Section 39.524. Safe supports and safety belts

(a) Safe supports. Employes should not support themselves on any portion of a tree, pole structure, lamp bracket or similar fixtures on poles, scaffold, ladder, roof, skylight or other elevated structure without first making sure that the supports are strong enough, reinforcing them if necessary. Portable ladders should be in a safe position before being climbed. The slipping of a ladder at either end should be carefully guarded against, especially where the surfaces are smooth or vibrating. Insecure makeshift substitutes for ladders should not be used. An employe should never trust his weight on thin wooden boxes, sinks, washbowls, windows, shelves, or chair backs. A ladder should not be placed upon a box, barrel, or other movable or insecure object. Care should be taken to see that chairs, rolling ladders, and similar equipment are in first-class condition before being used.

(b) Safety belts. Employes should not work in elevated positions unless secured from falling by suitable safety belt or other adequate means, sometimes including suitably located pole-steps. Before an employe trusts his weight to the belt he should determine that the snaps or fastenings are properly engaged and that he is secured in his belt.

(c) Safety ropes. Ropes used for supporting boatswain’s chairs, platforms, or for other purposes on which the security of the employe depends shall be frequently inspected to assure that they are maintained in good condition.

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 39.501 (relating to general requirements).