Understanding Cal/OSHA Exterior Building Maintenance and Façade Access Design Requirements
Since our fall protection solutions meet California’s rigorous building codes, they’ll meet or exceed regulations across the nation.
We’re Experts in Strict Building Code
Hardy Fall Protection Systems brings unmatched expertise in meeting and exceeding building code requirements, particularly in California.
Our Hardy Saddle Tie Back is engineered to comply with the strictest state regulations, ensuring safety and reliability in every installation. Our fall protection products are not just code-approved but are designed with a deep understanding of all relevant building codes, ensuring compliance in the most demanding regulatory environments.
Code Reports
The Uniform Evaluation Report assures the code official that our products have undergone the highest levels of third-party scrutiny available, and undergoes IAPMO’s continuous compliance inspection program.
Understanding the Code
Special Design Considerations–Permanent Roof
This document has been prepared by Hardy Fall Protection Systems for convenience regarding relevant portions of California Building Code.
2023 Evaluation Report (ER) 461
Hardy Tie Back Devices, Hardy Tie Back Saddles and Hardy Outrigger Systems.
The mentioned Hardy products in this report have been evaluated for use as roof-level tie-back systems and scaffolding supports. The structural and durability properties of the Hardy Tie Back Devices, Hardy Tie Back Saddles, and Hardy Outrigger Systems comply with the intent of the provisions of the relevant codes and regulations.
California Code of Regulations Title 8 Section 3291. Special Design Considerations–Permanent Roof
California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3282. General Requirements for All Window Cleaning Operations
California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3294. Powered Platform Installations–Affected Parts of Buildings
California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 3296. Inspection and Tests
California Code FAQs
-
When are Tie Backs Required?
Every building constructed 3 stories or 36 feet or more in height, shall have roof tie-backs or other permanent devices installed at the roof level for the purpose of securing or tying back suspended scaffold hooks or clamps and safety lines.
California Code of Regulations Title 8 Section 3291 (f)(1).
-
Are there any exceptions to the code?
Yes.
Roof tie-backs are not required on buildings employing other acceptable means of permanently installed roof top maintenance systems specified in this Article or Article 6.
Roof tie-backs are not required on buildings constructed up to 4 stories or 48 feet in height when building maintenance can be accomplished using extension tools, ladders, approved ground equipment such as scaffolds, or aerial devices designed and used for positioning personnel.
California Code of Regulations Title 8 Section 3291 (f)(1).
These exceptions are left up to interpretation by the OSHA inspector. It is our understanding that tie-backs will be required on buildings higher than 3 stories and below 48 feet high if the use of ladders, scaffolds, or other aerial devices are not possible because of the building location and site conditions. All buildings higher than 48 feet will require a tie-back system.
-
How far apart should the tie backs be spaced?
Such devices should be spaced at approximately 12-foot intervals; however, the spacing shall depend primarily on the availability of roof structural framing members of sufficient strength to safely carry applied loads. Tie-backs may be installed in structural parapets that are of adequate strength to sustain applied loads, but, placement shall be as close to the roof level as practicable.
California Code of Regulations Title 8 Section 3291 (f)(2).
-
Does the use of operable windows replace the requirement to install roof tie backs?
No.
-
How far from the edge of the roof should the tie backs be placed?
The code does not specifically specify the distance from the edge of the building. CAL/OSHA would like to see the tie backs placed 6’ – 8’ from the edge of the roof but if mechanical equipment or other obstructions prevent this placement the tie back may be placed closer to the edge of the building.
-
Are tie backs required to be tested?
Yes.
All completed building maintenance equipment installations shall be inspected and tested in the field before being placed in initial service to determine that all parts of the installation conform to applicable requirements of this article, and that all safety and operating equipment is functioning as required.
California Code of Regulations Title 8 Section 3296 (a).
Roof tie-backs shall be tested to no more than 50 percent of their rated capacity. For example, a roof tie-back with a rated capacity of 5000 pounds shall not be tested in excess of 2500 pounds.
California Code of Regulations Title 8 Section 3296 (b)(4)(B).
Assembly and anchorage provisions adequate to sustain a 5000 pound load applied in any direction without permanent deformation.
California Code of Regulations Title 8 Section 3291 (f)(2)(C).
-
Does my new project require an OPOS (operation procedure outline sheet)?
Not for unscheduled maintenance.
Owners of buildings 36 feet or more in height shall have an Operating Procedures Outline Sheet (OPOS) where one or more of the following conditions apply to such buildings:
- A building does not have an established window cleaning system or procedure meeting the requirements specified in Articles 5 & 6 – California Code of Regulations Title 8 Section 3282(p)(1)(C) 1A.
- A building has extreme architectural features, which require the use of complex rigging/equipment or a building uses rigging, or equipment not covered by California Code of Regulations Title 8 Section 3282(p)(1)(C) 1C.
- When a boatswain’s chair or controlled descent apparatus is permitted for window cleaning in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 8 Section 3286(a)(1).
- When the use of counter weighted outrigger beams is permitted for window cleaning in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 8 Section 3291 (d)(2).