Scope WAC 296-878

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Safety Standards for Window Cleaning

Chapter 296-878, WAC

Effective Date: 01/01/03

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Scope

WAC 296-878-100

For printing

These rules apply to all window-cleaning activities performed on the inside or outside of a building in which the window cleaner is working from a level that is located more than 48 inches above grade.

WAC 296-878-10005

Your responsibility:

Make sure workers clean windows safely, and properly use and maintain their window-cleaning equipment.

Important:

Window-cleaning equipment includes window-cleaner's belts, boatswains' chairs, rope descent systems, ladders, supported scaffolds and the support equipment used to suspend employees cleaning windows.

You must

Training

Train workers to use window-cleaning equipment

WAC 296-878-11005

Building surfaces and fixtures

Make sure building surfaces and fixtures are safe to use

WAC 296-878-12005

Inspection procedures

Inspect the area to be cleaned	WAC 296-878-13005
Inspect window-cleaning equipment before use	WAC 296-878-13010

Develop site-specific service and emergency plans

Develop a site-specific service and emergency recovery plan for window-cleaning operations

WAC 296-878-14005

Equipment

Select and use appropriate equipment	WAC 296-878-15005
Select appropriate rope for suspended equipment	WAC 296-878-15015
Select appropriate carabiners	WAC 296-878-15020
Use fall protection equipment	WAC 296-878-15025

Warning signs and barricades

Provide warning signs and barricades when suspended equipment is used

WAC 296-878-16005

Power line clearances

Maintain clearance between window cleaners and power lines

WAC 296-878-17005

Window-cleaners' belts and anchors

Select appropriate window-cleaners' belts and anchors	WAC 296-878-18005
Inspect the anchors you plan to use for window cleaning	WAC 296-878-18010
Use window-cleaners' belts safely	WAC 296-878-18015
Move safely on the outside of buildings	WAC 296-878-18020

Boatswains' chairs

Select appropriate boatswains' chairs	WAC 296-878-19005
Safely use boatswains' chairs rigged with a block and tackle	WAC 296-878-19010

Rope descent systems

Select appropriate rope descent systems	WAC 296-878-20005
Safely use rope descent systems	WAC 296-878-20010
Safely use rope descent devices	WAC 296-878-20015

Equipment prohibited

Prohibit equipment from use

WAC 296-878-21005

Definitions

WAC 296-878-220