// CODE SNIPPET
1910.140(e) Positioning Systems
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The employer must ensure that each positioning system meets the following requirements:
All positioning systems, except window cleaners' positioning systems, are capable of withstanding, without failure, a drop test consisting of a 4-foot (1.2-m) drop of a 250-pound (113-kg) weight;
Positioning systems, including window cleaners' positioning systems, that meet the test methods and procedures in appendix D of this subpart are considered to be in compliance with paragraphs (e)(1)(i) and (ii).
Lineman's body belt and pole strap systems must meet the following tests:
A dielectric test of 819.7 volts, AC, per centimeter (25,000 volts per foot) for 3 minutes without visible deterioration;
A leakage test of 98.4 volts, AC, per centimeter (3,000 volts per foot) with a leakage current of no more than 1 mA; and
A flammability test in accordance with Table I-7 of this section.
| Test Method | Criteria for Passing Test |
| 1.Vertically suspend a 19.7-inch (500-mm) length of strapping supporting a 220.5-lb (100-kg) weight; | Any flames on the positioning strap must self-extinguish. |
| 2. Use a butane or propane burner with a 3-inch (76-mm) flame; | The positioning strap must continue to support the 220.5-lb (100kg) mass. |
| 3. Direct the flame to an edge of the strapping at a distance of 1 inch (25-mm); | |
| 4. Remove the flame after 5 seconds; and | |
| 5. Wait for any flames on the positioning strap to stop burning. |
All window cleaners' positioning systems must:
Be capable of withstanding without failure a drop test consisting of a 6-foot (1.8-m) drop of a 250-pound (113-kg) weight; and
Limit the initial arresting force on the falling employee to not more than 2,000 pounds (8.9 kN), with a duration not exceeding 2 milliseconds and any subsequent arresting forces to not more than 1,000 pounds (4.5 kN).
The employer must ensure that window cleaners' positioning systems meet and are used in accordance with the following:
Window cleaners' belts are designed and constructed so that:
Belt terminals will not pass through their fastenings on the belt or harness if a terminal comes loose from the window anchor; and
The length of the runner from terminal tip to terminal tip is 8 feet (2.44 m) or less;
Each window anchor is capable of supporting a minimum load of 6,000 pounds (26.5 kN);
Use of installed window anchors for any purpose other than attaching the window cleaner's belt is prohibited;
No employee works on a window sill or ledge unless:
The window sill or ledge is a minimum of 4 inches (10 cm) wide and slopes no more than 15 degrees below horizontal; or
The 4-inch minimum width of the window sill or ledge is increased 0.4 inches (1 cm) for every degree the sill or ledge slopes beyond 15 degrees, up to a maximum of 30 degrees;
A window anchor that has damaged or deteriorated fastenings or supports is removed, or the window anchor head is detached so the anchor cannot be used;
Rope that has wear or deterioration that affects its strength is not used;
Both terminals of the window cleaner's belt are attached to separate window anchors during any cleaning operation;
No employee works on a window sill or ledge on which there is snow, ice, or any other slippery condition, or one that is weakened or rotted;
The employee attaches at least one belt terminal to a window anchor before climbing through the window opening, and keeps at least one terminal attached until completely back inside the window opening;
Except as provided in paragraph (e)(2)(xii) of this section, the employee travels from one window to another by returning inside the window opening and repeating the belt terminal attachment procedure at each window in accordance with paragraph (e)(2)(x) of this section;
An employee using a window cleaner's positioning system may travel from one window to another while outside of the building, provided:
At least one belt terminal is attached to a window anchor at all times;
The distance between window anchors does not exceed 4 feet (1.2 m) horizontally. The distance between windows may be increased up to 6 feet (1.8 m) horizontally if the window sill or ledge is at least 1 foot (0.31 m) wide and the slope is less than 5 degrees;
The sill or ledge between windows is continuous; and
The width of the window sill or ledge in front of the mullions is at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) wide.
[81 FR 82999-83002, Nov. 18, 2016]
[81 FR 82999-83002, Nov. 18, 2016]
Window anchors to which belts are fastened are installed in the side frames or mullions of the window at a point not less than 42 inches (106.7 cm) and not more than 51 inches (129.5 cm) above the window sill;
Related Code Sections
1910.140(e) Personal Protective Equipment, Positioning Systems
The employer must ensure that each positioning system meets the following requirements ...
OSHA 1910 General Industry > I Personal Protective Equipment > 1910.140 Personal Fall Protection Systems > 1910.140(e) Positioning Systems
1910.140(e)(2)(i)(B) Personal Protective Equipment,
The length of the runner from terminal tip to terminal tip is 8 feet (2.44 m) or less ...
OSHA 1910 General Industry > I Personal Protective Equipment > 1910.140 Personal Fall Protection Systems > 1910.140(e) Positioning Systems > 1910.140(e)(2) System Use Criteria for Window Cleaners' Positioning Systems > 1910.140(e)(2)(i) > 1910.140(e)(2)(i)(B)
1910.140(e)(2)(ii) Personal Protective Equipment,
Window anchors to which belts are fastened are installed in the side frames or mullions of the window at a point not less than 42 inches (106.7 cm ...
OSHA 1910 General Industry > I Personal Protective Equipment > 1910.140 Personal Fall Protection Systems > 1910.140(e) Positioning Systems > 1910.140(e)(2) System Use Criteria for Window Cleaners' Positioning Systems > 1910.140(e)(2)(ii)
1910.140(e)(2)(iii) Personal Protective Equipment,
Each window anchor is capable of supporting a minimum load of 6,000 pounds (26.5 kN ...
OSHA 1910 General Industry > I Personal Protective Equipment > 1910.140 Personal Fall Protection Systems > 1910.140(e) Positioning Systems > 1910.140(e)(2) System Use Criteria for Window Cleaners' Positioning Systems > 1910.140(e)(2)(iii)
1910.140(e)(2)(iv) Personal Protective Equipment,
Use of installed window anchors for any purpose other than attaching the window cleaner's belt is prohibited ...
OSHA 1910 General Industry > I Personal Protective Equipment > 1910.140 Personal Fall Protection Systems > 1910.140(e) Positioning Systems > 1910.140(e)(2) System Use Criteria for Window Cleaners' Positioning Systems > 1910.140(e)(2)(iv)