Are your roof anchors certified for OSHA compliance?
Background
On November 18, 2016, OSHA published the Final Rule, Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment, 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D & I, and it became effective on January 17, 2017. This final rule was updated from the previous outdated standards published in 1971 and affects all Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems) standards.
Key Takeaways:
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Permanent Anchorages must be certified every ten years & inspected annually by a qualified person. The certification also qualifies as an inspection.
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Certification (every ten years) – consists of a qualified person testing each anchor to ensure it can hold 5,000 lbs. in every direction and evaluates anchor layout to ensure adequate coverage for suspended maintenance.
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Inspection (annual) – consists of a qualified person conducting a visual inspection for each anchor, confirming no deformities (rust, corrosion, loose bolts, etc.) are present.
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Who is a qualified person? A fall protection or engineering company will be equipped to perform the necessary certifications listed above. Contact us today for a referral.
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Is your building over 300 ft.? Contact us today to see how we can safely access your building.
How Does This Affect Me?
There are many aspects to the new ruling, but the section that affects our industry the most is the Rope Descent Systems (RDS) and Certification of Anchorages (§1910.27(b)) section, summarized below:
“...the final rule requires building owners to provide, and employers to obtain, information that permanent anchorages used with RDS have been inspected, tested, certified, and maintained as capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per employee attached.”
Leniency & Alternative Cleaning Methods
Leniency: A memo was released in November 2017, granting leniency to those who are actively working towards becoming compliant. Contact us or see here for details.
Alternative cleaning methods: Scottie’s can work with your budget to provide alternative cleaning methods if you are unable to certify or gain leniency. Contact us today!
Resources:
“UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.” Enforcement Guidance for General Industry Rope Descent System (RDS) Anchorage Requirements (29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, 20 Nov. 2017, www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2017-11-20.
“UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.” Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems Final Rule Frequently Asked Questions | Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, www.osha.gov/walking-working-surfaces/faq.html.
“Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (Fall Protection Systems).” Federal Register, OSHA, 18 Nov. 2016, www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/11/18/2016-24557/walking-working-surfaces-and-personal-protective-equipment-fall-protection-systems.