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Review of Reeves Sleeve stretcher for emergency rescue

Summary A supplier asked OSHA to review a particular emergency rescue stretcher. OSHA said it does not approve or endorse products, but the device appeared capable of meeting a construction emergency rescue equipment rule if properly applied and users were trained. The letter ties that conclusion to the submitted product description and actual use.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1993-01-19-0
Date issued
January 19, 1993
Status
Archived by the agency
OSHA marks this page as an archive document and says it may no longer represent OSHA policy.
Status last verified October 9, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1926 Emergency Response Rescue Equipment
Source
View the official document

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OSHA marks this page as an archive document and says it may no longer represent OSHA policy. 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 Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

January 19, 1993

Mr. Barry White
Barry White Associates
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. White:

This is in response to your December 9 letter requesting review and comments on the "Reeves Sleeve" stretcher model #122.

As you recognize in your letter, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (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 in the brochure enclosed with your letter and it appears that if the "Reeves Sleeve" is properly applied, and training in the use of the product is conducted, the user would be in compliance with OSHA standards such as 29 CFR 1926.651(g)(2)(i) dealing with emergency rescue equipment.

If we can be of any further assistance, please contact me or Mr. Dale Cavanaugh of my staff at (202) 219-8136.

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

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