Standards affecting window cleaners and refrigeration workers

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

July 16, 1985

Mr. Arnold Lever
Finda's Hotel
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Lever:

Thank you for your letter of July 1 to the Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) regarding safety standards for window cleaners and workers in refridgeration plants.

OSHA does not have specific safety standards for window cleaners. However, OSHA does have safety standards which require compliance by employers in the use of two point suspension scaffolds (swinging scaffolds) (29 CFR 1910.28) and powered platforms (29 CFR 1910.66) which may be used for window cleaning. These two standards are part of OSHA's General Industry Standards (pages 45 and 63), which are enclosed for your use.

In reviewing the contents of OSHA's General Industry Standards, you will note that OSHA does not have specific safety standards which address hazards faced by workers in refridgeration plants. However, there are several portions of the standards which may be of special interest to you, including the following:

Section Title and Page:

• 1910.22 General Requirements (Walking-Working Surfaces), 23
• 1910.38 Employee Emergency Plans [and 1910.39 Fire Prevention Plans], 60
• 1910.95 Occupational Nose Exposure, 105
• 1910.101 Compressed Gases (general requirements), 135
• 1910.111 Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia, 255
• 1910.151 Medical Services and First Aid, 286
• 1910.212 General Requirements for all Machines, 408

Subpart Title and Page:

• Subpart I, Personal Protection Equipment, 270
• Subpart L, Fire Protection, 286

In addition, you may wish to obtain a copy of an industry standard on window cleaning (ANSI A39.1-1969) from the American National Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10018 at a cost of $6.00. This standard is not a mandatory safety regulation requiring compliance by employers, but is a voluntary standard adopted by the industry.

We appreciate your concern and effort in helping to achieve a safe workplace for employees in these industries.

Sincerely,

Barry J. White, Director
[Directorate of Standards and Guidance]

Enclosures

[Corrected 2/6/2004]

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[Requester letter reproduced on OSHA page; omitted here.]