An OSHA Deadline Arrives In May – Are You Ready?

Many employers are not aware that some workers must be trained in aspects of this revised standard by May 17, 2017.

by, Robert Box, exclusive to Corridor News

On November 17, 2016, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) issued a final rule that took effect on January 17, 2017, updating its 44-year old general industry Walking-Working Surfaces standard. Many employers are not aware that some workers must be trained in aspects of this revised standard by May 17, 2017.

OSHA estimates the final rule will prevent 29 fatalities and more than 5,800 injuries a year.  Some requirements of the final rule include:

Inspections

Effective since January 17, 2017, walking-working surfaces must be inspected “regularly and as necessary” by the employer to ensure they are safe and well maintained. If hazardous conditions are identified, they must be immediately repaired or the area must be guarded to prevent worker use of the area until it is repaired.

Scaffolding

Effective since January 17, 2017, employers who have workers who utilize scaffolds in general industry should be following requirements in the construction industry standards found in section 1926, Subpart L (Scaffolds).

Dockboards

Effective since January 17, 2017, employers who have dockboards have been required to follow requirements set forth in section 1910.26. Dockboards must now have a means to prevent equipment from running off the edge unless it can be shown no such hazard exists.  Portable dockboards must have a means for anchoring to prevent it from moving out of a safe position.

Training

Effective May 17, 2017, workers exposed to fall hazards must be trained to recognize fall hazards, how to minimize the hazards, and how to correctly use personal fall protection systems (PFAS) and equipment.

Training for the installation and maintenance of the overall personal fall protection system must include correct procedures for installing, inspecting, operating, maintaining, and disassembling the personal fall protection system used.

Regarding the specific use of PFAS, workers must be trained on proper hook-up, anchoring, tie-off techniques, methods of equipment inspection and storage as specified by the manufacturer.

Rope Decent Systems

By November 17, 2017, Rope Descent Systems (RDS) will require building owners to affirm in writing that permanent building anchorages used for RDS have been inspected, tested, certified, and maintained as capable of supporting 5,000 pounds for each worker attached.

RDSs usually consist of a roof anchorage, support rope, descent device, carabiners or shackles, and a chair or seatboard. These systems are typically used throughout North America to perform elevated work, such as window washing.

Ladders

By November 17, 2018, installation of personal fall arrest or ladder safety systems on new fixed ladders over 24 feet must be completed. Also by this date, employers must ensure existing fixed ladders over 24 feet, including those on outdoor advertising structures, are equipped with a cage, well, personal fall arrest system, or ladder safety system.

For portable ladders, the new revisions require employers to ensure that: rungs and steps are slip resistant; portable ladders used on slippery surfaces are secured and stabilized; portable ladders are not moved, shifted, or extended while a worker is on them; top steps and caps of stepladders are not used as steps; ladders are not fastened together to provide added length unless designed for such use; and ladders are not placed on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain added height.

Replacing Cages & Wells On Fixed Ladders

By November 17, 2036, cages and wells on general industry fixed ladders must be phased out as the primary means of fall protection. Fixed ladders that currently feature a cage or well will have to be equipped with a ladder safety system or personal fall arrest system.

Links To More Information

• OSHA’s Walking-Working web page
• Walking-Working Surfaces in the Federal Register
• Walking-Working Surfaces Press Release
• Walking-Working Surfaces Regulatory Text
• OSHA Fact Sheet on Walking-Working Surfaces
• Q&A – Walking-Working Surfaces

Robert Box is the owner of Safety First Consulting and is an exclusive contributor to SM Corridor News. Safety First Consulting helps businesses identify OSHA compliance issues in their workplaces, manage their safety programs, and we become accountable for the results. In addition to offering custom written safety programs for companies, Safety First Consulting provides required safety training, industrial hygiene sampling, noise sampling, and workplace inspections. You can read more from Robert Box under Business.