Subchapter J. WINDOW CLEANING
GENERAL PROVISIONS Sec.
47.371. Definitions.
47.372. Scope.
47.373. Application.
47.374. Specification of materials.
47.375. Belts and ropes.
47.376. Terminals.
47.377. Anchors.
47.378. Test reports.
47.379. Methods of fastening anchors.
47.380. General requirements.
47.381. Inspection.
47.382. Penalty.
Authority The provisions of this Subchapter J issued under act of May 18, 1937 (P. L. 654, No. 174) (43 P. S. § § 25-1—25-15), unless otherwise noted.
Source The provisions of this Subchapter J adopted November 15, 1932; amended through August 1, 1967, unless otherwise noted.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
§ 47.371. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Double-head anchor (four bolt system)—Two anchor heads in the window frame on each side of the window made and installed according to this subchapter. Each pair of anchor heads shall be used simultaneously and not singly.
Window cleaning—The operation of washing, wiping or other methods of cleaning windows.§ 47.372. Scope.
This subchapter applies to all window cleaning operations over which the Department has supervision, sets forth rules to safeguard the lives, limbs and health of workers who engage in window cleaning, and places the responsibility of complying with these rules upon both employer and employe.
§ 47.373. Application.
(a) Safety devices. In buildings having windows with sills 12 or more feet above the grade or adjoining flat roof, and so constructed that it is necessary to clean the windows from the outside, approved safety devices for the protection of the window cleaner shall be provided. When windows are cleaned on the inside from sills located more than 12 feet above the floor or working platform, or when windows are of such size that they cannot be cleaned from the sills, approved devices such as ladders or scaffolds built or erected in accordance with this subchapter shall be used.
(b) Sills. In buildings, where the window sill extends less than 6 inches out from the window frame, an approved portable auxiliary sill or other approved device shall be provided. Portable sills shall not be less than 10 inches wide nor less than 30 inches long. Portable sills or other devices shall be so designed and constructed that are safely held in place and readily put into position and removed.
(c) Alterations. When windows are so constructed and it is usual or practicable to clean them from the inside, alterations, changes and obstructions which make it necessary to clean such windows from the outside, shall not be made unless provision is also made for safety devices.
(d) Windows at balconies. This subchapter shall not apply to a window opening to fire escape balcony or other balcony more than 2 feet wide and not more than 12 inches below the window sill.
(e) New construction. In buildings erected after November 15, 1932, approved anchors for window cleaners shall be installed at the time of erection and shall be indicated on the plans of the buildings except for the following:
(1) When casement windows are provided which may be cleaned from inside the building.
(2) When windows are so designed as to necessitate cleaning from the outside of the building by scaffolds.
(f) Existing construction. In all existing buildings which lack anchors for window cleaners, approved anchors shall be installed, or the windows shall be cleaned from scaffolds or ladders which are in accordance with the regulations of the Department.
(g) Anchors. Anchors for window cleaners installed before November 15, 1932, may remain if acceptable to the Department.
(h) Belts. Belts for window cleaners in use before November 15, 1932, may continue to be used if the Department determines them to be in a safe condition. Belts procured after such date shall be in accordance with this subchapter.
§ 47.374. Specification of materials.
(a) Brass. Brass or other approved durable corrosive-resistive material of equal strength or toughness shall have an ultimate tensile strength of not less than 50,000 pounds per square inch and elongation not less than 15% in two inches. When the material is annealed, the tensile test shall be made after annealing.
(b) Leather. Leather shall be oak tanned, free of glucose, salts, adulterants and acid.
(c) Canvas. Canvas shall be of double web and stitched.
(d) Rope. Rope shall be not less than 1/2 inch diameter Yacht Manila. It shall be from fiber of fine texture and flexible, yet hard enough to wear well.
§ 47.375. Belts and ropes.
(a) Approved safety belts shall be of oak-tanned leather, canvas or other approved equally strong durable material. The belt shall be so designed and constructed that safety terminals do not pass through their fastenings on the body belt of the window cleaner in case one terminal becomes loosened from its window anchor.
(b) Rope, if used, shall be of Yacht Manila, or its equivalent. It shall not be less than 1/2 inch in diameter and shall be doubled in such a manner that the tearing of one section of the rope does not affect the safety of the window cleaner. Larger sizes of rope shall be of corresponding higher minimum tensile strength.
(c) Ropes or straps secured to eyes or rings shall be provided with metal thimbles to prevent wear.
§ 47.376. Terminals.
(a) The ends of the belt shall be fitted with approved heavy forged or cast metal safety terminals of brass, or other approved durable corrosive-resistive materials. If cast they shall be properly annealed.
(b) Safety belt terminals shall have slots not less than 4 inches long. The slots shall be 1/2 inch wide and that portion of the slot which passes over the anchor head shall be 7/16 inch deep by 1 inch wide and shall have an approved catch to prevent the automatic or accidental release of the terminal.
(c) Right angle sections of terminals shall have 1/8 inch radius fillets in all inside corners.
(d) All other metal parts, fittings, rivets and thimbles shall be of the same strength and specifications as the safety terminals.
§ 47.377. Anchors.
(a) When the anchor head comes in contact with the belt terminal while in use, the terminal shall be not less than 1/4 inch thick.
(b) Anchors shall be forged and of the same material as the terminals. Anchors shall be of the twin or double headed type designed for attachment to window frames, mullions or masonry.
(c) The anchor heads shall be not less than 5/8 inch across the flat and 9/32 inch thick nor more than 3/4 inch across and 21/64 inch thick. The area of the neck of each anchor head shall be not less than the area of a 3/8 inch round.
(d) Anchors shall have 1/8 inch radius fillets at all places where diameters or other dimensions change. Wail flanges shall be not less than 1-1/4 inches in diameter.
(e) The space between the underside of the anchor head and the upperside of the flange or window frame shall be not less than 1/2 inch or more than 7/8 inch.
(f) Double anchor heads shall be spaced not less than two or more than three inch centers.
(g) The back face of anchors for installation in wood window frames or mullions shall be provided with at least two sharp lugs to prevent turning of the anchor after installation; other equally effective and approved methods may be used.
(h) The anchors on the building to which safety belts are fastened shall be installed at a point not less than 42 inches or more than 51 inches above the window sill.
§ 47.378. Test reports.
When application is made for approval of anchors, belts or ropes the information presented to the Department shall include the following:
(1) Test report or other documentary evidence showing that the materials from which the metal parts and the nonmetallic parts are made conform to the specifications of this subchapter, or test reports of individual metal parts showing a minimum ultimate tensile strength of 1,500 pounds.
(2) Test report showing that waist band, ropes or terminal straps, and all interconnecting parts have been subjected to test separately, and as an assembled unit, and have shown sufficient strength to hold a suspended load of 1,000 pounds.
§ 47.379. Methods of fastening anchors.
Anchors shall be attached to the building in the following manner:
(1) Brick masonry and concrete construction. Bolts or shanks shall be not less than eight inches in length and shall be imbedded their full length or shall extend through the wall. They shall be not less than 3/8 inch in diameter if round and shall be forged or rolled. If rectangular, they shall be not less than 1/4 inch in thickness and having a minimum sectional area of at least as great as a 3/8 inch diameter round. These bolts or shanks shall have either a right angle bend of at least 2 inches at the end or a metal washer riveted, or otherwise securely fastened to the end of the bolt or shank. The washer shall be at least four square inches in area and shall be imbedded in the masonry. Bolts or shanks shall be made of the same material as the anchor.
(2) Wood construction. Bolts or shanks shall be not less than 3/8 inch in diameter made of the same material as the anchor, shall pass through the entire window frame or mullion, and shall be securely fastened by a nut and washer. The ends of the bolts or shanks shall be upset to prevent loosening or removal of the nuts.
(3) Hollow metal frame construction. The anchor fittings shall be attached by three bolts 5/16 inch in diameter, of the same material as the anchor and shall pass through a steel plate not less than 5/16 inch thick, 3/4 inch wide by 6 inches long. This steel plate shall be bolted or riveted by at least two 1/4 inch bolts, screws or rivets of the same material as the anchor to a part of the frame protected by masonry or concrete. The ends of all bolts shall be upset to prevent loosening or removal of the nuts. As an alternate, each anchor fitting may be attached to the frame and reinforcing plate by means of at least three 5/16 inch screws of the same material and strength as the anchor, threaded and screwed into the plate to a depth of at least 5/16 inch. All screws used in the installation of anchors to metal frame construction shall have the threads terminate far enough from the screw head to prevent weakening due to undercutting.
(4) Solid metal construction. Anchor fittings shall be attached by three 5/16 inch bolts of the same material as the anchor. The bolts shall pass through the frame and shall be securely held in place by nuts and washers on the inside. The ends of the bolts shall be upset to prevent loosening or removal of the nuts. Where the nature of the solid metal frame construction is such that this method cannot be followed, it is permissible to drill and tap the metal frame and install the anchor with at least three 5/16 inch diameter screws made of the same material as the anchor and screwed into the frame to a depth of at least 3/8 inch. All screws used in the installation of anchors to metal frame construction shall have the threads terminate far enough from the screw head to prevent weakening due to undercutting.
(5) Other approved method. Any other method of attaching anchors shall be approved by the Department.
§ 47.380. General requirements.
(a) Scaffolds. When windows are cleaned from a scaffold, the scaffold shall be built in accordance with the regulations of the Department pertaining to scaffolds.
(b) Ladders. When ladders are used they shall be fitted with safety feet or other suitable means to prevent slipping and shall comply in all respects with Chapter 21 (relating to ladders). When ladders of over 18 feet in length are used, a man shall be stationed at the foot of the ladder to hold it in place while the window cleaner is on the ladder.
(c) Safety devices. Window cleaners shall use safety devices provided for their protection. Window cleaners shall not pass from window to window on the outside unless a supported railing is installed. Existing safety devices and methods of window cleaning other than those specified in this section shall be approved by the Department.
(d) Anchors. In buildings with windows where the distance between anchors is greater than 6 feet, there shall be installed special approved anchors at each side of the window frame. The anchors shall be set 42 inches above the window sills.
(e) Back support. The owner shall provide for each window when it is being cleaned a brass cable or chain to be attached to the anchors as a back support for the window cleaner. In addition there shall be installed above these anchors, standard belt anchors to which the window cleaner shall attach his belt.
(f) Mullion windows. If masonry openings for mullion windows are more than 5 feet 6 inches wide at least one anchor fitting shall be installed in each mullion.
(g) Casement windows. Casement windows which cannot be wholly cleaned while standing at the inside shall have anchor fittings installed in the same manner as specified for other windows.
§ 47.381. Inspection.
(a) Anchors. Anchors shall be regularly inspected by the owner of the equipment at least once every 6 months. Anchors that have become loose or worn shall be immediately replaced.
(b) Belts. Belts and ropes of window cleaners shall be inspected by the owner of the equipment at least once each week, and a record kept as to the condition and age of the equipment. Belts, ropes or terminals that show signs of wear or weakness shall be removed from service. The record of the inspections shall be kept in the office of the owners of the equipment and shall be opened to representatives of the Department on demand.
(c) Ladders and scaffolds. Ladders and scaffolding equipment shall be inspected by the owner of the equipment at least once each month and a record kept of the condition of the equipment. Broken or badly worn equipment shall be removed from service. The record of such inspections shall be kept in the office of the owner of the equipment and shall be open to representatives of the Department on demand.
§ 47.382. Penalty.
Any person who violates subchapter or any regulations of the Department or who interferes with the Department or its duly authorized representative in the enforcement of these provisions or regulations shall be subject to summary proceedings before an alderman, magistrate, or justice of the peace, and upon conviction shall be penalized under the provisions of section 15 of act of May 18, 1937 (P. L. 654, No. 174) (43 P. S. § 25-15).
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