On January 17, 2017, OSHA published changes to Subpart D – Walking-Working Surfaces, which have a significant impact on building owners’ and employers’ responsibilities.
These changes include, but are not limited to the following:
- Mandatory roof anchorages for window cleaners
- Mandatory fall protection on low-sloped roofs – varying distances where fall protection is required, depending on frequency and type of work being conducted
- Mandatory fall protection on permanent fixed ladders – fall protection or cages are now required to be designed into the ladder system
For the first time in OSHA’s history, Rope Descent Systems (RDS) are defined in the Regulation along with requirements for building owners to identify, test, certify and maintain suitable and adequate anchorages capable of supporting an ultimate load of 5000 lbs per employee attached. This does affect the type of product you must specify.
OSHA has set varying compliance dates for each amended section. It is important that you understand and integrate these changes into your specifications when designing a building where fall hazards exist.
Pro-Bel will help you understand the code changes and ensure that the specification and drawings you issue incorporate them, preventing costly change orders and potential litigation between design teams and building owners/developers.