1926.502(d)(6): Snaphook Connection Limits
Unless it is a locking type designed for the connection, a snaphook must not be hooked directly to webbing, rope or wire rope; to another snaphook; to a D-ring already holding another connector; to a horizontal lifeline; or to any object that could press open the keeper.
Official text: 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(6)
(6) Unless the snaphook is a locking type and designed for the following connections, snaphooks shall not be engaged:
128 citations(iii) to a Dee-ring to which another snaphook or other connector is attached;
1 citations(iv) to a horizontal lifeline; or
(v) to any object which is incompatibly shaped or dimensioned in relation to the snaphook such that unintentional disengagement could occur by the connected object being able to depress the snaphook keeper and release itself.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.502.
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Injuries linked to this rule
4 injury cases in the last 3 years came from inspections where OSHA cited 1926.502(d)(6), including 4 deaths.
At 9:00 a.m. on July 10, 2024, Employee #1, employed by a roofing company, was replacing roof shingles on a residential property. The employee lost balance andfell from the roof, a height of approximately 22 feet, landing on the ground. The employee suffered fatal trauma…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 11 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 56 |
| 2026 | 22 |
Top states: IL (55), OR (22), GA (7), FL (5), CT (5)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| J.S ALDO'S CONSTRUCTION CO, INC. | MAYWOOD, NJ | $16,550 |
| 317742743 - TERRERO CONSTRUCTION LLC | BEAVERTON, OR | $16,000 |
| SKYLINE RESTORATION INC. | BROOKLYN, NY | $14,518 |
| YOUNG DEVELOPERS, LLC | WATERBURY, CT | $9,931 |
| 317737922 - AMERICA 1ST ROOFING & BUILDERS INC | ESTACADA, OR | $9,223 |
OSHA interpretation letters
- Compatibility requirements of fall protection equipment from different manufacturers. (2012-10-23)
- Under Subpart M, whether a lanyard may be connected to another lanyard by a snaphook, provided the potential fall distance is six feet or less. (2005-05-11)
- Fall protection components from different manufacturers may be used together provided connecting parts are sized compatibly. (2004-02-19)
- Clarification of 1926.502(d)(6) term "designed for" in snaphook connections. (2003-07-09)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.502(d) Personal fall arrest systems 2,011 citations
- 1926.502(d)(17) 560 citations
- 1926.502(d)(15) 507 citations
- 1926.502(d)(16) 326 citations
- 1926.502(d)(16)(iii) 277 citations
- 1926.502(d)(21) 136 citations
- 1926.502(d)(6)(i) 111 citations
- 1926.502(d)(15)(ii) 55 citations
- 1926.502(d)(11) 44 citations
- 1926.502(d)(8) 17 citations
- 1926.502(d)(1) 17 citations
- 1926.502(d)(9) 14 citations
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About this page
Official text from the eCFR. Citation and injury numbers from public U.S. Department of Labor enforcement and accident records, copied nightly; 3-year window; data as of 2026-10-18. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.