Frequently Asked Questions
What is certification?
Certification is a combination of things. OSHA states anchors for RDS must be identified, tested, inspected and maintained. This general criteria is subjective; so what exactly does it mean? Our Certification page explains the process specifically.
When is certification needed?
Pro-Bel goes by the stamping date on the roof anchor plan when defining the date for the 10 year
re-certification. (i.e. If the original drawings were stamped October 4, 2008, the 10 year re-certification is due prior to
October 4, 2018)
re-certification. (i.e. If the original drawings were stamped October 4, 2008, the 10 year re-certification is due prior to
October 4, 2018)
Who needs this service?
All buildings that have window washing/fall protection systems that utilize Rope Decent Systems (RDS) require certification.
When does certification need to be completed?
While there is no official compliance date yet, OSHA has left this at the inspector’s discretion. Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs) must review the building owner’s written records to determine whether:
- A Qualified Person has identified, inspected, tested, and certified each RDS anchor
- The building owner is maintaining each RDS anchor in compliance with 1910.27(b)(1)(i)
- A Qualified Person has inspected each RDS anchor annually;
- A Qualified Person has certified each RDS anchor as frequently as necessary and at least every 10 years; and
- The building owner has informed the employer that each RDS anchor meets the requirements in 1910.27(b)(1)(i).
N.B.: CSHOs may contact the Qualified Person under contract for the inspection, testing and certification to confirm contract details and test results, if available.
Will there be any noise for this work?
Typically there is very little noise, the most you will see or hear from the Pro-Bel inspector is when we are accessing to the roof areas to start this work and exiting the areas when this work is completed. All work is typically done on the roof top level using hand held tools, such as tirfor, load cell and/or hydraulic hand pump.
How quickly can I get this work completed?
As the OSHA regulations are somewhat new, many buildings have been scrambling to make sense of when and how this work needs to be completed on their buildings. Due to this, and as the engineer needs to create a building specific test prescription prior to the onsite work starting, Pro-Bel typically requires approximately 3 to 4 weeks from the time we receive the signed quote/contract to start the load testing for certification.
Will I be notified if my equipment is not able to be certified/re-certified?
Yes, Pro-Bel will notify you immediately if something out of the ordinary arises such as failures during load testing, missing equipment, etc.
What if my system is a mixed-use between chair and suspended platform?
This would still fall under the umbrella for OSHA enforcement under 1927 and is applicable to your property.
What if I have a davit arm system for temporary platform use?
In this case, as of today, the certification under OSHA enforcement is not required. This type of system temporarily uses a suspended stage for window cleaning and as such it is governed by 1926 Subpart L. That being said, in our expert opinion, it won’t be long before OSHA enforces this certification on all types of systems including, but not limited to, suspended platforms and fall protection/fall restraint as well. We recommend that the service still be completed as a best practice method to keep all workers safe.
What is a Qualified Person?
“Qualified” means one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his/her ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.
Please note: Rope Descent Systems (RDS) are the most common and widely used process to clean high-rise buildings in North America.
Please note: Rope Descent Systems (RDS) are the most common and widely used process to clean high-rise buildings in North America.
At a minimum, what does OSHA expect from a building owner?
- Provide evidence that the building owner has contacted a Qualified Person to inspect, test, and certify RDS anchors
- Provide written evidence of an agreement with a Qualified Person to provide these services, such as an executed contract or letter of confirmation from the Qualified Person
- Provide OSHA with written evidence of the anticipated dates of inspection, testing, or certification, as appropriate
- Provide evidence that a diligent effort was made to complete RDS anchor inspection, testing, and certification before work is to begin; and
- Inform employers who may use RDS that the anchors have not been inspected, tested, and certified
