What the ANSI/IWCA I-14.1 window cleaning safety standard covers and how it sits alongside the binding Cal/OSHA and OSHA anchor rules.
ANSI/IWCA I-14.1 Is The Window Cleaning Industry's Consensus Safety Standard. This Paper Explains Its Two Parts And How It Relates To The Binding Rules In Cal/OSHA Title 8 §3283 And OSHA 1910.27.
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Building owners, architects and property managers often hear "I-14" when roof anchors or rope descent come up. ANSI/IWCA I-14.1 is the window cleaning industry's consensus safety standard. It is not itself a California regulation, but it sits alongside the rules that are: Cal/OSHA Title 8 Article 5 and federal OSHA 29 CFR 1910.27. This paper explains what the standard is and how it relates to the binding rules.
Key Points
- Current Edition Is 2001: ANSI/IWCA I-14.1-2001, for which the IWCA served as Secretariat. IWCA
- Industry-Specific: IWCA describes it as "the only standard of its type that is specifically for those in the window cleaning industry." IWCA
- Two Parts: Part A covers use of access equipment; Part B covers design, manufacture and installation. IWCA
- California Rules Reference A39.1: Title 8 §3283 requires anchors and fittings to comply with ANSI/ASME A39.1-1991 §4.5 and Division approval. §3283(b)(1)
- Federal Anchorage Rule: 5,000 lb in any direction per attached employee, certified in writing by the owner. 1910.27(b)(1)
What I-14.1 Is And Who Publishes It
The International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA) was the Secretariat of the 2001 ANSI/IWCA I-14 Window Cleaning Safety Standard, which IWCA says "is still being referenced by building owners and property managers as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)." The standard is sold by IWCA (listed at $50, free for members), so this paper describes it by name and structure only and does not reproduce its text. IWCA I-14 page
How It Relates To OSHA And Cal/OSHA
| Item | Type | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| ANSI/IWCA I-14.1-2001 | Voluntary consensus standard | Industry practice for access equipment use (Part A) and design/installation (Part B) |
| Cal/OSHA Title 8 §3282 | California regulation | Owner written assurance, 12-month inspection, OPOS for qualifying buildings 36 ft or taller |
| Cal/OSHA Title 8 §3283 | California regulation | Anchor placement and hardware; compliance with ANSI/ASME A39.1-1991 §4.5; Division-approved anchors only |
| Cal/OSHA Title 8 §3295 | California regulation | Powered platform equipment; 130 ft suspension-point limits for portable outriggers and ground-rigged davits |
| 29 CFR 1910.27 | Federal regulation | Rope descent anchorages, 300 ft limit, stabilization over 130 ft |
In California, the enforceable anchor rules are in Title 8. §3283 requires that "only those anchors and fittings granted approval by the Division shall be used," and that anchors and fittings be inspected at least every 12 months. §3283(b)(1), (e)
Anchor And Access Planning
Title 8 sets concrete design points that I-14.1 users will recognize: anchors located 42 to 51 inches above the sill; spacing generally no more than 4 ft apart for sill travel; no expansion shield anchors; and no lag screws in new or replacement installations. §3283(d)(1), (a)(9), (d)(9); §3282(h) Federally, before any rope descent system is used, the owner must inform the employer in writing that each anchorage was identified, tested, certified and maintained for at least 5,000 lb in any direction per attached employee, based on annual inspection and certification at least every 10 years. 1910.27(b)(1)(i)
Rope Descent vs Suspended Platforms
Rope descent systems may not be used above 300 ft above grade unless other access is infeasible or more hazardous; stabilization is required for descents over 130 ft; each worker needs a separate, independent personal fall arrest system; and RDS may not be used in storms or gusty or excessive wind. 1910.27(b)(2) Powered platforms (BMUs, davits, swing stages) fall under §3295 in California, including the 130 ft limits for ground-rigged systems "unless acceptable to the Division." §3295 Rope and suspended work on high-rises is performed for WCBA clients by a vetted partner crew.
Owner Documentation
- Written Assurance For Building Safety Devices (§3282(p)(1)(A))
- 12-Month Anchor And Equipment Inspection Records (§3282(p)(1)(B), §3283(e))
- OPOS Where Required For Buildings 36 Ft Or Taller (§3282(p)(1)(C))
- Rope Descent Anchorage Certification Letter (1910.27(b)(1))
- Anchor Manufacturer And Division Approval Documentation (§3283(b))
Sources
- IWCA, I-14 Window Cleaning Safety Standard. iwca.org/page/I-14Standard
- Cal. Code Regs., Title 8, §3282, §3283, §3295. dir.ca.gov/title8/3283.html
- 29 CFR 1910.27 (eCFR). ecfr.gov — 29 CFR 1910.27
This paper summarizes regulations and agency guidance for general information and is not legal advice. Requirements may change and vary by city; consult the current text, your local agency and qualified professionals.
