Demystifying the OSHA Facade Access and Fall Protection Requirements: Tips and Tricks for Your Next Project

Please join APT WGLC for a noon virtual presentation by Jonathan E. Lewis, S.E.. A brief recap of the APT WGLC Annual Report will follow the presentation.

Demystifying the OSHA Facade Access and Fall Protection Requirements: Tips and Tricks for Your Next Project

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a final rule updating its general industry Walking-Working Surfaces standards specific to slip, trip, and fall hazards. The new rule governs a wide variety of conditions, including fixed ladders, low-slope roofs, and rope descent systems. In the years since its adoption, the new rule has had significant ramifications for many buildings, particularly for buildings where window washing and other maintenance activities are completed via rope descent systems, which are sometimes referred to as boatswain's (or bosun's) chairs.

This program will cover these recent changes and the concept of facade access more broadly, with the intent of raising awareness of key considerations that architects and engineers should keep in mind when designing and/or overseeing repairs for existing buildings. Practical examples and advice will be shared with the participants.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe how to find OSHA regulations that govern facade access and fall protection.
2. Explore various common facade access equipment types and methods and how each complies with OSHA standards.
3. Identify responsibilities of architects and engineers related to OSHA-compliant facade access and fall protection.
4. Understand how to avoid some of the common mistakes and risks associated with repairs to existing buildings.

Jonathan E. Lewis, SE is a Principal, Unit Manager, and Executive Director of Practice Development for Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates in Chicago. Since joining WJE in 2001, Mr. Lewis has been involved in a variety of structural investigations, condition assessments, repair designs, and peer reviews. He has performed structural analyses and assisted in the development of repairs for multiple notable structures across the country. Mr. Lewis has significant experience with structural analysis computer software programs and is proficient in finite element analysis. He has developed expertise in fall protection requirements for elevated work surfaces as well as the evaluation and analysis of facade access equipment.

An email link to the presentation will be sent to those who register after registration closes, approximately one day before the presentation.

1.0 AIA/CES HSW LU will be provided (pending approval).