An anchorage, as defined by OSHA, is a secure point of attachment for lifelines, lanyards or deceleration devices. Anchorages are used for attachment of personal fall arrest equipment that supports workers and equipment on the exterior of buildings and must be independent and capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds per employee attached. Tie-back anchors, davits and davit sockets are all used for suspended work on the exterior of buildings supporting workers and equipment. Tie-back anchors, along with davits and davit sockets, serve the purpose of ensuring worker safety within the workplace. They ensure that workers are secure to the working surface while working at heights by providing a permanent solution. 

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.27 - Before any rope decent system is used, the building owner must inform the employer, in writing that the building owner has identified, tested, certified, and maintained each anchorage so it is capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds (268 kg), in any direction, for each employee attached. The information must be based on an annual inspection by a qualified person and certification of each anchorage by a qualified person, as necessary, and at least every 10 years.

Please see Resource #1 below for .pdf download.

Each anchor must be inspected by a qualified person, as necessary, and at least annually.

OSHA has provided citation enforcement guidance to regional administrators to examine both employers and building owner's compliance with OSHA's general industry fall protection systems regulation.

Please see Resource #2 below for .pdf download of the Interpretation Letter.

OSHA Subpart D. Section 1910.27 section (b)(1)(iii) - The requirements must be implemented no later than November 20, 2017.

As defined by OSHA 29 CFR 1926.32(m), a qualified person means one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.

Please see Resource # below for .pdf download of the Interpretation for Load Capacity Testing.

Building managers should keep a written record of annual inspections and certification of anchors and other equipment. The International Window Cleaning Association standard, IWCA I-14.1, Part B, Sec 7.3.2 states: "Logbooks shall be established and maintained, one that is on file at the building for equipment and anchorages dedicated to the building and one kept by the window cleaner for his transportable equipment, recording each major maintenance activity, the date of the maintenance activity, and signature of the inspector." While OSHA does not cite for violations of IWCA/ANSI standards, if the hazard is addressed by a current OSHA standard, OSHA will cite the OSHA standard and use IWCA/ANSI or other industry standards as evidence of hazard recognition or feasible abatement means.