By now, you’ve probably heard about OSHA’s revised Walking-Working Surfaces regulations. Many of the articles published on this topic explore the deadlines to convert from ladder cages to ladder safety systems (we recently published an e-book that discusses the new ladder regulations). Make no mistake—the revised fixed ladder requirements are significant, but the new OSHA regulations cover additional ground that will impact employers and property owners nationwide. In this post, we’ll look at the new Walking-Working Surfaces regulations as they relate to the use rope descent systems (RDS) and window washing anchors.
Is Your Horizontal Lifeline Safe?
Does your horizontal lifeline need recertification? Are you confused about the recertification process or wondering if a fall protection company can even recertify your HLL? Wondering if your lifeline system is safe? Despite the simple appearance, lifelines are complex fall protection systems that need periodic inspection and annual recertification. This post demystifies the recert process and offers answers to frequently asked Lifeline recertification questions.
Fall Protection System Inspection and Recertification
News regarding stepped up enforcement, and higher OSHA penalties have more folks thinking about fall protection. Employers are doing a better job providing fall protection systems for their employees, but a system’s presence is no guarantee of safety. Corroded, worn, or loose components can cause a potentially catastrophic system failure. What’s more, the use of improper components during the design phase or connecting the system to inadequate structure can lead to the same. For all of these reasons, OSHA regulations and ANSI standards recommend annual system inspections performed by a qualified individual.
Most of our recertification work focuses on our systems, but we also field requests to recertify systems designed and installed by other vendors. We can inspect and recertify these systems, but the process requires some additional steps you may not have considered.
Fall Protection System Inspection and Re-Certification
Installing fall protection equipment demonstrates a commitment to safety, but without periodic inspection, the system may fail when your employees need it most. This post is designed to help you better understand what our inspectors look for during a site visit, and what to during the re-certification process.
OSHA Requirements for Engineered Fall Protection System Re-Certification and PPE Inspection
There is much confusion surrounding OSHA regulations regarding re-certification of engineered fall protection systems and inspection requirements for the personal protective equipment (PPE) used in conjunction with these systems. The question, “When must I recertify or inspect?” seems simple, but the answers are a bit complex because you won’t find an OSHA regulation specifying inspection and re-certification timetables.
Three Keys To An Effective Fall Protection Plan
If you manage or supervise employees working at heights, you know you need a fall protection plan, but what exactly constitutes an effective plan that will meet OSHA standards and keep your staff safe? If you are more of a visual learner than a reader, our new video explaining the three components of an effective fall protection plan–solutions, rescue, and recertification–is for you. To watch this informative video tutorial, click on the arrow in the image below: