Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 8, § 3283 - Anchors and Fittings

(a) General Requirements.

(1) An installed anchor shall not be used for any purpose other than attachment of window cleaner's belt terminals. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-8503(a)1.)

(2) Anchors shall be installed on the inside of a window which is to be washed from the inside but presents a hazard of falling through to the outside, as defined in Section 3282(g)(2). (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-8503(a)2.)

(3) A window to be cleaned from the sill shall be suited structurally to the installation of anchors and, when opened, shall not interfere with the attachment of window cleaner's belt terminals to the anchors. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-8503(a)3.)

(4) Vertically pivoted or hinged windows to be cleaned from the sill shall have an unobstructed passage to the exterior sill that is at least 16 inches wide by 40 inches high. Double-hung, single-hung or counterbalanced windows shall have a minimum passage 21 inches wide and 30 inches high from the sill. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-8503(a)4.)

(5) The maximum width of a double-hung or single-hung window to be washed while standing on sill or ledge, supported by an anchor on either side of the window is 6 feet. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-8503(a)5.)

(6) The width of a stationary panel to be washed from the inside from an adjacent open casement window shall not be more than 2 1/2 feet.

NOTE: Assuming that the window cleaner could work from the inside alternately from casement panels on each side of the stationary panel, this would mean that a 5 foot width of stationary panel would be the maximum width that could be handled in this manner without anchors. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-8503(a)6.)

(7) Stationary panels up to 5 feet in width may be cleaned by standing on a sill or ledge (See Figure 1 for width and slope restrictions) while supported by anchors on each side of the panels if access is provided via an openable panel adjacent to the stationary panel. For stationary panels over 5 feet, but not exceeding 6 feet in width, the sill or ledge must be at least 10 inches wide with a slope not exceeding 5 degrees. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-8503(a)7.)

(8) A series of stationary panels without openable panels between shall require traveling methods utilizing a method, such as double-headed anchors, overhead trolley system, or other equivalent means of providing a continuous means for window cleaners to tie off their safety belts. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-8503(a)8.)

(9) Traveling on the outside of the building shall not be permitted where the sill or ledge is less than 6 feet wide unless it is possible to keep at least one window cleaner's belt terminal attached at all times. The distance between anchors shall not exceed 4 feet horizontally unless the sill or ledge is at least 12 inches wide and the slope is less than 5 degrees in which case the distance between anchors may be as much as 6 feet. This method of traveling shall not be permitted, however, if the sill or ledge is not continuous with at least 6 inches in front of the mullions or if each window unit is not readily accessible.

(10) When the roof level or ledge is 8 feet or more in width, as measured from the face of the building to the danger point, no special protection, such as parapet, railing or window anchors, is required.

When the distance is from 6 feet to 8 feet wide, anchors are required unless there is a railing or parapet at least 2 feet high.

When the distance is less than 6 feet, anchors or equivalent protection as required by Section 3212 shall be required. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-8503(a)9.)

(11) Traveling methods that comply with these regulations shall not be permitted on ledges or sills less than 6 feet in width unless double-headed anchors or 2 single-headed anchors with separate usable heads are provided on each side of all windows in the series, along with at least one openable panel to afford a safe, convenient means of access. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-8503(a)10.)

(12) Where double-headed anchors are installed, they shall be placed so that there is enough free room for belts to be attached to both terminals at one anchor location along with the capability for either belt to be removed independently. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-8503(a)11.)

(b) Anchor Design and Material Specifications.

(1) All window anchors and fittings shall comply with the applicable portions of Section 4.5 of ANSI/ASME A39.1-1991, Safety Requirements for Window Cleaning, which is herein incorporated by reference. Manufacturers of window anchors and fittings shall submit to the Division all pertinent test and other data called for by this Order. Only those anchors and fittings granted approval by the Division shall be used.

(2) The manufacturer or authorized representative, of any window unit intended for installation in new construction or remodeling shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Division that the complete installation with approved anchors has successfully withstood the drop test specified in paragraph 4.5.3(d)(2) of ANSI/ASME A39.1-1991, Safety Requirements for Window Cleaning, which is herein incorporated by reference, without failure of the frame at the point of attachment of the anchors and without detachment of the window unit from its attachments to the wall section. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-8503(b).)

(c) Anchor Location.

(1) Anchor Side Clearance. The center line of the anchor head shall be at least one inch away from obstructions at either side that would interfere with engagement of belt terminals.

(2) Clearance Above and Below Anchors. Because many belt terminals slide onto the anchor from above and extend 4 or 5 inches below the anchor when attached, obstructions shall not be allowed within this distance above or below the anchor head.

(3) Minimum Bolt Edge Distance. The minimum distance from the face of the building for bolt installations when the bolt is placed in a reveal shall be as follows:

In Reinforced Concrete--2 1/2 inches if secured to reinforcing steel.

In Brick--At brick joint, not less than 8 inches from building face. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-8503(c).)

(d) Anchor Installations.

(1) Locations. Anchors shall be attached to the side frames of the window or to the building at a point no less than 42 inches nor more than 51 inches above the window sill.

EXCEPTION: Where the windows are less than 48 inches in height and of such design that the window cleaner would normally work from the outside, anchors shall be located at a height above the sill that is approximately two-thirds the total height of the window.

(2) Wood. When the anchor and bolt are forged as one piece, such anchors may be used in single or double configurations when provided with a front collar to prohibit anchor rotation and a rear flat washer of at least twice the diameter of the bolt with a lock washer and nut. The bolts shall be a minimum of 3/8 -inch in diameter and shall pass through a solid section of the window construction. The drilled hole shall be no more than ¹/₁₆ -inch larger than the bolt, and any excess bolt thread shall be cut off and the thread peened over or upset to prohibit the nut from loosening or being removed.

When anchors are employed with separate bolt(s), the preceding conditions will apply, provided that either two machine or carriage bolts are employed, or certain special anchor types have one bolt with screws to prohibit anchor movement. All anchors and hardware shall be of Type 303, 304, or 316 stainless and shall meet or exceed the material requirements of these orders. Anchor nuts shall be tamper proof.

(3) Concrete. Anchors attached to concrete poured-in-place in buildings erected after October 3, 1955 shall be installed while the concrete is being placed. Such anchors shall extend not less than 5 inches into the concrete and shall have a cross-sectional area of not less than one-fourth of a square inch and shall be provided with a fluke at the end of the anchor not less than 1 inch in length.

(4) Masonry. Anchors attached to masonry, other than concrete poured-in-place, in buildings erected after October 3, 1955, shall be installed while the wall is under construction and shall be shaped to build into the joints between masonry units. Such anchors shall be not less than 8 1/2 inches long and shall have a cross-sectional area of not less than one-fourth of a square inch at all unexposed points and shall have a fluke or flukes having holding surface of not less than 1 inch in length that shall be firmly imbedded in the masonry.

(5) Masonry and Concrete. Anchors installed on buildings of masonry and concrete construction erected before October 3, 1955 shall be attached to the window frame as required in these orders, or by other methods acceptable to the Division.

(6) Hollow Metal. Anchors attached to hollow metal construction shall be installed by one of the following methods:

(A) At least two machine screws or bolts of 3/8 -inch diameter stainless steel or equivalent passing through the frame and a steel reinforcing plate 3/8 -inch thick that extends not less than 5 inches above the top bolt hole, placed on the inside of the frame and secured by means of nuts and lock washers. In cases where it is impracticable to provide nuts and lock washers, the reinforcing plate may be tapped to receive 3/8 -inch diameter bolts, and the bolts shall extend through the plate.

(B) Where the threaded bolt is an integral part of the anchor, it shall be at least 1/2 -inch in diameter and shall be secured by means of a nut and lock washer, or any other method acceptable to the Division.

(C) Bolts used to attach anchor fastenings shall be secured by means of nuts tightened to the torque specified by the bolt manufacturer or other equivalent means.

(7) Solid Metal. Anchors attached to solid metal construction shall be installed by one of the following methods:

(A) At least two machine screws or bolts of 3/8 -inch diameter stainless steel or equivalent passing through the frame and secured by means of nuts and lock washers. In cases where it is impracticable to provide nuts and lock washers, the metal frame shall be reinforced with a 3/8 -inch thick plate, 6 inches long, tapped to receive both attaching bolts which shall extend through the reinforcing plate.

(B) Where the threaded bolt is an integral part of the anchor, it shall be at least 1/2 -inch in diameter and shall be secured by means of a nut and lock washer, or any other method acceptable to the Division.

(C) Bolts used to attach anchor fastenings shall be secured by means of nuts tightened to the torque specified by the bolt manufacturer or other equivalent means.

(8) Aluminum.

(A) When anchors are attached to hollow or solid aluminum frames, the reinforcing plate shall be coated or protected so as to minimize electrolytic action between unlike metals.

(B) All anchors and anchor fastenings shall be provided with means to prevent them from turning, backing off or becoming loose.

(C) Bolts used to attach anchor fastenings shall be secured by means of nuts tightened to the torque specified by the bolt manufacturer or other equivalent means.

(9) The use of expansion shield anchors is prohibited. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-8503(d).)

(e) Inspection of Anchors and Fittings. Inspection of window cleaning anchors and fittings on buildings shall be conducted at least every 12 months.

(f) Anchor Replacement. Anchors and fittings subject to impact loading or other possible structural damage shall be replaced. Replacement shall be as specified by the anchor manufacturer or other method acceptable to the Division.

Notes

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 8, § 3283

1. Amendment filed 7-16-76; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 76, No. 29).
2. Editorial correction filed 10-7-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 41).
3. Amendment of subsections (a)(8), (b)(1) and (2), (d)(2) and (5) filed 9-12-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 37).
4. Amendment filed 3-9-93; operative 4-8-93 (Register 93, No. 11).

Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code; and Section 18943(c), Health and Safety Code.

1. Amendment filed 7-16-76; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 76, No. 29).
2. Editorial correction filed 10-7-83; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 83, No. 41).
3. Amendment of subsections (a)(8), (b)(1) and (2), (d)(2) and (5) filed 9-12-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 37).
4. Amendment filed 3-9-93; operative 4-8-93 (Register 93, No. 11).