In a recent fall restraint system anchor inspections for a client in Seattle, it was discovered that the system had to be red tagged due to the anchor not withstanding proper load limits which could cause massive injury or death to an employee using this system. The anchors on the system were not secure to the roof and loose. OSHA 1910 governs fall protection systems and states (10) Anchorages to which personal fall arrest equipment is attached shall be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN) per employee attached, or shall be designed, installed, and used as part of a complete personal fall arrest system which maintains a safety factor of at least two, under the supervision of a qualified person.
If a fall arrest – restraint system or roof anchors are on any building, building owners are required to have them inspected at intervals not exceeding 12 months.
OSHA 1910.66 | WAC Chapter 296 Annual Inspections of Roof Anchors, Fall Protection System Inspection and tests – Periodic inspections and tests. OSHA 1910.66(g)(2)(i) Related building supporting structures shall undergo periodic inspection by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 12 months.
1910.66(g)(2)(iii) The building owner shall keep a certification record of each inspection and test required under paragraphs (g)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section. The certification record shall include the date of the inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection, and the number, or other identifier, of the building support structure and equipment which was inspected. This certification record shall be kept readily available for review by the Assistant Secretary of Labor or the Assistant Secretary’s representative and by the employer.
Building owners Responsibility – Separate from the annual inspections, building owners shall ensure equipment or anchors be re-certified 1. At periods not to exceed 10 years, 2. When equipment shows excessive wear or damage, 3. When re-roofing or renovation 4. When equipment is modified or removed from the structure.
