OSHA 1910.27(b): What the Rope Descent Anchorage Rule Actually Requires of Building Owners

Before any rope descent system is used, the building owner must inform the contractor in writing that each anchorage has been identified, tested, certified and maintained so it can support at least 5,000 pounds, in any direction, for each worker attached. That information must be based on an annual inspection by a qualified person, and certification by a qualified person as necessary and at least every 10 years (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)).

The contractor may not let anyone use an anchorage until it has that written information, and must keep it for the duration of the job.

Most OSHA duties fall on employers. This one names the building owner. If window cleaners or facade crews work from your roof on rope descent systems, the anchors, and the paperwork behind them, are your responsibility.

• Identified: every anchorage is known and located, ideally on a roof plan.
• Tested: a qualified person tests it using scientifically valid criteria.
• Certified: a qualified person certifies it, as necessary and at least every 10 years.
• Maintained: it stays in certified condition, backed by an annual inspection by a qualified person.
• 5,000 pounds, any direction, per worker: the capacity every certification has to confirm.
• In writing, before the work: the contractor receives the confirmation before anyone goes over the edge.

OSHA defines a qualified person as someone who, by a recognized degree, certificate or professional standing, or by extensive knowledge, training and experience, has shown the ability to solve problems in the subject matter. For anchors, that usually means a specialist inspection firm or a professional engineer.

• It does not require a 5,000-pound pull on every anchor. OSHA accepts scientifically valid testing criteria chosen by the qualified person. See anchor testing methods.
• It does not prescribe a report format. But a thin report will not hold up. See what an inspection report should contain.
• It does not let the owner hand the duty to the contractor. The written confirmation comes from the owner.

• No rope descent above 300 feet unless other means are not feasible or pose a greater hazard
• A separate, independent personal fall arrest system for each worker
• Prompt rescue available in the event of a fall
• No work in hazardous weather, such as storms or gusty or excessive wind
• Tools and equipment secured so they cannot fall

All from OSHA 29 CFR 1910.27(b)(2). A contractor who never asks for your anchor paperwork is skipping a step the rule requires of them.

• Find your most recent inspection and certification records. See how to find out whether your anchors have been certified.
• Check the dates against the annual and 10-year requirements.
• Fix gaps before the next rope descent job is scheduled.

Through its long-time anchor partner, S&K installs engineered anchor points and inspects, load tests and certifies existing systems, with records you can hand to ownership, insurers or auditors. See anchor installation and inspection.

Not sure where your building stands? Start with a free roof compliance survey, or read the full Roof Anchor and Fall Protection Compliance guide.