift and the landing or being dropped and falling onto personnel below. In addition, one hand must be free to operate the pull stop rope in case of an emergency.
What can I do to protect myself?
Never attempt to carry items when using a manlift. Be sure there are no tools or other large objects protruding from the pockets of work clothes that could become dislodged and fall onto someone below. Keep hands onto handholds until the manlift has stopped at the landing.
What resources are available to assist employers?
Safety and Health Programs
Example safety and health programs are available for employers to download and adapt to their specific conditions.
Training and Outreach Services
Example presentations are available along with pre-recorded webinars which can be accessed at any time.
The education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request.
Further, the NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos (including streaming video services) and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC).
Safety and Health Topics
More related information can be found on the fall protection and walking and working surfaces safety and health topic pages.
Consultation Services
The consultative services bureau provides free and confidential onsite consultation regarding worksite safety and health hazards.
Which standards apply?
OSH has adopted the following standards for manlifts in North Carolina. Note: Please also check the standards information and activity webpage to see if there has been any recent or upcoming regulatory activity on this topic.
General Industry
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29 CFR 1910.68 - manlifts
Maritime, Marine Terminals
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29 CFR 1917.117 - manlifts
Other Applicable Standards
The Which OSHA Standards Apply webpage can also help identify other standards that may be applicable to your worksite.
Where can I learn more?
Industry Guides
- Industry Guide 49 - OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, includes requirements for manlifts in general industry.
- Industry Guide 54 - OSHA Marine Terminal Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training highlights the requirements of standards related to manlifts at marine terminals.
Technical Assistance
Inquiries about workplace safety and health requirements can be submitted to Ask OSH through the online form, by email to ask.osh@labor.nc.gov, or by phone at 919-707-7876.