Ohio Administrative Code
Title 4123:1 - Division of Safety and Hygiene
Chapter 4123:1-17 - Window Cleaning
Section 4123:1-17-03 - Swinging scaffolds

(A) Swinging scaffold platforms shall be no less than twenty inches wide overall. The platform shall be securely fastened to the hangers by U-bolts or by other equivalent means.

(B) The hangers of swinging scaffolds shall be capable of sustaining four times the rated load.

(C) When hoisting machines are used on swinging scaffolds, such machines shall be of an approved design.

(D) The roof irons or hooks shall be of proper size and design, securely installed and anchored. Tiebacks of three-quarter-inch manilla rope, or the equivalent, shall serve as an additional means of anchorage, which shall be installed as nearly as possible at right angles to the face of the building and shall be 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.

(E) Swinging scaffolds shall be suspended by wire, synthetic fiber, or natural fiber ropes capable of supporting no less than six times the rated load. All other components shall be capable of supporting no less than four times the rated load.

(F) Only treated or protected fiber rope or its equivalent shall be used for or near any work involving the use of corrosive chemicals.

(G) The sheaves of all blocks shall fit the size and type of rope used.

(H) No more than two employees shall be required to be on a two-point suspension scaffold designed for a working load of five hundred pounds. No more than three employees shall be required to be on a two-point suspension scaffold designed for a working load of seven hundred pounds.

(I) The employer shall provide an approved safety belt or harness and lifeline for each employee working on a swinging scaffold in compliance with rule 4123:1-17-06 of the Administrative Code.

(J) Employees shall not be required to use a bridge, or to move directly, between one swinging scaffold and another.

(K) Each swinging scaffold shall be securely fastened to the building or structure at each work location to prevent it from swaying. Window cleaners' anchors shall not be used for this purpose. Tie-in anchors designed for the rated load of the scaffold may be used.

(L) The platform of every swinging scaffold shall be capable of sustaining four times the rated load.

(M) All swinging scaffolds shall have standard guardrails and toeboards on all unprotected sides of platforms.

(N) The free ends of fall lines from scaffolds shall be guarded to prevent tangling or snagging.