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CAL OSHA CODES

Cal-OSHA provides detailed guidelines through Articles 5, 6, and 24 to address the specific requirements for window cleaning, powered platforms, and fall protection systems. Below, you’ll find a streamlined summary of these regulations, highlighting the essential safety measures and operational standards that employers and workers must follow. This guide serves as a quick reference to understand and implement these critical safety rules.  Links are included to every article and section mentioned.

Cal-OSHA Article 5: Window Cleaning

  • §3281: Definitions

    • Defines key terms such as “Working Platform,” “Suspended Scaffold,” and “Lifeline.”
    • Clarifies distinctions between different types of equipment and safety devices.
    • Provides a foundation for understanding subsequent safety requirements.

 

  • §3282: General Requirements for All Window Cleaning Operations

    • Mandates the use of approved safety devices and equipment.
    • Requires employee training in the use of window cleaning equipment.
    • Specifies conditions under which window cleaning is permitted.
    • Emphasizes the need for regular equipment inspection and maintenance.

 

  • §3283: Anchors and Fittings

    • Requires anchors to support at least four times the intended load.
    • Specifies proper installation and placement of anchor devices.
    • Mandates regular inspection and testing of anchors and fittings.
    • Prohibits the use of makeshift or non-engineered anchor points.

 

 

  • §3285: Suspended Scaffolds

    • Requires scaffolds to be designed and constructed to support four times the maximum load.
    • Specifies proper rigging and securing of suspended scaffolds.
    • Mandates the use of guardrails and personal fall arrest systems.
    • Outlines inspection and maintenance procedures for scaffolding equipment.

 

 

  • §3287: Ladders

    • Specifies the types of ladders permitted for window cleaning tasks.
    • Mandates proper angle and footing for ladder placement.
    • Requires ladders to be secured to prevent displacement.
    • Prohibits the use of ladders in adverse weather conditions.

 

  • §3288: Rolling Scaffolds

    • Requires scaffolds to have guardrails and toeboards installed.
    • Specifies maximum height-to-base ratios to prevent tipping.
    • Mandates locking of caster wheels when the scaffold is in use.
    • Prohibits movement of the scaffold while occupied.

 

  • §3289: Tools

    • Requires tools to be secured to prevent falling.
    • Mandates regular inspection and maintenance of tools.
    • Prohibits carrying tools in a manner that impedes safe climbing.
    • Specifies the use of tool lanyards when working at heights.

 

  • §3290: Prohibited Equipment

    • Prohibits the use of chairs, belts, or scaffolds not meeting specified standards.
    • Bans the use of rope descent systems exceeding 300 feet in height.
    • Disallows the use of damaged or defective equipment.
    • Specifies penalties for non-compliance with Cal-OSHA standards.

 

 

  • Appendix A: Operating Procedures Outline Sheet

    • Provides a checklist for inspecting window cleaning tools and systems.
    • Covers requirements for daily and periodic equipment checks.
    • Includes detailed steps for verifying anchor points and lifelines.
    • Emphasizes documentation of inspections to ensure compliance.

 

 

Article 6: Powered Platforms and Equipment for Building Maintenance

 

  • §3292: General

    • Establishes the scope and application of regulations for powered platforms used in building maintenance
    • Applies to permanently installed powered platform installations.
    • Excludes temporary scaffolds used for construction purposes.
    • Emphasizes compliance with these safety standards.

 

  • §3293: Definitions

    • Provides specific definitions for terms used in Article 6
    • Defines key terms like “Authorized Person,” “Competent Person,” and “Working Platform.”
    • Clarifies distinctions between equipment types and safety devices.
    • Ensures consistent interpretation of terminology.

 

 

 

  • §3296: Inspection and Tests

    • Establishes protocols for inspections and testing of powered platforms
    • Details initial inspection and testing required before operation.
    • Explains annual inspections conducted by qualified personnel.
    • Requires detailed records of inspections.
    • Explains Load Test requirements

 

  • §3297: Maintenance

    • Details maintenance requirements to ensure safe operation.
    • Explains how equipment must be kept in safe working condition.

 

  • §3298: Operations

    • Breaks down methods that safe operating procedures are required to be put in place for powered platforms.
    • States requirements of supervision from a competent person.
    • Explains how operators must be trained and authorized.

 

 

Appendices for Article 6

  • Appendix A

    • Guidelines for inspecting roof access and anchorage systems.
    • Emphasizes structural integrity of anchorage points.
    • Includes recommendations for roof access safety.

 

  • Appendix B

    • Guidelines for stabilization systems (ISAs)
    • Pictures of said systems

 

  • Appendix C

    • Sets mandatory and non-mandatory criteria for fall arrest systems
    • Section I (Mandatory): Design and performance criteria for harnesses and anchors.
    • Section II (Mandatory): Proper use and installation guidelines for equipment.
    • Section III (Non-Mandatory): Best practices for fall arrest system inspection and maintenance.

 

 

 

Cal-OSHA Article 24: Fall Protection Regulations

 

  • §1669: General

    • Establishes general requirements for fall protection in construction activities
    • Specifies that employees working at certain heights must be protected by fall protection systems.
    • Emphasizes the employer’s responsibility to provide and ensure the use of appropriate fall protection.
    • Highlights the need for regular inspection and maintenance of fall protection equipment.

 

 

  • §1671: Safety Nets

    • Outlines standards for use of safety nets as a fall protection method.
    • Specifies placement and installation requirements for safety nets.
    • Details criteria for mesh size, border ropes, and connections.
    • Requires regular inspection and maintenance of safety nets to ensure effectiveness.

 

  • §1671.1: Fall Protection Plan

    • Provides guidelines for developing a fall protection plan when conventional methods are infeasible.
    • Specifies that the plan must be prepared by a qualified person.
    • Requires the plan to identify all potential fall hazards and outline measures to mitigate them.

 

  • §1671.2: Controlled Access Zones and Safety Monitoring Systems

    • Describes alternative fall protection measures when standard systems are not feasible.
    • Defines controlled access zones and their use in limiting employee exposure to fall hazards.
    • Outlines the role and responsibilities of safety monitors in overseeing work within controlled access zones.
    • Specifies conditions under which these alternative measures can be implemented.