Suspension (Swing)

Each employee more than 10 feet (3.1 meters) above a lower level shall be protected from falling by guardrails and a personal fall arrest system when working from single or two-point suspended scaffolds and self-contained adjustable scaffolds that are supported by ropes, 1926.451(g)(1)(ii) and (iv). Each employee 10 feet (3.1 meters) above a lower level shall be protected from falling by a personal fall arrest system when working from a boatswain’s chair, ladder jack, needle beam, float, or catenary scaffolds. 1926.451(g)(1)(i)

Lifelines shall be independent of support lines and suspension ropes and not attached to the same anchorage point as the support or suspension ropes. 1926.451(g)(3)(iii) and (iv)

A competent person shall inspect the ropes for defects prior to each work shift and after every occurrence which could affect a rope’s integrity, evaluate the direct connections that support the load, and determine if two-point and multi-point scaffolds are secured from swaying. 1926.451(d)(3)(i), (d)(10), (d)(18), (f)(3)

The use of repaired wire rope is prohibited, 1926.451(d)(7). Tiebacks shall be secured to a structurally sound anchorage on the building or structure, 1926.451(d)(3)(ix). Tiebacks shall not be secured to standpipes, vents, other piping systems, or electrical conduit, 1926.451(d)(3)(ix) and (d)(5). A single tieback shall be installed perpendicular to the face of the building or structure. Two tiebacks installed at opposing angles are required when a perpendicular tieback cannot be installed, 1926.451(d)(3)(x).

Only those items specifically designed as counterweights shall be used. Sand, gravel, masonry units, rolls of roofing felt, and other such materials shall not be used as counterweights. 1926.451(d)(3)(ii) and (iii)

• Counterweights used for suspended scaffolds shall be made of materials that can not be easily dislocated. 1926.451(d)(3)(ii)
• Counterweights shall be secured by mechanical means to the outrigger beams. 1926.451(d)(3)(iv)