Every building constructed 3 stories or 36 feet or more in height, shall have roof tie-backs or other permanent devices installed at the roof level for the purpose of securing or tying back suspended scaffold hooks or clamps and safety lines.
California Code of Regulations Title 8 Section 3291 (f)(1).

Yes.

1. Roof tie-backs are not required on buildings employing other acceptable means of permanently installed roof top maintenance systems specified in this Article or Article 6.
2. Roof tie-backs are not required on buildings constructed up to 4 stories or 48 feet in height when building maintenance can be accomplished using extension tools, ladders, approved ground equipment such as scaffolds, or aerial devices designed and used for positioning personnel.

California Code of Regulations Title 8 Section 3291 (f)(1).
These exceptions are left up to interpretation by the OSHA inspector. It is our understanding that tie-backs will be required on buildings higher than 3 stories and below 48 feet high if the use of ladders, scaffolds, or other aerial devices are not possible because of the building location and site conditions. All buildings higher than 48 feet will require a tie-back system.

Such devices should be spaced at approximately 12-foot intervals; however, the spacing shall depend primarily on the availability of roof structural framing members of sufficient strength to safely carry applied loads. Tie-backs may be installed in structural parapets that are of adequate strength to sustain applied loads, but, placement shall be as close to the roof level as practicable.
California Code of Regulations Title 8 Section 3291 (f)(2).

No.

The code does not specifically specify the distance from the edge of the building. CAL/OSHA would like to see the tie backs placed 6’ – 8’ from the edge of the roof but if mechanical equipment or other obstructions prevent this placement the tie back may be placed closer to the edge of the building.

Yes. All completed building maintenance equipment installations shall be  inspected and tested in the field before being placed in initial service to determine that all parts of the  installation conform to applicable requirements of this article, and that all safety and operating equipment is functioning as required.
California Code of Regulations Title 8 Section 3296 (a).

Roof tie-backs shall be tested to no more than 50 percent of their rated capacity. For example, a roof tie-back with a rated capacity of 5000 pounds shall not be tested in excess of 2500 pounds.
California Code of Regulations Title 8 Section 3296 (b)(4)(B).

Assembly and anchorage provisions adequate to sustain a 5000 pound load applied in any direction without permanent deformation.
California Code of Regulations Title 8 Section 3291 (f)(2)(C).

Not for unscheduled maintenance.

Owners of buildings 36 feet or more in height shall have an Operating Procedures Outline Sheet (OPOS) where one or more of the following conditions apply to such buildings:

• A building does not have an established window cleaning system or procedure meeting the requirements specified in Articles 5 & 6 – California Code of Regulations Title 8 Section 3282(p)(1)(C) 1A.
• A building has extreme architectural features, which require the use of complex rigging/equipment or a building uses rigging, or equipment not covered by California Code of Regulations Title 8 Section 3282(p)(1)(C) 1C].
• When a boatswain’s chair or controlled descent apparatus is permitted for window cleaning in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 8 Section 3286(a)(1).
• When the use of counter weighted outrigger beams is permitted for window cleaning in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 8 Section 3291 (d)(2).&