PART XI SCAFFOLDS, STAGES AND WORK PLATFORMS — Boatswain's chairs

A boatswain's chair shall provide stable and adequate support for the user.

A boatswain's chair shall be suspended from a parapet clamp, cornice hook, thrust-out beam or other solid anchorage having a working load limit at least equivalent to that of the suspension system for the boatswain's chair.

A counter weight shall be

positively secured to thrust outs; and the rope shall be synthetic fibre rope with a breaking strength of at least 22 kilonewtons;

tied back to an anchorage that is capable of withstanding 22 kilonewtons static load where a counter weight configuration has not been designed into the building. the rope shall be reeved through not less than one single lower block and one double upper block and secured to prevent the line from free running; and

Where a boatswain's chair is supported by block and tackle

block hooks shall be moused, or otherwise secured against dislodgement.

Fibre rope used to suspend a boatswain's chair other than with a block and tackle system shall be synthetic fibre rope having a breaking strength of at least 27 kilonewtons and of a type compatible for use with the rigging hardware in the suspension system.

Wire rope used to suspend a boatswain's chair shall be a type recommended for that use by the rope manufacturer or a professional engineer and suitable for the hoist being used.

A worker in a boatswain's chair which is 3 metres or more above grade or a safe lower landing, or where a fall from a lesser height may involve an unusual risk of injury, shall use a personal fall arrest system meeting the requirements of Part X independent of the boatswain's chair system.

A boatswain's chair shall not be used where the suspension height exceeds 92 metres without the prior permission of the minister.

A thorough inspection shall be made of a boatswain's chair and associated equipment before use each day and defective equipment shall not be used.