Ohio Administrative Code
Title 4123:1 - Division of Safety and Hygiene
Chapter 4123:1-17 - Window Cleaning
Section 4123:1-17-05 - Boatswain's chairs

(A) When constructed of wood the chair seat shall be no less than twelve inches by twenty-four inches by one-inch thickness, reinforced by cleats on the underside to prevent splitting. A chair of the same size may be constructed of material of equal strength.

(B) Seat slings shall be of no less than five-eighths-inch diameter, first grade manila rope, or its equivalent, which shall be reeved through the four seat holes so as to cross each other on the underside of the seat.

(C) The employee shall be protected by a safety belt or harness and lifeline in accordance with rule 4123:1-17-06 of the Administrative Code. The attachment point of the lifeline to the structure shall be appropriately changed as the work progresses laterally.

(D) The tackle shall consist of correct size ball bearing or bushed blocks and properly spliced five-eighths-inch diameter, first grade manila rope, or equivalent.

(E) The roof irons or hooks shall be of proper size and design, securely installed and anchored. Tiebacks of three-quarter-inch manilla rope, or its 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.

(F) Tie-ins or suction cups shall be provided and used for boatswain's chairs to prevent them from swaying during the window cleaning operation.