Bosun's Chair Safety

A bosun's chair is a single-person suspended seat used for short-duration tasks at height.
Bosun's chairs are a last-resort access method when scaffolding, MEWPs, and rope access are not practicable.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 restrict their use to situations where a fuller system is not reasonably practicable.
The chair must be purpose-designed for working at height with a full body harness attachment point.
An independent safety line with a fall arrest device must be used in addition to the suspension rope.
The suspension system must have a current LOLER thorough examination certificate before each use.
A rescue plan must be prepared and rehearsed before any bosun's chair operation takes place.
The person in the chair must wear a full body harness connected to the independent safety line at all times.
Wind, rain, and cold significantly affect the safety and comfort of a worker in a bosun's chair.
Only trained and competent persons should use bosun's chairs for working at height tasks.

Prevent fatal falls	A bosun's chair is a single point of suspension — without a backup safety line, any failure is fatal.
Legal restriction	The Work at Height Regulations 2005 restrict bosun's chair use to last-resort situations with full controls.
Rescue requirement	A suspended worker who becomes incapacitated in a bosun's chair needs a pre-planned rescue within minutes.

Do

Don't

Confirm no safer access method is reasonably practicable before planning bosun's chair use
Use a purpose-designed bosun's chair rated for the required working load and conditions
Attach an independent safety line with a fall arrest device as backup to the main suspension
Wear a full body harness connected to the independent safety line throughout the work
Ensure the suspension system has a current LOLER thorough examination certificate
Prepare and brief a rescue plan before anyone is suspended in the bosun's chair
Check all ropes, anchor points, and connections before each use and at shift start
Monitor weather conditions and stop work in high winds, rain, or poor visibility
Maintain communication between the chair occupant and a ground-level attendant at all times
Limit the duration of work in the chair to prevent fatigue and loss of concentration

DON'T use a bosun's chair where scaffolding, MEWPs, or rope access can be used instead
DON'T suspend a worker without an independent safety line as backup to the main system
DON'T use improvised chairs, slings, or uncertified equipment as a substitute for a bosun's chair
DON'T allow untrained persons to use or operate bosun's chair suspension systems
DON'T carry out bosun's chair work without a prepared and rehearsed rescue plan
DON'T work in a bosun's chair during high winds or severe weather conditions
DON'T leave a worker suspended unattended without ground-level monitoring and communication
DON'T exceed the rated load of the chair including the worker, tools, and materials
DON'T use a bosun's chair with expired or missing LOLER examination certificates
DON'T lean excessively or reach beyond arm's length from the chair's centre position

See also: Rope Access Safety | Rescue Plan Requirements

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