Frequently Asked Questions

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1 ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code ANSI Z Safety Requirements for Self-Retracting Devices for Personal Fall Arrest Frequently Asked Questions Q1: What is ANSI? A1: ANSI is an acronym for the American National Standards Institute a private, nonprofit organization that oversees the development of standards in the United States. ANSI establishes consensus procedures that are the basis for the development of these American National Standards. ANSI also provides accreditation to organizations that operate in accordance with ANSI procedures and approves standards that are developed by ANSI Committees. Q2: What is the general scope of the ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code? A2: The ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code is an American National Standard that addresses fall protection requirements for General Industry. The ANSI Z359 Code is an umbrella for a series of seventeen (17) fall protection-related Standards. Five (5) Standards were approved and became effective Nov. 25, 2007: ANSI Z ANSI Z ANSI Z ANSI Z ANSI Z Definitions and Nomenclature Used for Fall Protection and Fall Arrest Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Subsystems and Components Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program Safety Requirements for Positioning and Travel Restraint Systems Safety Requirements for Assisted Rescue and Self-Rescue Systems, Subsystems and Components An additional (3) Standards were approved and became effective Nov. 16, 2009: ANSI Z ANSI Z ANSI Z Specifications and Design Requirements for Active Fall Protection Systems Connecting Components for Personal Fall Arrest Systems Personal Energy Absorbers and Energy Absorbing Lanyards August 2012 Update 1

2 An additional one (1) Standard was approved and effective October 3, 2011: ANSI Z359.7 Qualification and Verification Testing of Fall Protection Products Note: Manufacturers have until October 3, 2012 to comply with the testing requirements detailed in the standard. As of October 3, 2012, products marked with ANSI Z359 must meet the minimum requirements of the both the Z359.7 standard and the associated ANSI product standard. An additional (1) Standard is approved and effective August 20, 2012: ANSI Z Safety Requirements for Self-Retracting Devices for Personal Fall Arrest and Rescue Systems ANSI intends to create 7 additional Standards which are listed below. Work continues on these Standards by various ANSI committees. No effective completion dates have been announced. ANSI Z359.5 Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems ANSI Z Safety Requirements for Vertical Lifelines for Personal Fall Arrest Systems ANSI Z359.8 Requirements for Rope Access ANSI Z Safety Requirements for Fall Arresters for Personal Fall Arrest Systems ANSI Z Requirements for Full-Body Harness for Personal Fall Arrest System ANSI Z Safety Requirements for Horizontal Lifelines for Personal Fall Arrest Systems ANSI Z Safety Requirements for Anchorage Connectors For Personal Fall Arrest Systems Q3: Is ANSI Z359 a voluntary or mandatory standard? A3: As with all American National Standards, ANSI Z359 is a voluntary General Industry standard. Legal requirements for protection against falls from heights are established by applicable regulatory bodies governing occupational safety. Q4: What is the scope of ANSI Z Safety Requirements for Self-Retracting Devices for Personal Fall Arrest? A4: ANSI Z establishes requirements for the performance, design, qualification testing, markings and instructions, inspections, maintenance and storage, and removal from service of self-retracting devices (SRDs) including self-retracting lanyards (SRLs), self-retracting lanyards with integral rescue capability (SRL-Rs) and self-retracting lanyards for leading edge (SRL-LEs). The scope includes requirements for SRDs intended for use in personal fall arrest or rescue systems for authorized persons within the capacity range of 130 to 310 lbs (59 to 141 kg). Q5: What are the definitions for a self-retracting device, self-retracting lanyard, self-retracting lanyard with integral rescue capability and self-retracting lanyard for leading edge? A5: According to ANSI s definition, a Self-Retracting Device (SRD) is A device that contains a drum wound line that automatically locks at the onset of a fall to arrest the user, but that pays out from and automatically retracts onto the drum during normal movement of the person to whom the line is attached. After onset of a fall, the device automatically locks the drum and arrests the fall. Self-retracting devices include selfretracting lanyards (SRLs), self-retracting lanyards with integral rescue capability (SRL-Rs), and selfretracting lanyards with leading edge capability (SRL-LEs) and, hybrid combinations of these. August 2012 Update 2

3 A Self-Retracting Lanyard (SRL) is defined as A self-retracting device suitable for applications where during use the device is mounted or anchored such that possible free fall is limited to 2 feet (0.6m) or less. A Self-Retracting Lanyard with Integral Rescue Capability (SRL-R) is An SRL that includes an integral means for assisted rescue via raising or lowering the rescue subject. A Self-Retracting Lanyard with Leading Edge Capability (SRL-LE) is A self-retracting device suitable for applications where during use the device is not necessarily mounted or anchored overhead. The device may be at foot level and where the possible free fall is up to 5 feet (1.5m) that includes integral means to withstand impact loading of the line constituent with a sharp or abrasive edge during fall arrest and for controlling fall arrest forces on the user. SRL SRL-R SRL-LE Q6: What are the key changes found in ANSI Z359.14? A6: The new standard increases the test weight for dynamic performance, requires classification of SRDs as either Class A or Class B based on results of the dynamic performance test, establishes testing requirements for Self-Retracting Lanyards with Leading Edge Capability (SRL-LE) and provides specific guidelines for inspection. Heavier Test Weight for Dynamic Performance Tests The weight requirement of the rigid weight used for dynamic performance testing increased from 220 lbs. (100 kg) to 282 lbs. (128 kg) +/-2 lbs. (1 kg), Section The increased test weight uses a 1:1 conversion factor to model the forces of a fully tooled and clothed 310-lb. (141 kg) worker involved in a fall. New SRD Classifications For Class A, the maximum arrest distance must not exceed 24 inches (610 mm). The average arresting force shall not exceed 1,350 lbs. (6 kn) or a maximum peak of 1,800 lbs. (8 kn). After environmental conditioning (hot, cold or wet), the average arresting force is not to exceed 1,575 lbs. (7 kn) or a maximum peak of 1,800 lbs. (8 kn). For Class B, the maximum arrest distance must not exceed 54 inches (1,372 mm) and the average arresting force shall not exceed 900 lbs. (4 kn) or a maximum peak of 1,800 lbs. (8 kn). After environmental conditioning (hot, cold or wet), the average arresting force is not to exceed 1,125 lbs. (5 kn) or a maximum peak of 1,800 lbs. (8 kn). Self-Retracting Lanyard with Leading Edge (SRL-LE) Sharp-edge Testing The testing requirements for SRL-LE units are very rigorous. Dynamic Performance Testing requires dropping a 282 lb. (128 kg) weight over a very sharp edge (specified by the standard) with the line of the SRL-LE fully extended. This testing is conducted with the line perpendicular to the edge as well as at an off-set of 5 feet. After Dynamic Performance Testing the device must pay-out, retract and the locking function must operate. Dynamic Strength Testing requires repeating the perpendicular and off-set tests with a 300 lb. (136 kg) weight. Additional testing requirements are outlined in the standard. August 2012 Update 3

4 New Guidelines for Inspection Although Honeywell does not require annual factory inspection/recertification of most Miller SRLs, ANSI Z has new guidelines for inspection by a Competent Person as well as Factory Authorized Inspection. Companies that elect to follow ANSI Z359 will need to follow these new guidelines detailed in the chart below. Appendix A: Inspection Requirements Type of use Application Examples Conditions of Use Inspection Frequency Competent Person Factory Authorized Inspection Infrequent to Light Rescue and confined space, factory maintenance Good storage conditions, indoor or infrequent outdoor use, room temperature, clean environments Annually At least every 2-5 years, but not longer than intervals required by the manufacturer Moderate to Heavy Transportation, residential construction, utilities, warehouse Fair storage conditions, indoor and extended outdoor use, all temperatures, clean or dusty environments Semiannually to annually At least every 1-2 years, but not longer than intervals required by the manufacturer Severe to Continuous Commercial construction, oil and gas, mining Harsh storage conditions, prolonged or continuous outdoor use, all temperatures, dirty environment Quarterly to semiannually At least annually, but not longer than intervals required by the manufacturer Q7: Does ANSI Z include special requirements for a shock-absorber pack on the Self-Retracting Lanyard with Leading Edge (SRL-LE)? A7: Yes, the standard requires SRL-LEs include an integral energy absorber element adjacent to the end of the line constituent (synthetic rope/webbing/wire rope) that connects to the body support. In the event of a fall, this ensures a shock-absorber goes over the edge with the worker which reduces the force on the section of the system between the worker and the edge to ensure the line of the SRL-LE remains intact. Q8: Does ANSI Z specify requirements for product labels? A8: Yes, the new standard has very specific product labeling requirements to promote a single, uniform graphic system for users to readily identify ANSI-compliant equipment. This is done through a hazard classification system, as well as by using designated colors and safety signal words as detailed in ANSI Z535. The markings/labeling of equipment must endure for the life of the component being marked and highlights of new SRD markings include: The standard number Z SRD Class Average arresting force for the SRD Class In addition to SRD key markings, there are markings specific to SRL-Rs and SRL-LEs that include: o SRL-Rs: - Direction to turn crank - Warning against allowing slack line while in rescue mode o SRL-LEs: - Minimum installation setback distance - Clearance required when falling over edge August 2012 Update 4

5 Q9: Does ANSI Z specify requirements for instructions? A9: Yes, equipment instructions are also addressed in the standard. Highlights of new requirements include: Reference to the Z359 standards and applicable regulations governing occupational safety The average arresting force when dynamically tested in accordance with the requirements of this standard SRD class and the arrest distance when dynamically tested in accordance with the requirements of this standard How to determine fall clearance Equipment instructions specific to the SRL-LE include: o Setback distance from the leading edge o A warning addressing the allowable angle of redirection of lanyard over edge Q10: Does ANSI Z require snap hooks and carabiners with 3,600 lb (16kN) gate-strength? A10: Yes, snap hooks and carabiners on all ANSI Z compliant Self-Retracting Devices must have a gate-strength of 3,600 lbs (16kN). In addition, tensile loads from end to end must withstand 5,000 lbs (22.2kN). Q11: Where can I reference a list of Miller Self-Retracting Lifelines (SRLs) that meet ANSI Z359.14? A11: For a complete listing of Miller SRLs that meet ANSI Z359.14, visit the Miller website: Q12: How do I know if an SRL I have purchased meets ANSI Z359.14? A12: After August 20, 2012, all Miller SRLs that comply with the new standard will have ANSI Z printed on the product label. Q13. I currently have a non-ansi Z SRL that needs service. If I send it in to you or one of your authorized service centers, what will I get back in return? A13. If you send in a non-ansi Z SRL for service, we will service the unit as a non-ansi Z unit and ship it back. The device will not carry the ANSI Z marking but will meet prior ANSI Z359 and OSHA requirements. We will not upgrade the device to the new standard. Q14: Does Miller offer a Self-Retracting Lanyard with Leading Edge (SRL-LE) capabilities that meets ANSI Z requirements? A14: We will soon be launching a new product that meets all of the testing requirements detailed in ANSI Z A complete launch package introducing this new product will soon be released. Q15: What is the Honeywell Beyond the Standards ANSI Z359 campaign? A15: Honeywell understands that protecting workers at heights requires a holistic approach that extends beyond standards and regulations. Meeting new or established standards for safety requirements and product performance provides a starting point for safety on the job site. The initial introduction of the new ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code in 2007 provides requirements to minimize serious injuries when working at height often caused by misuse, improper product selection, inadequate training or possibly damaged/worn equipment. Beyond the Standards focuses on Miller T.I.P.S. for Total Compliance that addresses important considerations to assure a safe environment when working at heights. What does the acronym T.I.P.S. stand for? Training: Professional fall protection training, including on-site awareness, proper selection and proper use of fall protection equipment is key to worker safety. Inspection: Equipment inspection and maintenance is an integral part of a comprehensive fall protection program. Failure is not an option when in doubt, throw it out. Product: Proper product selection and use is critical for working at heights. Work environments differ. Selecting the right equipment for the application is a key component to working safely at heights. August 2012 Update 5

6 Standards: Addressing the ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code is important for fall protection end-users that adopt this standard. Meeting industry standards indicates products pass accepted testing procedures. Q16: What should be done with existing products that do not meet the new ANSI Standard? A16: Since ANSI Z359 is a voluntary General Industry Standard that does not include the Construction Industry, the answer to this question must be decided by each company. Companies that do not adopt ANSI Z359 will not need to adopt the changes in the new Standards. Companies still need to make certain that those working at heights are: 1. Properly trained 2. Equipment is inspected and maintained 3. Proper product selection and use for a specific application 4. Applicable OSHA Standards must be followed and equipment must meet OSHA requirements and be used according to OSHA regulations. Q17: Where can I find additional information on ANSI Z359? A17: Honeywell Safety Products has developed a white paper entitled Understanding the ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code. This document highlights the changes in the new Fall Protection Code. It is available on the Miller website ( or by contacting Honeywell Technical Service at (press 4). For complete information, the ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code is available directly from the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) August 2012 Update 6