1. (1) Before leaving the ground, the climber must:

   1. (a) Visually check their climbing equipment,
   2. (b) Immediately remove defective or damaged climbing equipment from service.
   3. (c) Check hardware for secure closure before placing their weight on the lanyard or life support rope.
   4. (d) Tie, dress and set all climbing knots.
2. (2) Splices must be made according to cordage manufacturer’s recommendations.

3. (3) Life support ropes (climbing line) that are in service must:

   1. (a) Be easily identifiable.
   2. (b) Have a minimum breaking strength of 5,400 pounds.
   3. (c) Be used only for climbing.

4. (4) Remove life support rope from climbing service when:

   1. (a) It has been subjected to a shock load.
   2. (b) There is excessive wear or damage detected during inspection.
5. (5) Webbing used for life support must be applied in a manner that provides a minimum breaking strength of 5,400 pounds.
6. (6) Climbing hardware must have a minimum breaking strength of 5,000 pounds.
7. (7) Lanyard snap hooks must be self closing and self locking.
8. (8) When a cutting tool is used in a tree, the climbing rope (lanyard) must be a high-quality steel safety chain of 3/16-inch size or larger or a wire core rope.

Statutory/Other Authority

ORS 654.025(2) & 656.726(4)

Statutes/Other Implemented

ORS 654.001 - 654.295

History

OSHA 3-2008, f. 3-7-08, cert. ef. 7-1-08