Ezel / Labor Guidance / US
Back to Federal guidance

Roof fall arrest anchors and OSHA product approval

Summary A roofing product maker asked OSHA for a compliance letter for a fall arrest bracket and safety nail. OSHA said it does not approve products because jobsite conditions and use matter. Based on the supplied data, the agency said proper installation and maintenance appeared to meet federal fall arrest anchoring requirements.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1992-05-26
Date issued
May 26, 1992
Status
Archived by the agency
OSHA labels this an archive document that may no longer represent its policy; it does not identify a replacement on this page.
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1926 Fall Protection Construction
Source
View the official document

Apply this to your situation

This page explains the general guidance. Ask about your specific situation and see what current federal labor law says, with citations.

The current status of this document is unclear
OSHA labels this an archive document that may no longer represent its policy; it does not identify a replacement on this page. It may no longer reflect the agency's current position. Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.
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.

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

May 26, 1992

Mr. Steve Nichols
President
American Roof
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Nichols:

This is in response to your May 11 letter requesting a letter of compliance from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for your Super Anchor Fall Arrest Bracket and Super Anchor Fall Restraint Safety Nail.

As you know, OSHA does not approve nor endorse products. The variable working conditions at jobsites and possible alterations or misapplication of an otherwise safe product could easily create a hazardous condition beyond the control of the manufacturer. However, we have reviewed the product data enclosed with your letter and it appears that if the Super Anchor Fall Arrest Bracket and Safety Nail are properly installed and maintained, the user would be in compliance with Federal OSHA's fall arrest anchoring requirements.

If we can be of any further assistance, please contact me or Mr. Dale Cavanaugh of my staff at (202) 523-8136.

Sincerely,
Roy F. Gurnham, P.E., Esq.
Director
Office of Construction and Maritime
Compliance Assistance

Related guidance

Permanently labeled locks for electrical lockout Opinion Letter · August 17, 2026 Helmet selection for lateral head-impact hazards Opinion Letter · August 17, 2026 Asbestos precautions when restoring drywall after flood damage Opinion Letter · May 7, 2026 Enforcement policy for recording and reporting COVID-19 cases Guidance · March 31, 2026

What does federal law require in your situation?

Ezel checks current federal labor law against your facts and answers with citations.

Opens in Ezel Pro.

  • Checks the law as it stands today, not only this page
  • Cites every source it relies on, so you can verify it
  • Chat, drafting and research in one workspace