Secondary wire ropes on suspended scaffolds

September 3, 1993
Mr. Victor Saleeby
Executive Vice President
Scaffold Industry Association
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Saleeby:
This is in response to your April 12 letter in which you seek further clarification of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) policy regarding secondary wire rope suspension systems. I apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry.
With respect to securing the second wire rope to both its own anchorage (separate from the primary rope anchorage) and to the outrigger or other suspension device, please be advised that this arrangement would be acceptable provided the line is taut on both sides of the outrigger point of attachment. It is important to note that if this arrangement is used, it may not function as a tieback for the scaffold unless the connection at the outrigger is made in such a way that the secondary wire rope can function as though it was two separate lines, one for the scaffold platform, and one as the tieback. In other words, the method of securing the rope must be such that if the rope is cut or disconnected on either side it will continue to support the other side.
With respect to your trolley line arrangement, looping the ends around both the primary and the secondary lines above the hoist and brake at each end of the scaffold, would be an acceptable arrangement.
If you require further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me or Mr. Dale Cavanaugh of my staff at (202) 219-8136.
Sincerely,
Roy F. Gurnham, P.E., Esq. Director
Office of Construction and Maritime
Compliance Assistance

[Requester letter and proposed dealer notice reproduced on OSHA page; omitted here.]