OSHA REQUIREMENTS FOR FAÇADE ACCESS SYSTEMS Michael Murphy Project Engineer BOMA Brown Bag Lunch
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Agenda Façade Access Components and Types Overview of Various Design and Testing Regulations Testing Procedures Summary Image Credit: https://www.constructionspecifier.com/designing-and-testing-facade-access-equipment/print/
Façade Access Components and Types
What is Façade Access and Why is it Needed? Activities include: Window Washing, Construction, Repairs/Renovation, Inspections OSHA estimates that 202,066 serious injuries and 345 fatalities occur annually among workers directly affected by the final standard.
Façade Access Components Davits and Tiebacks DAVIT ASSEMBLY TIEBACK ANCHORAGE
Façade Access Components Davit Systems Davit Arm Davit Socket/Sleeve Davit Base
Façade Access Components Davit Systems Davit Arm Socket Base
Façade Access Components Portable Outriggers (i.e., Beams and Weights ) https://www.archtoolbox.com/materials-systems/equipment/windowwashsuspension.html Source: New England Scaffolding
Façade Access Components Parapet Clamps
Façade Access Components Building Maintenance Units (BMU or House Rig )
Façade Access Components Roof-Mounted Tiebacks Roof-mounted https://www.archtoolbox.com/materials-systems/equipment/windowwashsuspension.html
Façade Access Components Wall-mounted Tiebacks Image credit: Columbia Building Services, Inc. https://www.archtoolbox.com/materials-systems/equipment/windowwashsuspension.html
Façade Access Components Rope Descent Systems (i.e., bosun s chairs ) Seat Board http://www.highwindowcleaning.com/bosun-chair-window-cleaning.php
Façade Access Components Industrial Rope Access No Seat Board
Façade Access Components Question: Which components do I need to test? Answer: Building-mounted support elements. Building-mounted Davit Bases and Sleeves/Sockets Davit Arms Permanent tie-back points Contractor-supplied Portable Outriggers (i.e., Beams and Weights ) Parapet Clamps Everything else (ropes, cables, harnesses, hoists, etc.) Building Maintenance Units* *BMUs fall underneath a different OSHA guideline
Overview of Various Design and Testing Regulations
Façade Access Regulations Codes and Standards Voluntary Standards
OSHA Design Requirements Rated Load versus Stall Load for hoists Fall-arrest/lifeline anchorages 5,000 pound load requirement OSHA s Final rule states that building owners must affirm in writing that building anchorages for rope descent have been tested, certified, and maintained as capable of supporting 5,000 pounds i.e., field testing
ASCE/SEI and IBC Design Requirements Incorporate design loads consistent with OSHA strength requirements Hoist Load requirements (DAVITS): 2.5 x rated load x 1.6 safety factor, OR 1.0 x stall load x 1.6 safety factor Fall-arrest load requirements (TIEBACKS): 3,100 pounds per person x 1.6 safety factor ~ 5,000 pounds
IWCA and ASME Testing Standard IWCA International Window Cleaning Association - Window Cleaning Safety Published once in 2001 Withdrawn in 2011 Proposed testing to 50% of minimum required strength ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers - Safety Requirements for Powered Platforms and Traveling Ladders and Gantries for Building Maintenance In 2010 proposed the 50% restriction, similar to IWCA Voluntary standard which contradicts legally-required codes
Testing Procedures
Step 1: Analyze Existing Components Engineering Check On Paper
Step 2: On-site testing Example: Load from roof side to replicate moment arm
Step 2: On-site testing Example: Pull Tiebacks Against Each Other
Step 3: During Testing Monitor Deflections, Ensure Components Return to Original Position
Step 4: Post-Testing Summary Provide Contractor Use Plan/Davit Certification by Licensed Engineer
Summary
Summary and Main Takeaways Starting November 20, 2017 per OSHA Final Rule: Written assurance requirement from Building Owner begins 300-foot height limit for rope descent systems Test loads: Many davit systems were designed for 1,000 pound motors, but 1,250 pound (or even 1,500 pound motors) are common in restoration work Test load requirement for personal fall-arrest or safety-line tiebacks is 5,000 pounds Test loads must reach 100% of intended load
Questions? Michael Murphy Project Engineer mmurphy@thorntontomasetti.com
www.thorntontomasetti.com