Snap Hooks and OSHA

by Doug on 01/08/2010 in Advice

Snap Hooks and OSHA

Hey, let’s jump back on the OSHA band wagon and see what those crazy guys have to say about snap hooks. Sure, most of us take them for granted, but there are some very important tid-bits to learn.

Below you will find a list of general OSHA guidelines on snap hooks. I am not the end all when it comes to OSHA standards. This post is designed to make you aware of some rules you may not be aware of and to get you thinking about a safer workplace.

- Snap hooks need to have a corrosion resistant finish, and the surfaces should be smooth so they don’t cut into other components of your fall arrest system.

- They must have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 lbs.

- You must use locking snap hooks that are appropriately sized to the unit you are connecting the snap hook to. So it doesn’t disengage.

- Snap hooks, unless specifically designed, should not be connected directly to webbing, rope, or cable… (Exception: Tie Back Lanyards)

- You cannot connect snap hooks to other snap hooks or to a d-ring in which another snap hook or connector is attached.

Did you know all of those? If you did congratulations. If you didn’t, take a look at your current setups and make sure you’re not in violation.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Print
  • email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Digg
  • StumbleUpon
  • Reddit
  • del.icio.us
Related Posts:
  1. Basic Fall Protection Definitions According to OSHA
  2. OSHA and the Duty to Have Fall Protection – Part 1
  3. OSHA Throws In The Towel
This post was written by Doug

Doug is our resident fall protection guy. He specializes in making fall protection easier to understand though humor, video, and a general irreverence for a very stuffy industry.

Leave a Comment

Previous post:

Next post: