OSHA has revised and updated its general industry standards on walking-working surfaces to prevent and reduce workplace falls, injuries, and fatalities associated with window cleaning and suspended stage work.
Why OSHA’s New Fall Protection Rules Matter for Building Owners
OSHA has revised and updated its general industry standards on walking-working surfaces to prevent and reduce workplace falls, other injuries, and fatalities associated with window cleaning and suspended stage work. The revised rules emphasize the importance of adequately identified, tested, certified, and maintained anchorages.
Key Changes in Fall Protection Standards for Roof Anchors
Significant changes are included for fall protection systems, including identifying, testing, certifying, and maintaining each anchorage. The rule becomes effective on January 17, 2017, and will affect all Pro-Bel systems throughout the USA except California and New York.
Building owners must contact the Pro-Bel inspection department at 1-800-461-0575 to schedule the necessary inspections and certifications. It’s important to note that only Pro-Bel or a Pro-Bel authorized agent can inspect, test, and certify these systems.
Steps for Ensuring Compliance with OSHA’s Rope Descent System Standards
OSHA addressed the category with the second largest compliance costs, scaffolds and rope descent systems, the final standard provides greater specificity than the proposal regarding the need for proper rigging, including sound anchorages and tiebacks. The final rule at § 1910.27(b)(1)(i) and (ii) states that before any rope descent system is used, the building owner must inform the employer, in writing, that the building owner has identified, tested, certified, and maintained each anchorage. Hence, it can support at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) in any direction for each employee attached.
Employers must ensure that no employee uses any anchorage before obtaining written confirmation from the building owner that each anchorage meets these requirements. Additionally, employers must keep this information on file for the duration of the job. The information must be based on an annual inspection conducted by a qualified person, with certification of each anchorage performed as necessary, but at least every 10 years.
Contact Pro-Bel for Roof Anchor Inspection and Certification
To ensure compliance with OSHA’s updated fall protection standards, building owners should contact Marc Lebel, CEO of Pro-Bel, at 1-800-461-0575. Pro-Bel’s inspection department is equipped to handle the certification of roof anchors, ensuring they meet all OSHA requirements.