Rule 4123:1-17-05 | Boatswain's chairs.
(A) Boatswain's chairs shall be used for window cleaning operations only where the windows cannot be cleaned by other prescribed methods set forth in rules 4123:1-17-02, 4123:1-17-03, 4123:1-17-04, 4123:1-17-06, and 4123:1-17-07 of the Administrative Code.
(B) A boatswain's chair seat shall be constructed of wood or equivalent material, be no less than twelve inches (30.5 centimeters) by twenty-four inches (sixty-one centimeters) by one inch (2.5 centimeters) thickness, and if constructed of wood, reinforced by cleats on the underside to prevent splitting.
(C) Seat slings shall be of no less than five-eighths inch (sixteen millimeters) diameter, first grade manila rope, or its equivalent, which shall be reeved through the four seat holes so as to cross each other on the underside of the seat.
(D) The employee shall be protected by a safety belt or a safety harness, with a lifeline, in accordance with rule 4123:1-17-06 of the Administrative Code. The attachment point of the lifeline to the structure shall be appropriately changed as the work progresses laterally.
(E) The tackle shall consist of correct size ball bearing or bushed blocks and properly spliced five-eighths inch (sixteen millimeters) diameter, first grade manila rope, or equivalent.
(F) The roof irons or hooks shall be of proper size and design, securely installed and anchored. Tiebacks of three quarter-inch (nineteen millimeters) manilla rope, or its equivalent, are to be used as an additional means of anchorage, which shall be installed as nearly as possible at right angles to the face of the building and secured to a structurally sound portion of the building. When no structurally sound portion of the building permits installation substantially at right angles to the face of the building, two tiebacks shall be used and secured at substantially equal and opposing acute angles to the right angle. Where outrigger beams, which shall consist of structural metal, or davits are used, they shall be securely fastened or anchored to the frame or floor system of the building or structure.
(G) Tie-ins or suction cups shall be provided and used for boatswain's chairs to prevent them from swaying during the window cleaning operation.
Last updated February 3, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Supplemental Information