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Connectors

Examples of types of connectorsConnectors, including D-rings and snaphooks, must be made from drop-forged, pressed or formed steel, or equivalent materials. They must have a corrosion-resistant finish, with smooth surfaces and edges to prevent damage to connecting parts of the system.


Example of a d-ringD-Rings must have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds, and be proof-tested to a minimum tensile load of 3,600 pounds without cracking, breaking, or becoming permanently deformed.


Example of a snaphookSnaphooks must have a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds, and be proof-tested to a minimum tensile load of 3,600 pounds without cracking, breaking, or becoming permanently deformed.  They must also be locking-type, double-locking, designed and used to prevent the disengagement of the snaphook by the contact of the snaphook keeper with the connected member.

Unless it is designed for the following connections, snaphooks must not be engaged:
  • Directly to webbing, rope, or wire.
  • To each other.
  • To a D-ring to which another snaphook or other connector is attached.
  • To a horizontal lifeline.
  • To any object which is incompatibly shaped in relation to the snaphook such that the connected object could depress the snaphook keeper and release itself.
  • 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M, Fall protection. OSHA Standard.


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