Standard Interpretations - Table of Contents|
| Standard Number:||1926.502; 1926.502(d); 1926.502(d)(6)|
|OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov.|
(d) * * * (6) Unless the snaphook is a locking type and designed for the connections, snaphooks shall not be engaged:In the preamble of the final rule (59 FR 40705, August 9, 1994), OSHA explained the purpose of paragraph (d)(6) as follows:
(i) directly to webbing, rope or wire rope;
(ii) to each other;
(iii) to a Dee-ring to which another snaphook or other connector is attached;
(iv) to a horizontal lifeline; or
(v) to any object which is incompatibly shaped or dimensioned in relation to the snaphook such that unintentional disengagement could occur by the connected object being able to depress the snaphook keeper and release itself.
This provision reflects OSHA's determination that certain connections increase the likelihood of rollout and that only locking snaphooks specifically designed for such connections are needed to provide adequate assurance of employee safety. Accordingly . . . OSHA is limiting the circumstances in which they can be used.By its terms, the standard prohibits snaphooks from being "engaged" to (that is, snapped onto) certain objects unless two requirements are met: it must be a locking type snaphook and it must be designed for making such a connection. "Designed for" means that the manufacturer of the snaphook specifically designed the snaphook to be used to connect to the equipment listed in the standard.
|Standard Interpretations - Table of Contents|
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