Island Buildings, Federal Standards
Hawaii's building stock is unlike anything on the mainland. Honolulu has one of the densest high-rise skylines in the country, the neighbor islands are lined with resort and condominium properties, and nearly all of it sits within reach of salt air. Every building that uses rooftop anchors for window washing, facade work, or roof maintenance has an obligation to keep them inspected and certified.
ADS Contractors provides roof anchor inspection, load testing, and recertification across the state. We work with AOAO boards and resident managers, hotel and resort engineering teams, and commercial property managers, and we deliver the same documented compliance file on every island.
Recertification letters for Hawaii buildings are reviewed and stamped by a Hawaii-licensed structural engineer.
Hawaii's Anchor Rules in Plain Language
Hawaii operates its own state OSHA program, HIOSH, under the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. HIOSH adopts the federal general industry standards, so the anchor rule that applies in Honolulu is the same one that applies in Seattle or Denver: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1).
For anchorages used with rope descent systems, the building owner must have each anchorage inspected annually by a qualified person and certified at least every 10 years, and must give that information in writing to any contractor before the anchors are used. HIOSH penalties follow the federal schedule, currently up to $16,550 for a serious violation and up to $165,514 for a willful or repeat violation.
Our guide to Hawaii roof anchor requirements explains what the rule covers, what it does not, and what a complete file looks like.
Corrosion Is Hawaii's Main Threat
Salt carried on the trade winds settles on every exposed surface, and warm, humid air keeps it working. Corrosion that would take decades inland can show up in years here, often in places you cannot see from a walk across the roof.
On the Big Island, volcanic emissions add another factor. The U.S. Geological Survey notes that vog and acid rain accelerate the rusting of metal building components.
Islands We Serve
ADS serves buildings on four islands:
Set Up to Work in Hawaii
- Hawaii tax licensed. ADS Contractors holds Hawaii General Excise Tax license GE-050-607-2576-01.
- Hawaii-licensed engineering. Stamped letters come from a structural engineer licensed in Hawaii, which is what state law requires for engineering work on Hawaii buildings.
- A Hawaii phone line. Call (808) 427-1863 to talk through your building.
- Planned trips. We schedule island work in planned trips so neighboring buildings can share a visit, including neighbor island properties.
Hawaii Roof Anchor Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hawaii have its own roof anchor rules?
Hawaii runs its own workplace safety program, HIOSH, which adopts the federal OSHA general industry standards. The requirements for rope descent anchorages in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1) apply in Hawaii as written.
Which islands does ADS serve?
Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauai. Honolulu is our primary Hawaii market, and neighbor island work is scheduled in planned trips.
Do all roof anchors need recertification every 10 years?
The fixed 10 year cycle applies to anchorages used with rope descent systems, such as window washing tie backs and davit bases. Fall arrest and fall restraint anchors follow the manufacturer's instructions and applicable ANSI standards.
What do we receive at the end of a project?
A compliance file: a roof plan with each anchor numbered, an anchor schedule with condition notes, dated photographs, load test records, and for recertification a stamped letter from a Hawaii-licensed structural engineer.
Anchor Services
Annual Anchor Inspection
Yearly visual and structural anchor checks with photo documentation, tuned to salt air conditions.
10-Year Recertification
Stamped engineering recertification for rope descent anchorages reaching the 10 year mark.
Anchor Load Testing
Instrumented load testing with documented hold times and a pass or fail record for each anchor tested.
Davit Inspection
Arm, base, and socket inspection for high rise window washing davit systems.
Tie Back Recertification
Written recertification for the tie back anchors that suspended workers connect to.
For AOAO Boards
What condo boards and resident managers need on file, and how to budget for it.
For Hotels and Resorts
Anchor and davit certification planned around occupancy and guest areas.
Related Reading
Hawaii Roof Anchor Requirements: What HIOSH Expects From Building Owners
Hawaii enforces the federal anchor rule through its own state program. What owners must inspect, certify, and document, and what the rule does not cover.
Read the full guide ›Why Honolulu's Salt Air Makes Anchor Inspections Critical
Chloride carried in on the trade winds starts working on rooftop hardware the day it is installed. What that means for how closely your anchors should be watched.
Read the full guide ›Ready to Get Started?
Contact ADS Contractors for a free evaluation of your building's rooftop anchor systems. Tell us what documentation you have, and we will scope the work and reply with a clear, flat quote and no obligation.
Contact Us TodayOr call our Honolulu line: (808) 427-1863