Genie has developed a new secondary guarding system that encourages boom lift operators to utilize fall protection equipment.
Available in two configurations, Lift Guard Lanyard Alert and Lanyard Alert Advanced provide visual and audible alarms when the fall system lanyard is not attached to an anchor point inside the platform.
The advanced configuration enables function cut-off, which prevents operation until the lanyard is attached. Genie is the only OEM to develop a solution that prevents operation.
“In some markets, such as in the UK, many contractors are requiring a lanyard warning device in order to bring boom lifts onto jobsites. In addition, standards are changing, and we anticipate these devices will soon be included in global industry standards,” said Dominik Damm, Genie’s Director of Product Management, Booms Portfolio.
“Lanyard Alert is similar to automotive seatbelt warnings people are familiar with in their cars, which have been widely successful in increasing the use of seatbelts by drivers.”
On the standard version, the visual and audible warning will continue but machine functions will not be interrupted. The advanced version will additionally disable machine functions until the lanyard is engaged. If the lanyard is unclipped after operation begins, only ground controls and boom-lowering functions will be active.
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The anchor point is located to the right of the control box where it takes up no additional space in the platform, and the device is compatible with most carabiner clips.
“Keeping the system simple, cost-effective and easy-to-install was critical for reducing barriers to the adoption of this important reminder to utilize your fall protection harness,” Damm said.
Lanyard Alert or Lanyard Alert Advanced can be installed in less than 15 minutes and no calibration is required.
The Lanyard Alert system can be ordered as a factory-fit option or retrofitted to all Genie boom models manufactured as of 2003.
Lift Guard
Genie has also introduced Lift Guard Zone Lighting for several models of GS scissor lifts to improve awareness of the perimeter around the machine.
Lift Guard Zone Lighting features red laser lights that create a visual boundary at ground level about 61 cm from the edge of the chassis.
“Employers are increasingly focused on collision and entrapment avoidance, as well as dropped object protection,” said Bryan Williams, Genie Product Manager. “Providing information to the people working on or around scissor lifts helps increase awareness of their surroundings, potentially reducing the risk of these types of incidents.”
The bright beam is about 15 mm thick and visible in any indoor lighting condition. The light uses a glass lens that will not fade over time, unlike plastic LED lights. This helps operators see the perimeter clearance and signals nearby workers that they may be entering the scissor lift’s work zone.
Installation is simple, and both the lights and harness routing are protected by brackets to prevent damage from falling objects.
“Genie is actively improving and expanding available options and accessories across our product lines. The goal is to help end users be more productive and provide rental companies with tools to increase fleet utilization,” Williams said.
Lift Guard Zone Lighting will be available in North America in early 2026.
