If you own or manage a building in Hawaii with rooftop anchors, the rules you answer to are enforced by the state, not by federal OSHA. The requirements themselves are straightforward once they are laid out plainly. This guide covers what Hawaii requires, which anchors the rules apply to, and what your file should contain.
Does Hawaii Have Its Own Roof Anchor Rules?
Hawaii runs its own occupational safety program, the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division (HIOSH), within the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. For general industry, HIOSH adopts the federal OSHA standards under Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 12, Chapter 60. That includes 29 CFR 1910.27, the federal rule on rope descent systems and their anchorages.
In practice, a building owner in Honolulu has the same anchor obligations as one in Seattle or Denver. The anchor requirements are the federal ones. What differs is who enforces them.
What the Rule Requires of Building Owners
The core requirement is 29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1). Before anyone uses a rope descent system on your building, you must inform the contractor in writing that each anchorage has been:
- Identified, tested, certified, and maintained so it can support at least 5,000 pounds in any direction for each worker attached.
- Inspected within the last year by a qualified person.
- Certified by a qualified person as necessary, and at least every 10 years.
The contractor has a matching duty. They may not let a worker use an anchorage until they have that written information from you, and they must keep it for the duration of the job. That is why a careful window washing company asks for your certification before it starts.
Which Anchors the 10 Year Rule Covers
This is where most of the confusion comes from. The fixed 10 year certification cycle applies to anchorages used with rope descent systems: the tie backs and davit bases that window washing and suspended facade work rig into.
- Fall arrest anchors are covered by a different section, 29 CFR 1910.140. They must support 5,000 pounds per worker attached, or be designed, installed, and used under the supervision of a qualified person as part of a complete system with a safety factor of at least two. That section does not set a fixed 10 year recertification interval. Inspection and testing schedules come from the manufacturer's instructions and the applicable ANSI standards.
- Fall restraint anchors keep a worker from reaching an edge in the first place. They are evaluated by inspection rather than proof loading.
A good inspection report tells you which category each anchor on your roof falls into, because that determines what it needs and when.
How Hawaii Enforces It
In July 2024, HIOSH adopted the federal National Emphasis Program on Falls. An emphasis program is an enforcement priority, not a new rule. It directs inspectors to focus on fall hazards, including opening an inspection when they observe people working at height. The anchor requirements did not change, but the chance of being asked for your paperwork went up.
HIOSH penalties follow the federal schedule. The current maximums are $16,550 for a serious violation and $165,514 for a willful or repeat violation, set in January 2025 and unchanged for 2026.
Who Can Inspect and Certify
The rule calls for a qualified person. OSHA defines that as someone who, by a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has demonstrated the ability to solve problems relating to the subject matter. The rule does not require that person to be an engineer.
Many owners, insurers, and boards still want an engineer's stamped letter for the 10 year recertification. In Hawaii, that stamp has to come from an engineer licensed in Hawaii. A mainland license does not carry over. ADS recertification letters for Hawaii buildings are reviewed and stamped by a Hawaii-licensed structural engineer.
What a Complete File Looks Like
- A roof plan with every anchor located and numbered.
- An anchor schedule listing the type, use, and condition of each anchor.
- Annual inspection reports with dated photographs.
- Load test records.
- The written certification, dated within the last 10 years for rope descent anchorages.
- Repair records for anything that was taken out of service.
If your building is a condominium, see our page on roof anchor compliance for AOAO boards. For hotels, see anchor inspection for Hawaii hotels and resorts.
Why Salt Air Matters to the Schedule
The rule says anchorages must be certified as necessary and at least every 10 years. In Hawaii, the words as necessary carry weight. Salt air speeds up corrosion, and an anchor that shows progressive damage at an annual inspection may need testing or recertification before its ten years are up. The annual inspection is what tells you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 5 year load test required in Hawaii?
Not by OSHA or HIOSH. The 5 year test interval for certain anchors comes from the industry standard ANSI/IWCA I-14.1 and from manufacturer instructions. Many owners follow it as good practice, especially in a corrosive environment like Hawaii.
Does HIOSH require an engineer to certify roof anchors?
The rule requires certification by a qualified person, which is not limited to engineers. If you want an engineer's stamped letter, which many boards and insurers do, the engineer must be licensed in Hawaii.
Do the rules apply to low-rise buildings?
Yes. The requirements depend on how the anchors are used, not on building height. Rope descent anchorages need annual inspection and certification at least every 10 years. Fall arrest and fall restraint anchors follow the manufacturer's instructions and applicable ANSI standards.
What happens if we cannot produce the certification?
A contractor following the rule cannot use the anchors, so scheduled window washing or facade work stops until the file is in place. It also leaves the owner exposed if HIOSH asks for the records.
Get Your Building's File in Order
ADS Contractors provides roof anchor inspection, load testing, and recertification across Hawaii. Contact us for a free evaluation, or call (808) 427-1863.