OSHA revised the Walking and Working Surface Regulations CFR 1910.27 for Rope Descent Systems effective November 21st, 2017. However, due to limited availability of qualified persons to inspect, test and certify anchorages for RDS use, OSHA is providing employers and building owners additional time to comply with 1910.27 (b) (1)…PROVIDED that employers and building owners can demonstrate and document that they are exercising due diligence to come into compliance with the requirements of the standard.
“OSHA published the Walking-Working Surfaces rule on November 18, 2016, and it became effective January 17, 2017 (81 FR 82494). The rule gave employers and building owners until November 20, 2017, to comply with requirements for inspecting, testing, and certifying Rope Descent System (RDS) anchorages before any worker uses an RDS (§1910.27(b)(1)). However, due to a limited availability of qualified persons to inspect, test, and certify anchorages for RDS use, OSHA is providing employers and building owners additional time to comply with §1910.27(b)(1), provided that employers and building owners can demonstrate and document they are exercising due diligence to come into compliance with the standard’s requirements.”
See link for more info:
Previous update:
On November 17, 2016, OSHA published new regulations for Walking-Working Surfaces 1910.27 Subpart D. These regulations became effective January 20, 2017, with compliance deadlines to be met by building owners and contractors by November 20, 2017.
1910.66 – Powered platforms for building maintenance
Useful Links for More Information:
- OSHA Fact Sheet: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3903.pdf
- Copy of the Final Rule and Regulations: https://www.osha.gov/walking-working-surfaces/
- International Window Cleaning Association’s Position Statement: http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.iwca.org/resource/resmgr/docs/IWCA_WWS_Position_Statement.pdf
