Manila rope strength for lifelines
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June 21, 1979
Mr. Walter J. Janka
Safety Administrator
General Contractors
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Janka:
This is in response to your recent inquiry concerning the requirements for manila rope for safety lines.
29 CFR 1926.104(c) requires that a minimum of 3/4 inch manila or equivalent, with a minimum breaking strength of 5,400 pounds, shall be used for lifelines. The safety belt lanyard is also required to have a nominal breaking strength of 5,400 pounds. The manila lifeline with a breaking strength of 4,860 pounds doesn't comply with the standard; however, other types (nylon, polypropylene, etc.) of rope are available that comply with the 5,400 pound strength requirement.
The 5,400 pound strength was a rope industry standard when the OSHA standards were promulgated. We are aware of the change in the rope industry standard and will give it due consideration in the future development of standards.
I hope this information will be helpful to you. If I may be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Grover C. Wrenn Director,
Federal Compliance
and State Programs
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