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Retractable safety blocks and lifeline rules

Summary An aerospace company asked whether a retractable steel-wire safety block met OSHA's construction lifeline rule. OSHA said the cited provision did not specifically regulate manufacture of such equipment, but did regulate installation and use of lanyards. Based on the supplied facts, OSHA said safety blocks used according to the manufacturer's instructions appeared to meet the rule's intent.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1984-09-25-0
Date issued
September 25, 1984
Status
Active
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1926 Fall Protection Lifelines Lanyards
Source
View the official document

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About this page: The full text below is the official document from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ezel adds the plain-English summary and tracks the document's status. The official source linked on this page is authoritative for any reliance.

September 25, 1984

Mr. E.E. Plumb
Boeing Aerospace Company
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Plumb:

This is in response to your inquiry of September 5, requesting an interpretation of 29 CFR 1926.104.

The requirements of 29 CFR 1926.104 for life-lines do not specifically regulate the manufacture of equipment such as a safety block with a retractable steel wire. However, the standard does regulate the installation and use of lanyard equipment.

The safety blocks, when used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, appear to meet the intent of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and applicable regulations.

If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,
John B. Miles, Jr., Director
Directorate of Field Operations

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