Waist/chest strap as part of full body harness.

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 https://www.osha.gov.

March 6, 1998

Mr. J. Nigel Ellies, President
Dynamic Scientific Controls
P.O. Box 445
Wilmington, DE 19899-0445

RE: 29 CFR 1926.20(b); 1926.21(b); 1926.500(b); 1926.502(d)

Dear Mr. Ellis:

This is in response to your letter of November 11, 1997, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA.) You expressed concern about body harnesses that incorporate body belts encircling the waist. You also note that some workers do not use, or remove, parts of the body harnesses.

Neither a waist nor chest strap is a required part of body harness.

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 https://www.osha.gov.

September 23, 1999

Janice C. Bradley
Technical Director
The Safety Equipment Association
1901 North Moore Street,
Arlington, Virginia 22209-1762

Re: 1926.500(b); 1926.502(d)(16); 1910.66

Dear Ms. Bradley:

Whether it is permissible to anchor a fall arrest system at an employee's feet.

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 https://www.osha.gov.

 

Criteria and protocols for determining whether peronal fall arrest systems comply with OSHA standards

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 https://www.osha.gov.

September 12, 2012

Dr. Joshua T. Chard, Ph.D.
Altec Industries, Inc.
33 Inverness Center Parkway
Birmingham, AL, 35242


Dear Dr. Chard: