joe d -

As to your first question, a guardrail system that meets OSHA specifications is sufficient fall protection.

I do not recommend the use of safety harnesses/body belts and lanyards for fall protection on counterbalanced forklift work platforms as they pose a potential forklift stability hazard. The dynamic forces imposed by these devices from deceleration and body pendulum action in a fall from an elevated counterbalanced forklift work platform could result in forklift tip over.

OSHA Interpretation Letter.

Response: OSHA's powered industrial trucks (PITs) standard, contained in 29 CFR 1910.178, does not have provisions that require either the use of a body harness or safety belt to protect personnel against falls from elevated platforms.

The following same OSHA interpretation letter applies to your second question:

Section 4.17.2(c) of ASME 56.1-2000 requires that whenever an operator-up high lift truck is used to elevate personnel, restraining means such as railings, chains, cable, body belt(s) with lanyard(s), or deceleration devices, etc. are in place and properly used. Although the ASME standard calls for the use of body belts, OSHA strongly encourages employers to use body harnesses in place of body belts.

Google:

osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=24906

KEY WORDS: is used to elevate personnel
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ANSI/ITSDF B56.1-2009
SAFETY STANDARD FOR LOW LIFT AND HIGH LIFT TRUCKS

4.17 Elevating Personnel

4.17.2 Whenever a truck is used to elevate personnel,
the following precautions for the protection of personnel
shall be taken:

(c) Be certain that required restraining means such as
railings, chains, cable, body belt(s) with lanyard(s), or
deceleration devices, etc., are in place and properly used.

(f) Replace any body belt, lanyard, or deceleration
device that has sustained permanent deformation or is
otherwise damaged.
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KEY WORDS: is used to elevate personnel