Façade & Window Washing Safety Systems
Answers to the questions building owners and facility managers ask us most. If we haven’t covered yours, get in touch — we’re happy to walk you through it.
What is a façade access / window washing safety system?
It’s the permanent equipment — roof anchors, tieback anchors, davits, monorails, and related structures — that lets cleaning and maintenance crews safely reach a building’s exterior. These systems support rope descent systems (RDS) and powered platforms, and they must be engineered, installed, and certified to hold specific loads.
How often do window washing anchors need to be inspected?
At least once a year. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.27 requires an annual inspection of each anchorage by a qualified person, plus inspection after any event — reroofing, storm damage, or structural work — that could have affected the anchors.
How often do roof anchors need to be load tested and certified?
Under OSHA 1910.27, anchorages must be certified as necessary and at least every 10 years, and confirmed capable of supporting 5,000 pounds in any direction per attached worker. Powered platforms fall under OSHA 1910.66 and are tested at intervals not exceeding 12 months. Many insurers and manufacturers — and the ANSI/IWCA I-14.1 standard — recommend load testing on a shorter cycle, commonly every five years.
What does OSHA require for window washing safety systems?
Before any rope descent system is used, OSHA 1910.27 requires the building owner to inform the contractor, in writing, that every anchorage has been identified, tested, certified, and maintained to support at least 5,000 pounds in any direction per attached worker. That written assurance must be based on a current annual inspection and certification by a qualified person.
Who is responsible for anchor certification — the building owner or the window cleaning contractor?
The building owner. OSHA places the duty to identify, test, certify, and maintain anchorages on the building owner, who must provide written assurance to the contractor before work begins. The contractor cannot legally proceed without it.
What happens if my anchors aren’t certified?
Contractors legally cannot use them, so exterior cleaning and maintenance work stops until the system is certified. Beyond the disruption, an uncertified or lapsed system exposes the building owner to OSHA penalties and significant liability if an incident occurs.
What’s included in a system installation?
A site review, a structural review, a Professional Engineer–reviewed system design, installation, load testing to the required load, an owner walkthrough, and written certification with PE drawings of the installed system.
What areas do you serve?
JPM Building Systems serves building owners and facility managers across Texas, including the Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas metros.
Have a question we didn’t cover? Contact us or call 512-844-2790.