Section 296-304-09023. Positioning device systems.

The employer must ensure that positioning device systems and their use meet the requirements of this section.

(1) The employer must ensure that connectors and anchorages meet the following criteria:

(a) Connectors have a corrosion-resistant finish, and all surfaces and edges are smooth to prevent damage to interfacing parts of this system.

(b) Connecting assemblies have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds (22.24 Kn).

(c) Positioning device systems are secured to an anchorage that can support at least twice the potential impact load of an employee's fall.

(d) Only locking type snaphooks are used in positioning device systems.

(2) The employer must ensure that positioning device systems meet the following criteria:

(a) Restraint (tether) lines have a minimum breaking strength of 3,000 pounds (13.34 Kn).

(b) Beginning April 20, 1998, the following system performance criteria for positioning device systems are met:

(i) A window cleaner's positioning system can withstand without failure, a drop test consisting of a 6-foot (1.83 m) drop of a 250-pound (113.34 kg) weight. The system limits the initial arresting force to a maximum of 2,000 pounds (8.89 Kn), with a maximum duration of 2 milliseconds. The system limits any subsequent arresting forces imposed on the falling employee to a maximum of 1,000 pounds (4.45 Kn);

(ii) All other positioning device systems can withstand without failure a drop test consisting of a 4-foot (1.22 m) drop of a 250-pound (113.34 kg) weight.

(3) The employer must ensure that a positioning device system is used and cared for according to the following requirements:

(a) Positioning device systems are inspected before each use for mildew, wear, damage, and other deterioration. Defective components are removed from service.

(b) A positioning device system or component subjected to impact loading is immediately removed from service and not used again for employee protection, unless inspected and determined by a qualified person to be undamaged and suitable for reuse.

(4) Training. Before using a positioning device system, the employer must ensure that employees are trained in the application limits, proper hook-up, anchoring and tie-off techniques, methods of use, inspection, and storage of positioning device systems.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. WSR 03-04-099, § 296-304-09023, filed 2/4/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. WSR 98-02-006, § 296-304-09023, filed 12/26/97, effective 3/1/98.]

RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. WSR 03-04-099, § 296-304-09023, filed 2/4/03, effective 8/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. WSR 98-02-006, § 296-304-09023, filed 12/26/97, effective 3/1/98.