N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 12 §§ 23-1.16

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 50, December 11, 2024

Section 23-1.16 - Safety belts, harnesses, tail lines and lifelines

(a) Approval required. Safety belts, harnesses and all special devices for attachment to hanging lifelines shall be approved.

(b) Attachment required. Every approved safety belt or harness provided or furnished to an employee for his personal safety shall be used by such employee in the performance of his work whenever required by this Part (rule) and whenever so directed by his employer. At all times during use such approved safety belt or harness shall be properly attached either to a securely anchored tail line, directly to a securely anchored hanging lifeline or to a tail line attached to a securely anchored hanging lifeline. Such attachments shall be so arranged that if the user should fall such fall shall not exceed five feet.

(c) Instruction in use. Every employee who is provided with an approved safety belt or harness shall be instructed prior to use in the proper method of wearing, using and attaching such safety belt or harness to the lifeline.

(d) Tail lines. The length of any tail line shall be the minimum required in order for an employee to perform his work, but in no case shall be longer than four feet. Such tail line shall be attached to a hanging lifeline or to a substantial structural member at a point no lower than two feet above the working platform or working level. Tail lines shall be first grade manila or synthetic fibre rope at least one-half inch in diameter with a breaking strength of not less than 4,000 pounds or shall be fabricated of other approved materials.

(e) Lifelines. Any hanging lifeline required by this Part (rule) shall be not more than 300 feet in length from the point of suspension to grade, building setback or other surface. Every hanging lifeline shall be securely attached to a sufficient anchorage. Every hanging lifeline shall be provided with padding, wrapping, chafing gear or similar means of protection from contact with building edges or other objects which may cut or abrade such lifeline. Lifelines shall be fabricated of wire rope at least five-sixteenths inch in diameter or first grade manila or synthetic fibre rope at least one-half inch in diameter with a breaking strength of not less than 4,000 pounds.

(f) Inspection and maintenance.

(1) Every safety belt, harness, tail line and lifeline shall be inspected by a designated person prior to each use. Employers shall not suffer or permit any employee to use any such equipment which shows any indication of mildew, broken fibre or fabric, excessive wear or any other damage or deterioration which could materially affect the strength of such safety belts, harnesses, tail lines or lifelines. Any such equipment found to be unsafe shall be removed from the job site.

(2) When not in use, safety belts, harnesses, tail lines and lifelines shall be stored in such areas and in such a manner as to prevent their deterioration and to protect them from being damaged.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 12 §§ 23-1.16