OAR 437-002-2027
Rope Descent & Rope Access Systems

(1)

Scope and application. This rule establishes safety requirements for rope descent and rope access. Rope descent and rope access systems can provide a safe way for employees to reach hard-to-reach locations, either natural or man-made. The requirements of this rule include, but are not limited to, the cleaning of buildings or structures, the inspection of dams and spillways, access to interior or exterior structural and architectural components of buildings, highway/bridge inspection and maintenance, powerplant penstocks and other difficult access areas.

(2)

Definitions. For the purposes of this rule the following definitions apply:

(a)

Access is the means of reaching a workspace of a work area.

(b)

Rope access means the use of rope access equipment where two ropes are used; one as the primary means of support and a second for fall arrest protection. The employee accesses the work area by ascending, descending, or traversing along both ropes by alternating connections and weight between the two ropes. Rope access may also be called industrial rope access but is not limited to industrial applications.

(c)

Rope descent system means a suspension system that allows an employee to descend in a controlled manner and, as needed, stop at any point during the descent. A rope descent system usually consists of a roof anchorage, support rope, a descent device, carabiner(s) or shackle(s), and a chair (seatboard). A rope descent system also is called controlled descent equipment or apparatus. Rope descent systems do not include industrial rope access systems.

(3)

Personal Protective Equipment. The employer must ensure personal protective equipment is in accordance with Division 2/I when rope descent systems or rope access methods are used.

(4)

Anchorages for Rope Descent and Rope Access Systems.

(a)

Permanent Anchorages on Buildings.

(A)

Before any rope descent or rope access system is used, the building owner must inform the employer, in writing that the building owner has identified, tested, certified, and maintained each permanent anchorage so it is capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (22.24kN), in any direction, for each employee attached. The information must be based on an annual inspection by a qualified person and certification of each anchorage by a qualified person, as necessary, and at least every 10 years.

(B)

The employer must ensure that no employee uses any permanent anchorage before the employer has obtained written information from the building owner that each anchorage meets the requirements of 437-002-2027 (Rope Descent & Rope Access Systems)(4)(a)(A). The employer must keep the information for the duration of the job.

(C)

The requirements of 437-002-2027 (Rope Descent & Rope Access Systems)(4)(a)(A) and (B) must be implemented no later than December 1, 2018.

(b)

Temporary Anchorages. Anchorages for rope descent or rope access systems on structure or natural surroundings other than buildings must be independent from each other (primary support rope and secondary fall arrest system) and must be:

(A)

Capable of supporting at least 5000 pounds (22.24 kN) for each employee attached: or

(B)

Designed, installed, and used, under the supervision of a qualified person, as part of a complete system that maintains a safety factor of at least two.

(5)

Rope descent systems. The employer must ensure:

(a)

No rope descent system is used for heights greater than 300 feet (91 m) above grade unless the employer demonstrates that it is not feasible to access such heights by any other means or that those means pose a greater hazard than using a rope descent system;

(b)

The rope descent system is used in accordance with instructions, warnings, and design limitations set by the manufacturer or under the direction of a qualified person;

(c)

Each employee who uses the rope descent system is trained in accordance with 1910.30;

(d)

The rope descent system is inspected at the start of each workshift that it is to be used. The employer must ensure damaged or defective equipment is removed from service immediately and replaced;

(e)

The rope descent system has proper rigging, including anchorages and tiebacks, with particular emphasis on providing tiebacks when counterweights, cornice hooks, or similar non-permanent anchorages are used;

(f)

Each employee uses a separate, independent personal fall arrest system that meets the requirements of 1910.140 in Division 2, Subdivision I;

(g)

All components of each rope descent system, except seat boards, are capable of sustaining a minimum rated load of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN). Seat boards must be capable of supporting a live load of 300 pounds (136 kg);
Note to 437-002-2027 (Rope Descent & Rope Access Systems)(5)(g): Oregon OSHA based this rule on federal OSHA’s 1910.27(b)(2)(vii). Federal OSHA’s discussion on final rule 1910.27(b)(2)(vii), as published on page 82577 of the Federal Register on November 18, 2016, states the following: “OSHA notes that the final rule does not preclude the use of lines or ropes that have knots, swage, or eye splice, which could reduce the tensile strength of a rope or line. However, under final paragraph (b)(2)(vii), even if an employer uses a line or rope that has a knot, swage, or eye split, the rope or line still must be capable of supporting a minimum rated load of 5,000 pounds.”

(h)

Prompt rescue of each employee is provided in the event of a fall, equipment malfunction or entanglement;

(i)

The ropes of each rope descent system are effectively padded or otherwise protected, where they can contact edges of the building, anchorage, obstructions, or other surfaces, to prevent them from being cut or weakened;

(j)

Stabilization is provided at the specific work location when descents are greater than 130 feet (39.6 m);

(k)

No employee uses a rope descent system when hazardous weather conditions, such as storms or gusty or excessive wind, are present;

(l)

Equipment, such as tools, squeegees, or buckets, is secured by a tool lanyard or similar method to prevent it from falling;

(m)

The ropes of each rope descent system are protected from exposure to open flames, hot work, corrosive chemicals, and other destructive conditions;

(n)

The ropes of each rope descent system are made from industrial synthetic fibers and classified as life-safety rope. Ropes made from natural fibers and polypropylene cannot be used for rope descent;

(o)

Descent control devices include automatic locks that will engage and prevent an uncontrolled descent in case the employee lets go or loses control of the device;

(p)

Anchorages for rope descent systems meet the requirements of 437-002-2027 (Rope Descent & Rope Access Systems)(4) of this rule; and

(q)

A pre-work briefing is conducted with each employee involved in rope descent to include, but is not limited to:

(A)

The objective(s) of the work to be performed.

(B)

Site-specific hazards.

(C)

Environmental conditions that could affect the safety of the employee using the system.

(D)

Emergency procedures to be followed (e.g., employee rescue).

(6)

Rope access systems.

(a)

Exceptions. 437-002-2027 (Rope Descent & Rope Access Systems)(6) does not apply to:

(A)

Emergency search and rescue operations.

(B)

Entertainment performances and rehearsals. This exception does not apply to the set up, dismantling or operation of; stages, sound systems, lighting systems, pyrotechnics, associated supporting structures or props.

(C)

Tree and shrub service activities covered by Division 2, Subdivision R.

(b)

Written Rope Access Program. The employer must develop, implement and maintain a written Rope Access Program that includes, but not be limited to the following elements:

(A)

Identification of a program administrator responsible for the overall rope access program.

(B)

Methods of access and anchorage used by the employer.

(C)

Listing of specific rope skills (i.e. ascending, descending, traversing, aid climbing, etc.) necessary to complete the work.

(D)

Employee selection criteria.

(E)

Equipment selection and inspection criteria.

(F)

Roles and responsibilities of rope access team members.

(G)

Communication systems.

(H)

Employee training program.

(I)

Rescue and emergency protocol.

(J)

Identification of any unique site hazards that may affect the safety of employees using rope access equipment and methods.

(K)

Pre-work briefings.

(c)

Program Administration. The employer must ensure that the rope access program is administered by a program administrator knowledgeable in the elements of the written rope access program as required by subsection (6)(b) of this rule.

(d)

Training and Evaluation. The employer must conduct training according to the requirements of 1910.30, and ensure:

(A)

Employees who use rope access equipment and/or are engaged in rope access activities are trained and evaluated by persons with the qualifications and experience necessary to effectively instruct the employee in the proper fundamentals of rope access, equipment, and techniques described in subsection (6)(b) of this rule;

(B)

Employees, prior to engaging in rope access activities, are trained in accordance with the written Rope Access Program, including applicable equipment, skills and rescue methods required of the work;

(C)

Employees, prior to engaging in rope access activities, are evaluated by a hands-on demonstration by the employee of his/her skills;

(D)

Employees, at a minimum, who perform rope access activities receive annual refresher training in accordance with 1910.30 and the written Rope Access Program;

(E)

Employees, at a minimum, who perform rope access activities are annually re-evaluated (e.g., hands-on demonstration) of their ability to perform work in accordance with the written Rope Access Program;

(F)

Employees who perform rope access are re-trained and re-evaluated before further engaging in rope access activities when the employer has reason to believe the employee does not have the understanding or skills required by 1910.30 and the written Rope Access Program. Additionally, when the employer has reason to believe the employee has violated a condition of the written Rope Access Program, the employee must be re-trained and re-evaluated. Re-training and re-evaluation under this subsection may be limited to the specific topics, concepts or skills which the employer believes, or the employee has demonstrated, are deficient;

(G)

All training, re-training, evaluation and re-evaluation events are documented, and retained for three years; and

(H)

Documentation of employee training, re-training, evaluation and re-evaluation include the following:
(i)
Name of the employee;
(ii)
Skills included in the training or evaluation;
(iii)
Date(s) of the training or re-training;
(iv)
Date(s) of the evaluation or re-evaluation;
(v)
Identity of the person(s) performing the training or evaluation.

(e)

Rope Access Use. When rope access is used, the employer must ensure:

(A)

There are at least two rope access trained employees present at the physical location where rope access is being performed;

(B)

No employee uses a rope access system when hazardous weather conditions, such as storms or excessive wind, are present;

(C)

Anchorages for rope access systems meet the requirements of 437-002-2027 (Rope Descent & Rope Access Systems)(4) of this rule;

(D)

Each employee using a rope access system 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by a personal fall arrest system in compliance with 1910.140 in 2/I with the following exceptions to 1910.140:
(i)
1910.140(c)(1) does not apply when aluminum carabiners meet the strength requirements of 1910.140(c)(8).
(ii)
1910.140(c)(10)(i) does not apply when carabiners are connected directly to rope meeting the requirements of 437-002-2027 (Rope Descent & Rope Access Systems)(6)(e)(E)(i) and (ii).
(iii)
1910.140(c)(10)(ii) does not apply during temporary rope transfer operations when carabiners are connected to each other lasting only long enough to complete the transfer and not as a part of the rigging for normal use.
(iv)
1910.140(c)(10)(iii) does not apply during temporary rope transfer operations when multiple carabiners are connected to a single D-ring lasting only long enough to complete the transfer and not as a part of the rigging for normal use.

(E)

Components used for rope access support, positioning, transfer and back-up (fall protection) must meet the following minimum requirements:
(i)
Primary support ropes and secondary fall arrest ropes are made from industrial synthetic fibers and classified as life-safety rope. Ropes made from natural fibers or polypropylene cannot be used for rope access.
(ii)
Primary support ropes and secondary fall arrest ropes have a minimum rated breaking strength before being knotted, swaged or eye-spliced of 6,000 pounds (26.69 kN) as established by the rope manufacturer.
(iii)
Combination harnesses (designed and manufactured for rope access positioning and employee fall protection) are capable of sustaining a minimum rated load of 3,600 pounds (16.01 kN).
(iv)
Seat boards must be capable of supporting a live load of 300 pounds (136 kg).
(v)
Connectors must have an automatic locking feature and are capable of sustaining a minimum rated load of 5,000 pounds (22.24 kN).
(vi)
Descent control devices include automatic locks that will engage and prevent an uncontrolled descent in case the employee lets go or loses control of the device and are capable of sustaining a minimum rated load of 3,000 pounds (13.35 kN).
(vii)
Manufactured lanyards (cowstails) are capable of sustaining a minimum rated load of 5,000 pounds (22.24 kN) as established by the manufacturer.
(viii)
Job-made lanyards (cowstails), when constructed of rope, meet the requirements of 437-002-2027 (Rope Descent & Rope Access Systems)(6)(e)(E)(i) and (ii).
(ix)
Back-up devices (fall arrest) must be capable of sustaining a minimum rated load of 3,600 pounds (16.01 kN).
(x)
Auxiliary equipment designed to allow an employee to move along a line (rope) such as rope clamps, rope grabs, chest ascenders, foot ascender and hand ascenders must be capable of sustaining a minimum rated load of 1,000 pounds (4.49 kN).

(F)

Rope access system components are used in accordance with instructions, warnings, and design limitations set by the manufacturer or under the direction of a qualified person;

(G)

Rope access system components are inspected at the start of each workshift that it is to be used. The employer must ensure damaged or defective equipment is removed from service immediately and replaced;

(H)

Prompt rescue of each employee is provided in the event of a fall, equipment malfunction or entanglement, or assure employees are able to rescue themselves;

(I)

The ropes of each rope access system are effectively padded or otherwise protected, where they can contact edges of the building, anchorage, obstructions, structure, or other surfaces, to prevent them from being cut or weakened;

(J)

The ropes of each rope access system are protected from exposure to open flames, hot work, corrosive chemicals, and other destructive conditions;

(K)

Equipment, such as tools are secured by a tool lanyard or similar method to prevent it from falling where employees below are exposed to falling objects;

(L)

A pre-work briefing is conducted with each employee involved in rope access to include, but is not limited to:
(i)
The objective(s) of the work to be performed.
(ii)
Site-specific hazards.
(iii)
Environmental conditions that could affect the safety of the employee using the system.
(iv)
Emergency procedures to be followed (e.g., employee rescue).

Source: Rule 437-002-2027 — Rope Descent & Rope Access Systems, https://secure.­sos.­state.­or.­us/oard/view.­action?ruleNumber=437-002-2027.

437–002–0005
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0006
General Oregon Definitions 437–002–0007
Testing and Certification 437–002–0010
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0015
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0020
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0022
Additional Oregon General Requirements 437–002–0026
Portable Ladders 437–002–0032
Ramps and Runways 437–002–0033
Piers and Wharves 437–002–0040
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0041
Exits and Exit Routes 437–002–0042
Emergency Action Plan 437–002–0043
Fire Prevention Plan 437–002–0047
Working Near Overhead High Voltage Lines and Equipment 437–002–0060
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0080
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0081
Oregon Ventilation Regulations 437–002–0095
Audiometric Testing in Oregon 437–002–0098
Additional Applicability 437–002–0100
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0101
Oregon Start-Up Dates 437–002–0107
Spray Finishing 437–002–0109
Explosives and Blasting Agents 437–002–0118
Oregon Rules for Reinforced Plastics Manufacturing 437–002–0119
Oregon Effective Dates 437–002–0120
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0122
Dipping and Coating 437–002–0134
Personal Protective Equipment 437–002–0139
Working Underway on Water. 437–002–0140
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0141
Additional Oregon Sanitation Requirements 437–002–0142
Labor Camps 437–002–0144
Additional Oregon Rules for General Environmental Controls 437–002–0145
Additional Oregon Rules for Accident Prevention and Tags 437–002–0146
Confined Spaces 437–002–0154
Individual Locks 437–002–0161
Medical Services and First Aid 437–002–0170
Worker Protection Standard 437–002–0180
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0182
Oregon Rules for Fire Fighters 437–002–0187
Portable Fire Extinguishers 437–002–0200
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0210
Additional Oregon Rules for Compressed Air and Compressed Gas Equipment 437–002–0220
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0221
Additional Oregon Rules for Handling Materials 437–002–0223
Oregon Rules for Commercial and Industrial Vehicles 437–002–0227
Additional Oregon Rules for Powered Industrial Trucks 437–002–0228
Oregon General Requirements for Cranes 437–002–0229
Additional Oregon Rules for Overhead and Gantry Cranes 437–002–0230
Additional Oregon Rule for Crawler, Locomotive and Truck Cranes 437–002–0232
Additional Oregon Rule for Derricks 437–002–0233
Oregon Rules for Hammerhead Cranes 437–002–0235
Additional Oregon Rule for Slings 437–002–0240
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0242
Oregon Rules for Machinery and Machine Guarding 437–002–0256
Stationary Compactors, Self-Contained Compactors, and Balers 437–002–0260
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0262
Additional Definitions in Oregon 437–002–0264
Additional General Requirements for Hand Tools 437–002–0266
Additional Oregon Rules for Guarding Portable Powered Tools 437–002–0268
Oregon Rules for Hand-Powered Equipment 437–002–0280
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0282
Job Planning and Layout 437–002–0283
Eye Protection and Protective Clothing 437–002–0284
Specifications for Protectors 437–002–0285
Special Precautions 437–002–0286
Preservative Coatings 437–002–0287
Toxic Preservative Coatings 437–002–0288
Health Protection and Ventilation — General 437–002–0297
Welding or Cutting Containers 437–002–0298
Self-Contained Units 437–002–0300
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0301
Scope and Application 437–002–0302
Definitions 437–002–0303
Training and Work Planning 437–002–0304
First Aid Requirements 437–002–0305
Traffic Control 437–002–0306
Electrical Hazards 437–002–0307
Personal Protective Equipment 437–002–0308
Portable Power Tools 437–002–0309
Hand Tools 437–002–0310
Work Procedures 437–002–0311
Mobile Equipment 437–002–0312
Oregon Rules for Pulp, Paper and Paperboard Mills 437–002–0313
Additional Oregon Rules for Sawmills 437–002–0314
Veneer and Plywood Machinery 437–002–0315
Shake and Shingle Machinery 437–002–0316
Oregon Rules for Telecommunications 437–002–0320
Adoption by Reference. 437–002–0340
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0342
Additional Oregon Definition 437–002–0345
Inland Emergency Aid 437–002–0355
Air Supply Systems (Compressed Gases and Air) 437–002–0360
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0363
Oregon Amendment 437–002–0364
Oregon Rules for MOCA (4,4’-Methylene Bis (2-chloroaniline)) 437–002–0368
Deterioration 437–002–0371
Scope and Application 437–002–0373
Oregon Rules for Thiram 437–002–0377
Additional Oregon Rules for Hazard Communication 437–002–0378
Oregon Rules for Pipe Labelling 437–002–0382
Oregon Rules for Air Contaminants 437–002–0390
Oregon Effective Dates 437–002–0391
Additional Oregon Rules for Carcinogens in Laboratories 437–002–1001
Asbestos Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1017
Vinyl Chloride Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1018
Inorganic Arsenic Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1025
Lead Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1027
Cadmium Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1028
Benzene Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1029
Coke Oven Emissions Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1030
Additional Oregon Rules for Bloodborne Pathogens 437–002–1035
Oregon Rule for Sharps Injury Log 437–002–1043
Cotton Dust Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1044
1,2-Dibromo-3-Chloropropane Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1045
Acrylonitrile Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1047
Ethylene Oxide Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1048
Formaldehyde Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1050
Methylenedianiline Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1051
1,3-Butadiene Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1052
Methylene Chloride Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1053
Scope and Application 437–002–1054
Definitions 437–002–1055
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) 437–002–1056
Exposure Assessment 437–002–1057
Specified exposure control methods 437–002–1058
Regulated and Restricted Access Areas 437–002–1059
Methods of Compliance 437–002–1060
Respiratory Protection 437–002–1061
Housekeeping 437–002–1062
Medical Surveillance 437–002–1063
Communication of Respirable Crystalline Silica Hazards to Employees 437–002–1064
Recordkeeping 437–002–1065
Dates 437–002–1139
Working Over or In Water 437–002–2021
Additional Oregon Definitions 437–002–2022
Additional Oregon Rules for Powered Platforms 437–002–2024
Scope and Application 437–002–2025
Definitions 437–002–2026
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) 437–002–2027
Rope Descent & Rope Access Systems 437–002–2028
Regulated and Restricted Access Areas 437–002–2029
Methods of Compliance 437–002–2030
Respiratory Protection 437–002–2031
Delayed Effective Dates for Walking-Working Surfaces 437–002–2032
Hygiene Areas and Practices 437–002–2033
Housekeeping 437–002–2034
Medical Surveillance 437–002–2035
Medical Removal 437–002–2036
Communication of Beryllium Hazards to Employees 437–002–2037
Recordkeeping 437–002–2038
Dates 437–002–2040
Exposure Assessment 437–002–2045
Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment 437–002–2101
Compressed Gases (General Requirements) 437–002–2102
Acetylene 437–002–2224
Vehicle Drivers and Riders 437–002–2225
Vehicles for Highway and Road Operation Characteristics and Maintenance 437–002–2226
Vehicles for Use on Property Other Than Public Roads and Highways Operation, Characteristics and Maintenance 437–002–2253
Oxygen-fuel Gas Welding and Cutting 437–002–2300
General 437–002–2301
Medical Services and First Aid 437–002–2302
Job Briefing 437–002–2303
Hazardous Energy Control Procedures 437–002–2304
Enclosed Spaces 437–002–2305
Excavations 437–002–2306
Personal Protective Equipment 437–002–2307
Portable Ladders and Platforms 437–002–2308
Hand and Portable Power Equipment 437–002–2309
Live-line Tools 437–002–2310
Materials Handling and Storage 437–002–2311
Working On or Near Exposed Energized Parts 437–002–2312
Deenergizing Lines and Equipment for Employee Protection 437–002–2313
Grounding for the Protection of Employees 437–002–2314
Testing and Test Facilities 437–002–2315
Mechanical Equipment 437–002–2316
Overhead Lines 437–002–2317
Line-clearance Tree Trimming 437–002–2318
Communication Facilities 437–002–2319
Underground Electrical Installations 437–002–2320
Substations 437–002–2321
Power Generation Installations 437–002–2322
Special Conditions 437–002–2323
Helicopters 437–002–2324
Definitions
Last Updated

Jun. 8, 2021

Rule 437-002-2027’s source at or​.us