Roof Anchors for Window Washers

We can’t all be Tom Cruise leaping off the side of buildings on an impossible mission to save the world. Despite that, do you know what action movie stars and window washers have in common? Safety Regulations.

It is crucial to understand how you can keep yourself and your team safe while cleaning windows. In this article, we’ll discuss OSHA’s requirements, roof anchors, and what system you can use when anchors are not readily available.

OSHA Requirements for Window Washing Anchors

First things first, we need to understand what the regulations require of us in order to be safe while washing windows. Depending on where you live, you may have different requirements because of local code organizations, like Cal-OSHA in California. So, make sure to research if that’s the case for you.

We are going to focus on Federal OSHA requirements. The codes that we will reference for this are:

• 1910.27 – Scaffolds and rope descent systems
• 1910.140 – Personal fall protection systems

The most important takeaway from these codes is to stop before any work begins. OSHA code says again and again to make sure certain things are in place before any employee uses an anchorage system.

EVERY employee that is going to use a rope descent system must be trained to do so. There should be an up-to-date record of this training, which needs to be completed by a qualified person. If there is any reason to doubt someone’s ability to work safely, whether from process changes or lack of skill, new training must be completed. 

Every anchor that is used in a rope descent system needs to be tested, certified, and maintained. The anchors need to be inspected every year by a qualified person. They need to be certified as needed and at least every 10 years. You, as the window washer, are supposed to get this information in writing from the building owner before it is used.

Now that you’ve stopped and ensured that the anchors you are using are safe and compliant, the rope descent system can be used. When you do this, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings.

Besides the rope descent system, every person who uses it has to have a separate tie off for personal fall protection while washing windows. This means there are at least two anchors per user.

Besides following the manufacturer’s instructions to the T, you can follow the direction of a qualified person. This person will most likely instruct you to follow the manufacturer’s instructions but can also apply their very special set of skills that they’ve acquired over a long career to alter those instructions based on site conditions to get you home safely. This is what it’s all about, getting you and your team home safely.

As for strength, you can find specific load requirements, testing requirements, and such in 1910.140. But there is one more pivotal component to all this I want to make sure you know.

Every time someone uses a personal fall arrest system, you must have a rescue plan. There’s little use in properly arresting a fall if the employee is going to hang over the edge of the building for who knows how long. You need to understand how to rescue your team or how YOU will be rescued in the event of a fall, like via additional equipment or emergency services. 

When Do You Need Window Washing Anchors?

This may seem like a silly question and it kind of is. You need window washing anchors when you’re going over the edge of a roof to…drum roll please…wash windows. No big surprise here.

So, why ask the question? 

This is more about who is responsible for providing window washing anchors. Is it you, or is it the building owner? In a word, yes. It’s both of you. The window washing company is responsible for making sure their employees are safe when working, which means the employer needs to have proper safety gear, like anchors.

At the same time, the building owner needs to have their windows cleaned and employs a contractor to do so. Not only that, but if anchors that mount into the structure of the building are used, the building owner has to approve such modifications to the building. 

There is one restriction about when to use a rope descent system you need to know. If the height is 300 feet above grade, then you can’t use a rope descent system. Unless, of course, you can prove that any other system will pose a greater threat when accessing those heights.

What To Do When You Don’t Have Window Washing Anchors?

This is an important question. You’ve been asked to wash a business’s windows. You show up on site for your first inspection and find out that there are no anchors available for you to use or the anchors that are there are not rated or certified for window washing.

So, what do you do?

First, ask yourself if you even need to use such a system. Can a lift do the trick? It may cost more money and time right now. Or, is there another way you can access the windows from the ground? 

If the answer is no, you may be tempted to wallow in the pit of despair. Don’t. We’ve got your back.

There is a non-penetrating, single user rope access system that can be brought from site to site. It’s called the Kee Attach Mobile Rope Access Anchor. A mouthful I know. Just call it the “Kee Attach" for short.

Kee Attach is a counterbalanced, dead-weight anchor system that can be moved from site to site. This means you don’t have to rely on building owners to properly inspect and maintain anchors.

You can be the hero to your client so that they don’t have to spend thousands more dollars on installing the right anchors just so you can do your job. Plus, you’ll know that the system works because you’ve used it again and again. You can easily take this system from one job site to another in no time. Making your business safe and efficient.

It's compliant with OSHA, ANSI, and CSA standards. I won’t go into too much more detail because you’re not here for a sales pitch. However, if you want to know more information, then please contact our fall protection experts.

We can also provide mounted anchors for your client to approve so that you always have what you need at that facility. Again, contact our fall protection experts, and we will take care of you.

Conclusion

OSHA regulations for window washing state that you have to have a plan, training, and documentation before you start using a rope descent system. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the qualified person’s directions and create/utilize a rescue plan every time you or your team use fall protection systems for window washing.

And remember, what do you do when you don’t have anchors? Let us know, and we will help you find a solution that gets you home safely.