How to Purchase Climbing Tools Under New OSHA Regulations
- 1). Obtain and read the latest OSHA regulations on climbing safety gear, to ensure that you have a full understanding of what standards your tools need to meet. You can find these on the OSHA website.
- 2). Go to a supplier of climbing equipment. Depending on the type of job you are in, you might look for equipment at your local hardware or outdoor sporting goods store, or from an online distributor who specializes in equipping your field of work.
Tell your supplier that you need equipment that meets the most up-to-date OSHA requirements. - 3). Inspect all body belts, straps and lanyards for a smooth finish with no rough edges. Ask the seller for a written guarantee that the belts, straps and lanyards have a corrosive-resistant finish that has passed the "50-hour test" administered by the American Society for Testing and Materials.
- 4). Check all rings on the equipment to make sure there are no cracks or fissures. Rings must be "D" shaped (as opposed to "O" shaped), as per OSHA requirements. Rings that are "D" shaped must have passed a 5,000 pound tensile test. Snap hooks must also be able to hold a falling load of 5,000 pounds.
- 5). Ask the seller if all fabrics and leather have been tested for leakage current, as per OSHA requirements.
- 6). Ensure that all belts you purchase are at least 3 inches wide and can hold falling weights of at least 2,000 pounds.
Source...