August 12, 1993

                 Hazard Alert - Fall Protection Equipment     

From:  Andrew C. Sulowski, Senior Research Engineer
       Ontario Hydro, Mechanical Research Dept.
       800 Kipling Ave., KB214
       Toronto, ON, M8Z 5S4
       (416) 207-6298
       (416) 207-5852 (FAX)

The attached is a letter from Mr. Norman L. Desjardins of Norguard 
Industries Inc. of Sudbury, Ont. which describes a hazard aof a 
superficial engagement and subsequent disengagement between a locking 
snaphook and a D-ring.  This hazard is possible when the inside diameter 
(ID) of the D-ring is very close to the width of the snaphook.  As a 
result, when attempting to engage the snaphook of a lanyard with the D-
ring at the back of a harness, the user experiences a feeling of proper 
engagement while in fact the snaphook sits only inside the D-ring.  This 
engagement is totally unsafe and is likely to come apart during an arrest 
of an accidental fall.

Please note, that only those combinations of D-rings and snaphooks which 
are close in size of ID and the width, present this hazard.

RECOMMENDED ACTION

A. Immediate

   To alert users, distributors and manufacturers of fall protection 
   equipment of this hazard.

   The users should inspect their equipment and replace either of the 
   two components.

B. Long term

   All appropriate changes shall be made in the pertinent CSA standards.

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Text of letter from Norm L. Desjardins, Norguard Industries Inc. to Andrew 
Sulowski, Ontario Hydro.

Subject: Possible hazard .....

     Please find the following information regarding the possible misuse 
of fall protection equipment as discussed.
     It was brought to my attention today, that there is a great danger 
during the connection of the locking snap to the standard D'Ring, in lieu 
of being connected as supposed.  Therefore giving one the false pretence 
that his locking snap is locked into position.

     This hazard creates a major concern to the end users, and request 
your recommendations regarding this unsafe condition, at your earliest 
convenience.

See example.   

[illustration]

Norm L. Desjardins
Norguard Industries Inc.
1088 Kingsway
Sudbury, Ontario
P3B 2E5
(705) 525-1367
(705) 525-1371

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                                                           August 19, 1993

From:  Andrew C. Sulowski, Senior Research Engineer
       Ontario Hydro, Mechanical Research Dept.
       800 Kipling Ave., KB214
       Toronto, ON, M8Z 5S4
       (416) 207-6298
       (416) 207-5852 (FAX)

Subject:  HAZARD ALERT - D-ring/Snaphook Superficial Engagement

Following the initial HAZARD ALERT dated August 12, 1993, below is an 
additional information regarding the recommended corrective action:

THE USERS OF THE AFFECTED FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT SHOULD OBTAIN AN 
EXPERT ADVICE AS TO THE BEST COURSE OF THEIR CORRECTIVE ACTION.  THIS TYPE 
OF ADVICE CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS/DISTRIBUTORS OR 
FROM THE SAFETY PROFESSIONALS.  THIS IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT WHEN 
DECIDING ON THE REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT.
THE RESIDUAL RISK ANALYSIS SHOULD BE APPLIED TO PREVENT ANOTHER HAZARD 
INCLUDING THAT OF AN ACCIDENTAL DISENGAGEMENT DUE TO A ROLL-OUT.