1915 Subpart I
Connectors must have a corrosion-resistant finish and smooth surfaces and edges to avoid damaging other system parts. See the criteria for connectors and anchorages in 1915.160(a)(1).
Connecting assemblies must have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds (22.24 kN). See the requirement in 1915.160(a)(2).
A positioning device system must be secured to an anchorage capable of supporting at least twice the potential impact load of an employee's fall. See the anchorage strength requirement in 1915.160(a)(3).
Snaphooks shall not be connected to each other unless each snaphook is a locking type designed and used to prevent disengagement. See the snaphook rule in 1915.160(a)(4).
As of January 1, 1998, only locking-type snaphooks are permitted for use in positioning device systems. See 1915.160(a)(4).
Restraint (tether) lines must have a minimum breaking strength of 3,000 pounds (13.34 kN). See the criterion in 1915.160(b)(1).
A window cleaner's positioning system must withstand a 6-foot drop of a 250-pound weight without failure, limit the initial arresting force to no more than 2,000 pounds (8.9 kN) for a duration not to exceed 2 milliseconds, and limit any subsequent arresting forces on the falling employee to no more than 1,000 pounds (4.45 kN). See 1915.160(b)(2)(i).
All other positioning device systems (not window-cleaning systems) must withstand a 4-foot drop of a 250-pound weight without failure. See 1915.160(b)(2)(ii).
Positioning device systems must be inspected before each use for mildew, wear, damage, and other deterioration; defective components must be removed from service. See 1915.160(c)(1).
Any positioning device system or component subjected to impact loading must be immediately removed from service and not used again for employee protection unless a qualified person inspects it and determines it is undamaged and suitable for reuse. See 1915.160(c)(2).
A qualified person must inspect and determine whether a component subjected to impact loading is undamaged and suitable for reuse; the shipyard standards recognize that a competent person can specify necessary protections and precautions. See 1915.160(c)(2) and OSHA's Competent person requirements in shipyards letter of interpretation for how a competent/qualified person may be expected to evaluate hazards and protective measures.
Employees must be trained in the application limits, proper hook-up, anchoring and tie-off techniques, methods of use, inspection, and storage of positioning device systems before using them. See 1915.160(d).
Yes. Defective components identified during the required pre-use inspection must be removed from service. See 1915.160(c)(1).
Connectors must have corrosion-resistant finishes and smooth edges to avoid damaging interfacing parts, and connecting assemblies must meet a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds so that safe engagement and load-bearing are maintained. See 1915.160(a)(1) and 1915.160(a)(2).
Any anchorage—fixed or portable—used for securing a positioning device system must be capable of supporting at least twice the potential impact load of an employee's fall; the anchorage must therefore be evaluated and ensured to meet that capacity. See 1915.160(a)(3).
Locking snaphooks that are designed and used to prevent disengagement may be connected to each other; non-locking snaphooks must not be connected. See 1915.160(a)(4).
Both the window cleaner's and other positioning device system drop tests use a 250-pound (113.4 kg) test weight. See 1915.160(b)(2)(i) and 1915.160(b)(2)(ii).
After the initial arrest, any subsequent arresting forces imposed on the falling employee must not exceed 1,000 pounds (4.45 kN). See 1915.160(b)(2)(i).
Yes. Positioning device systems that comply with the provisions of section 2 of non-mandatory appendix B to this subpart are deemed to meet the 1915.160(b)(2) requirements. See the note in 1915.160(b).
You should inspect webbing and ropes for mildew, wear (such as abrasion or fraying), cuts, chemical damage, and other signs of deterioration that could reduce strength; remove any defective components. See 1915.160(c)(1).
The employer should assign a qualified person with the technical knowledge and authority to evaluate the component's condition and accept or reject it for reuse; OSHA's shipyard interpretation explains that a competent person must be capable of recognizing and evaluating hazards and specifying necessary protections. See 1915.160(c)(2) and the Competent person requirements in shipyards letter of interpretation.
Yes. The standard requires that training cover storage of positioning device systems, so employers must train employees on appropriate storage practices even though specific storage methods are not prescribed in the text. See 1915.160(d).
No. A component subjected to impact loading must be removed from service and may only be returned to use if a qualified person inspects it and determines it is undamaged and suitable for reuse; a user-only visual check is not sufficient under 1915.160(c)(2).
Positioning device systems have specified performance criteria: window cleaner systems must pass the 6-foot/250-pound drop test and limit initial arresting force to no more than 2,000 pounds (8.9 kN) (duration ≤ 2 milliseconds) and subsequent arresting forces to no more than 1,000 pounds; other systems must pass the 4-foot/250-pound drop test. See 1915.160(b)(2)(i) and 1915.160(b)(2)(ii).
They must remove the positioning device system or damaged components from service and not use them until repaired or replaced; defective components are not to be used. See 1915.160(c)(1).
Connectors and connecting assemblies must meet the minimum tensile strength requirement of 5,000 pounds per 1915.160(a)(2), so you should select hardware that both meets the standard and is compatible with manufacturer guidance for the system to ensure safe performance.