It is important for you to ensure that you are in full compliance with the OSHA 1910 rooftop anchor testing requirements. With this being the case, we realize that this process may seem a bit overwhelming and difficult to comprehend. That is why we provide some detailed information here for your consideration to help you understand in more detail and to help you realize the necessity of being in compliance. The reality is that fines will be applied to owners of buildings at a minimum rate of fifteen thousand dollars for a lack of compliance.
It was back in 2017 during the month of November that changes were made by OSHA. Thus, there was the redefining of the obligations concerning maintenance as well as construction. This means that the owner of a building must be sure to provide anchors that are certified. This includes rooftop anchors, anchors for general maintenance as well as anchors for window washing. The anchors that are used in these types of situations must be certified.
This means that owners of buildings are no longer able to get away with placing the responsibility of ensuring the safety of anchors over to the contractors under the label of equipment that is provided by the contractor. Consequently, it is mandatory for all anchors to be tested and to be certified. They must undergo the process of verification every ten years and they must undergo an inspection on a yearly basis as well.
Moreover, it is noted that there must be the provision of a plan that details how the anchors are used. But the reality is that many businesses do not have such plans. However, now it is mandatory to provide them. If you operate without such plans, you could be fined. Thus, if you lack such plans, even if you had the inspections done and the certifications done, it is now time to make sure that you activate the process of developing those plans well. It is to be further noted that OSHA has now also set forth the mandate that there must be the provision of fall protection in regard to all elevated areas that are unprotected otherwise.
Certainly, it is evident that it is imperative for you as the owner of a building to understand these regulations and to be in compliance with them. That is why you should seek the right kind of solution to have the right numbers of anchors placed at the appropriate places. These anchor systems should be tailored according to your particular building. Therefore, one type of anchoring system that is designed for another building may not be suitable for your building. For example, a larger building will require more anchors than a small building, which is completely understandable.
When you are careful to follow these regulations, you will be in compliance with the changes that have now been mandated by OSHA. As a result, you will have the peace of mind that you will have the right kind of equipment in place to protect your workers. You will also be happy to refrain from being fined a minimum rate of fifteen thousand dollars when you make the effort to comply with the regulations that have been set forth by OSHA.