Rope Descent Systems
The employer must ensure:
- The rope descent system has proper rigging, including anchorages and tiebacks, with particular emphasis on providing tiebacks when counterweights, cornice hooks, or similar non-permanent anchorages are used;
Window washer using rope descent system with seat board.
- Each employee uses a separate, independent personal fall arrest system (PFAS) that meets the requirements of 1910 Subpart I, Personal Protective Equipment;
- Prompt rescue of each employee is provided in the event of a fall;
- The ropes of each rope descent system are effectively padded or otherwise protected, where they can contact edges of the building, anchorage, obstructions, or other surfaces, to prevent them from being cut or weakened;
- Stabilization is provided at the specific work location when descents are greater than 130 feet (39.6 m);
- No employee uses a rope descent system when hazardous weather conditions, such as storms or gusty or excessive wind, are present;
- Equipment, such as tools, squeegees, or buckets, is secured by a tool lanyard or similar method to prevent it from falling; and
- The ropes of each rope descent system are protected from exposure to open flames, hot work, corrosive chemicals, and other destructive conditions.
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1-10. What is the requirement for use of fall protection when working with a rope descent system?
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