OSHA Code for Rooftop air-handling Unit location

[fcxdfm]

Hello, everyone,

I am working on a project, and need to locate several air-handling units on the rooftop. I heard before that OSHA code requires the rooftop unit cannot be located within 10 ft from edge of the building. Does anyone know if it is true? If yes, which section in OSHA address the requirement?

Thank you so much!

 

[Yorkman]

I think it's more related to being able to service the unit. I believe that if an individual is going to work closer than 10' from the roof edge without a 42" wall they have to be tethered off to the structure, or to a saftey line running around the perimeter of the building.

I'm not a real engineer, but I play one on T.V.
A.J. Gest, York Int.

 

[fcxdfm]

Thanks, Yorkman!

 

[thechef]

Not sure of the section that addresses it, as I don't have a copy on hand, but I know the 10 ft. number is in the International Mechanical Code.

 

[imok2]

The international mechanial code says"304.10 Guards. Guards shall be provided where
appliances, equipment, fans or other components that
require service are located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a
roof edge or open side of a walking surface and such edge
or open side is located more than 30 inches (762 mm)
above the floor, roof or grade below. The guard shall
extend not less than 30 inches (762 mm) beyond each end
of such appliance, equipment, fan or component and the
top of the guard shall be located not less than 42 inches
(1067 mm) above the elevated surface adjacent to the
guard. The guard shall be constructed so as to prevent the
passage of a 21-inch-diameter (533 mm) sphere and shall
comply with the loading requirements for guards specified
in the International Building Code.

Exception: Guards shall not be required where
parapet-type walls of at least 2 feet in height protect the
roof edge.
Reason: The intent of section 304.9 is to stop a service person from falling off an elevated height of 30" or more

 

[JStephen]

An interesting post- I had not heard that before.

A while back, I sent an inquiry into OSHA about some similar issues on tank roofs. The response they came back with indicated that personal fall protection was required anytime workers were on an elevated surface, regardless of how far from the edge they were, and that handrails were required (presumably around the work area, not just at the edge) anytime that access was more often than once every two weeks. Full text here:

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=25100

OSHA normally follows concensus standards when there is not any pressing reason not to, I wonder if this would affect their interpretation?