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*                         INFORMATION ALERT                         *
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*  Produced by:  Ontario Ministry of Labour                         *
*  Provided by:  Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety *
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INFO ALERT:  31

DATE:  March 26, 1993


*** HAZARD SUMMARY: WINDOW CLEANING SUPPORT SYSTEMS ***  

During inspections of window cleaning support systems, Ministry of
Labour personnel have ascertained that some systems have not been
installed in accordance with the engineered design.  This may create a
hazard to a worker utilizing the system.


*** LOCATION(S) AND SECTOR(S): ***

All buildings with roof anchoring systems


*** SUGGESTED PRECAUTIONS: ***

To avoid potential hazards to workers, all building owners should
ensure that their window cleaning support systems have been fabricated
and installed in accordance with the engineered design.  It is
recommended that window cleaning support systems be inspected by a
professional engineer or his/her designee, prior to their next use, to
ensure compliance with the engineered design.


*** FURTHER ACTION BY THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR: ***

These recommendations will be reflected through two additions to the
Engineering Guideline on "Roof Anchorage For Fall Arrest Systems:
dated September, 1991, as follows:

.    "The window cleaning support system shall be fabricated and
     installed in accordance with the engineer's design."

.    "The window cleaning support system shall be inspected prior to
     its initial use, by the professional engineer or his/her
     designee, to ensure compliance with the engineer's design."


NOTE:     "Information Alert" is produced by the Occupational Health
          and Safety Branch, Ministry of Labour for use by Ministry
          inspectors, health and safety associations and other
          interested groups or individuals in Ontario.  The goal of
          this publication is to communicate hazard information as
          soon as it becomes available to prevent injury to workers. 
          Reproduction and use of these alerts is encouraged.


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