Pole straps as fall restraint while climbing power poles

August 21, 1992

Richard F. Andree, CSP, PE, Ph.D
Executive Vice President
Safety & Health Management Consultants, Inc.
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Dr. Andree:

Your letter of July 31 to Ms. Dorothy Strunk, Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor, requesting an interpretation of an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard addressing body belts used for climbing power transmission or distribution poles has been referred to this office for reply.

With regard to whether a climber's safety belt can be used with a pole strap to climb a pole if the belt manufacturer's instructions prohibit its use for fall arrest, please be advised that a safety belt and pole strap system is as an acceptable means of fall protection for employees climbing poles. OSHA considers a lineman's pole strap and safety belt to be a fall prevention or restraint system, not a fall arrest system, and, therefore, there is no conflict between the safety belt manufacturer's instructions and federal standards for fall protection while climbing poles.

Please note that although OSHA standards allow the use of body belts in both systems, we agree with this manufacturer that belts should not be used for fall arrest.

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

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