Alert #2/1193 ISSN 1195-5228 ALERT SNAP HOOKS IN FALL ARREST EQUIPMENT Hazard Summary: Recently a worker experienced difficulties in removing his lanyard locking snap hook from the D-ring of his safety belt. Although he had believed the snap hook was properly engaged, he found that it had passed through the D- ring and jammed there instead of hooking on and locking properly. In a case like this, should an accidental fall occur, the snap hook could slip back through the D-ring opening. [illustrations] This hazard is possible with combinations of D-rings and snap hooks which are close in size. For example, the snap hook in this incident passed through a D-ring with an ID (interior diameter) of 2 3/8 inches but was restricted from outward movement by a 2 1/8 inch ID D-ring in a way that could lead a worker to believe that he was secured. Lanyards with snap hooks small enough to slide through the D-ring freely do not present this hazard. Locations and Sectors: Mining, construction, industrial: wherever fall arrest equipment is used. Suggested Precautions: All users of fall arrest equipment should be informed of this incident and advised to inspect their equipment. All workers using fall arrest equipment should be informed of this hazard and instructed that they should: A) never rely on the sound or feel of a snaphook engaging, and B) BEFORE EACH USE, ALWAYS VISUALLY CHECK THAT: 1) the snap hook freely engages the D-ring or the anchor point, and 2) the keeper (the moving part of the hook) is completely closed and locked in position. _________________________________________________________________________ Produced by the Mining Health and Safety Program and the Occupational Health and Safety Branch, Ontario Ministry of Labour. Disponible en fran¨ais.