improving the quality of life
As mentioned in the previous blog post in this series, load testing without analysis is not a reliable way to determine anchorage strength. To avoid damage and unnecessary expense, anchorage strength should be predicted using analytical methods. When workmanship cannot be verified visually, such as with adhesive anchors, then nondestructive testing may be appropriate. But relying […]
Because of the new OSHA regulation language on rope descent anchorages, which we covered in our last blog post, many facility owners are heavily investing in designing, installing, inspecting and testing anchorages. Too often, though, the resources spent do nothing more than provide a false sense of security—or worse, cause more harm than good. It is […]
When an organization takes ownership of a building, they also take on the responsibility for protecting workers who will inspect and maintain the facility. Many building owners hope to transfer that liability to the contractors they hire, but it cannot be fully avoided. In some cases, OSHA specifically places responsibility on the building owner. Rope […]
There are a variety of worthy New Year’s resolutions to consider as we enter 2018. If worker safety is important to you, I encourage you to pledge to improve your organization’s fall protection program this year. Last fall, OSHA announced that fall protection citations ranked as the top violation for the seventh year in a […]
In this installment of our blog series, we continue to focus on more details that changed with the new OSHA regulations – specifically design changes that affect stairs. OSHA 1910.29 says that for any stairs installed after January 17, 2017, a handrail that measures 30-38 inches is required, as well as a 42-inch stair rail. […]
In this installment of our blog series, let’s focus on more specific details – design changes that affect guardrail. If you’re wondering about how guardrail is affected, there are several new developments in the updated rule. First, guardrail height is officially required at 42 inches (+/- 3), which is now aligned with construction industry regulations. […]
While our previous post in this series focused on the new requirement for ladder safety systems, this post discusses some additional requirements that affect ladder use and design. Here are a few of the most common questions we have received about ladders. Are chains acceptable to protect ladder openings? I often see chains at the […]
In this installment of our blog series, we’re focusing on new OSHA regulations related to fall protection for fixed ladders. It’s important to note that the final rule phases out the use of cages and wells as fall protection devices on fixed ladders that extend more than 24 feet. The regulation—specifically paragraph (b)(9)(i)—allows employers to […]
This post in our blog series on new OSHA fall protection regulation focuses on common questions related to fall protection anchorages. Most questions on this topic stem directly from the language below from 29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)(i): “Before any rope descent system is used, the building owner must inform the employer, in writing, that the building […]
Vol. 4 – The Value of a Qualified Person
As explained in the previous blog posts in this series, the evaluation of rope descent anchorages can be incredibly complex—and potentially very damaging. However, that doesn’t change the fact that OSHA still requires building owners to provide the assurance that their anchorages are fit for use. When deciding how to move forward, it is critical […]