OSHA 1910.27- Scaffolds and Rope Descent Systems.
In order to work on a construction site, install glass, and clean the windows on high altitude buildings, workers need to have access to the structure they are working on. This is often done by using scaffolds or rope descent systems. Under the OSHA 1910 guidelines, OSHA 1910.27 sets standards for how these systems must be built and used in order to protect employees from injury or death.
1. OSHA 1910.27 (a) Scaffolds
OSHA 1910.27 (a) sets standards for how scaffolds must be built and used in order to protect employees from injury or death. Scaffolds are often used in construction to provide safe access for workers to work on structures with large elevation differences. OSHA mandates that scaffolds be built with the appropriate standards, inspected, and tested before being placed into use.
2. OSHA 1910.27 (b) Rope Descent Systems
Rope descent systems, or RSS, are often used in construction to provide safe access for workers to work on structures with large elevation differences. OSHA 1910.27 (b) sets standards for how RSS must be built and used in order to protect employees from injury or death. RSS must be built with the appropriate standards, inspected, and tested before being used.
3. OSHA 1910.27 (b)(1) Anchorages
Anchorages are an important part of RSS systems, as they are what keep workers attached to the system during their descent. OSHA 1910.27 (b)(1) mandates that anchorages be built in compliance with the appropriate standards, inspected, and tested before being placed into use.
The next time you find yourself on a high rise building installing glass or cleaning windows–look around for anchors!
General OSHA 1910 Overview:
OSHA 1910: what every facility manager needs to know will help you understand the basic safety requirements for your workplace. You can find out more about OSHA’s role in promoting safe workplaces, the OSHA standards for occupational exposure limits, general safety rules, emergency procedures, and more!
This book is a publication of the United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The goal of this organization is to assure “safe and healthy working conditions for working men and women.” One way that they do this is by creating standards designed to keep workers safe. These include rules on how to handle equipment, train employees, conduct fire drills, prevent falls, deal with electrical hazards, control hazardous energy sources, conduct first aid procedures, protect against chemical exposures, and operate stairlifts safely.
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