Hoist rope connections and sling latches in construction

August 19, 1992

Sharyn Gnall
Safety Director
K M & M, a Joint Venture
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Ms. Gnall:

Your April 30 letter to Mr. William Kremsar in the Cleveland Area Office of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requesting an interpretation of the OSHA standard addressing cage, skip and load connections to hoist ropes, was forwarded to OSHA's Office of Construction and Maritime Compliance Assistance in Washington, D.C. for response. I apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry.

In regard to whether 29 CFR 1926.800(t)(1)(vii) pertains to slings, you are correct that this section addresses the hoist rope connection only. Rigging equipment requirements, including those for slings, are contained elsewhere, in 29 CFR 1926.251.

In the referenced section there is no requirement for positive locking latches on slings. There may have been specific hazardous conditions, however, at the Kansas City site which were in need of correction. Therefore, this interpretation is not intended to preclude the use of Section 5(a)(1) of the Act where conditions at a construction site warrant locking safeguards for slings to protect employees working with and near hoisted loads.

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

Sincerely,
Patricia K. Clark, Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs