Inspection procedures WAC 296-878-130

For printing

WAC 296-878-13005

Inspect the area to be cleaned.

You must

• Inspect the building before cleaning to make sure there are no areas that can damage worker fall protection equipment and window-cleaning equipment. Inspect:
  • - Sharp edges of parapets
  • - Window frames
  • - Open projected windows
  • - Cornices
  • - Overhangs
  • - Any other areas that may abrade, sever, weaken, or damage the equipment.
• Make sure all working surfaces are safe and free from hazards such as:
  • - Grease
  • - Oil
  • - Other slippery substances.

WAC 296-878-13010

Inspect window-cleaning equipment before use

You must

(1) Store your window-cleaning equipment in a way that:

• Is easy to get to, inspect, and safely take our for use
• Provides protection from moisture, sunlight, or corrosion

(2) Make sure a competent person inspects these items before each use:

• Window-cleaners' belts
• Boatswain's chairs
• All components of rope decent systems
• Suspension devices
• Certified roof anchorages
• Primary support ropes or lines
• The decent device
• Carabiners or shackles
• A seatboard or boatswain's chair
• Wear points on rope descent system components exposed to constant friction

(3) Make sure you don't use any piece of window-cleaning equipment with defects.

• Prohibit makeshift repairs to any piece of window-cleaning equipment
• Label any piece of window-cleaning equipment that is defective "dangerous, do not use"

(4) Secure any padding or softeners so they don't come loose from:

• The surface of the building
• The rope if not attached to the building