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Administrative Code

Virginia Administrative Code
11/23/2024

Chapter 145. Safety Standards for Fall Protection in Steel Erection, Construction Industry

16VAC25-145-10. Application of regulation.

Notwithstanding any other provisions to the contrary relating to fall protection and controlled decking zones (CDZ) in the regulation of steel erection in 16VAC25-175-1926.500; 16VAC25-175-1926.751 through 16VAC25-175-1926.759; 16VAC25-175-1926.761; and Appendix D to Subpart R -- Illustrations of the Use of Controlled Decking Zones (CDZs): Nonmandatory guidelines for complying with § 1926.760(c)(3); the provisions of 16VAC25-145 shall take precedence.

Statutory Authority

§ 40.1-22 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 12, eff. April 1, 2004.

16VAC25-145-20. General requirements.

A. Except as provided by subsection C of this section, each employee engaged in a steel erection activity who is on a walking/working surface with an unprotected side or edge of 10 feet or more above a lower level shall be protected from fall hazards by guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, positioning device systems or fall restraint systems.

B. Perimeter safety cables. On multistory structures, perimeter safety cables shall be installed at the final interior and exterior perimeters of the floors as soon as the metal decking has been installed.

C. Connectors and employees working in leading edge decking operations shall be protected from fall hazards as provided in 16VAC25-145-30 and 16VAC25-145-40 respectively.

Statutory Authority

§ 40.1-22 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 12, eff. April 1, 2004.

16VAC25-145-30. Connectors.

Each connector shall:

1. Be protected in accordance with 16VAC25-145-20 from fall hazards of 10 feet or more above a lower level; except when structural members are being placed for connection, when it is considered by the connector to be a greater hazard to utilize fall protection in accordance with 16VAC25-145-20 than to have freedom of movement to avoid accidental or inadvertent contact with structural members during placement and initial connection;

2. Have completed connector training in accordance with 16VAC25-175-1926.761; and

3. Be provided, at heights at or above 10 and up to 30 feet above a lower level, with a personal fall arrest system, positioning device system or fall restraint system and wear the equipment necessary to be able to be tied off; or be provided with other means of protection from fall hazards in accordance with 16VAC25-145-20 A.

Statutory Authority

§ 40.1-22 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 12, eff. April 1, 2004.

16VAC25-145-40. Decking.

A. The use of controlled decking zones is prohibited.

B. Each employee working within the boundaries of a leading edge decking operation shall be protected in accordance with 16VAC25-145-20 A from fall hazards of 10 feet or more above a lower level.

C. Access to the leading edge of decking operations shall be limited to only those employees engaged in leading edge work.

D. The boundaries of a leading edge decking operation shall be designated and clearly marked. The operation shall not be more than 90 feet (27.4 m) wide and 90 feet (27.4 m) deep from any leading edge. The operation shall be marked by the use of control lines or the equivalent. Examples of acceptable procedures for demarcating can be found in 16VAC25-175-1926.750 through 16VAC25-175-1926.761 (Subpart R) Appendix A.

E. Each employee working in a leading edge decking operation shall have completed training in accordance with 16VAC25-175-1926.761.

F. Unsecured decking shall not exceed 3,000 square feet (914.4 m2).

G. Safety deck attachments shall be performed from the leading edge back to the control line and shall have at least two attachments for each metal decking panel.

H. Final deck attachments and installation of shear connectors shall not be performed in areas where leading edge decking operations are being conducted.

Statutory Authority

§ 40.1-22 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 12, eff. April 1, 2004.

16VAC25-145-50. Illustration of the use of control lines to demarcate leading edge decking operations: nonmandatory.

A. When used to control access to areas where leading edge and initial securement of metal deck and other operations connected with leading edge work are taking place, the work area is defined by a control line or by any other means that restricts access.

1. A control line is erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) nor more than 90 feet (27.4 m) from the leading edge;

2. Control lines extend along the entire length of the unprotected or leading edge and are approximately parallel to the unprotected or leading edge; and

3. Control lines are connected on each side to a guardrail system, wall, stanchion or other suitable anchorage.

B. Control lines consist of ropes, wires, tapes, or equivalent materials, and supporting stanchions as follows:

1. Each line is rigged and supported in such a way that its lowest point (including sag) is not less than 39 inches (1.0 m) from the walking/working surface and its highest point is not more than 45 inches (1.3 m) from the walking/working surface.

2. Each line has a minimum breaking strength of 200 pounds (90.8 kg).

Statutory Authority

§ 40.1-22 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 12, eff. April 1, 2004.

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