Frequently Asked Questions

Transcription

1 ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code (New Standards Effective November 16, 2009) ANSI Z ANSI Z ANSI Z Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is ANSI? A: 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. Q: What is the general scope of the ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code? A: The ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code is a recently approved 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 initially introduced and became effective November 24, 2007: ANSI Z Definitions and Nomenclature Used for Fall Protection and Fall Arrest ANSI Z Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Subsystems and Components ANSI Z Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program ANSI Z Safety Requirements for Positioning and Travel Restraint Systems ANSI Z Safety Requirements for Assisted Rescue and Self-Rescue Systems, Subsystems and Components An additional three (3) Standards are now being introduced and are effective November 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 No effective completion dates have been announced for the remaining nine (9) Standards in the Fall Protection Code. 1

2 Q: Is the ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code new or is it a revision of an existing standard? A: The ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Standard first went into effect in 1992 as ANSI Z American National Standard for Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Subsystems and Components. The Standard had minor revisions in 1999 and was published under ANSI Z (R1999). In 2007 the ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code introduced five (5) Standards. Now in 2009, three (3) Standards are being introduced under this same Fall Protection Code. Q: Is ANSI Z359 a voluntary or mandatory standard? A: As with all American National Standards, ANSI Z359 is a voluntary General Industry standard guideline. Q: Is there a grace period? A: No, there is no grace period. The first five (5) Standards were effective November 24, 2007, and the three (3) new Standards being introduced in 2009 will go into effect November 16, Q: Where can additional information on ANSI Z359 be found? A: 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 company s Miller website at or by contacting Miller Technical Service at For complete information, the ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code is available directly from the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) -- ANSI Z Specifications and Design Requirements for Active Fall Protection Systems (Effective November 16, 2009) Q1: What is the scope of the new ANSI Z359.6 Standard Specifications and Design Requirements for Active Fall Protection Systems? A1: This Standard of the Fall Protection Code is intended for engineers responsible for designing active fall-protection systems compliant with ANSI Z Active Fall Protection Systems include any fall restraint, fall arrest, travel restriction or administrative controls used to protect authorized persons working at heights. Q2: What are Active Fall Protection Systems? A2: ANSI defines an active fall protection system as: A means of providing fall protection that requires workers to take specific actions, including wearing (and otherwise using) personal fall protection equipment and following prescribed procedures. Examples include travel restraint and fall arrest systems. 2

3 Q3: What is the purpose of the ANSI Z359.6 Standard? A3: The purpose of this Z359.6 Standard is to provide uniform practice in the design of active fall protection systems. Q4: Does the ANSI Z359.6 Standard apply to Miller brand fall protection equipment manufactured by Honeywell? A4: This Standard does not provide design or performance requirements for fall arrest equipment or systems that have been manufactured and successfully tested to other ANSI Z359 Standards. Custom systems components that have not been tested to other Standards, such as custom anchorage connectors for horizontal lifelines, will need to conform with the requirements of this Standard to mark the anchorages compliant with ANSI Z Q5: What subjects are not covered by the ANSI Z359.6 Standard? A5: The Z359.6 Standard does not cover: Fall arrest equipment or systems that have already been manufactured and successfully tested to other ANSI Z359 Standards Passive fall protection systems such as guardrails and safety nets, unless they serve as anchorage systems or sub-systems as part of the active fall protection systems covered by the Standard Positioning systems The determination of the structural strength and behavior of components or anchorages of active fall protection systems The Construction Industry does not need to comply with the requirements detailed in the Standard ANSI Z Connecting Components for Personal Fall Arrest Systems (Effective November 16, 2009) Q1: What is the scope of the new ANSI Z Standard Connecting Components for Personal Fall Arrest Systems? A1: This Standard establishes the requirements for performance, design, marking, qualification, test methods and removal from service of connectors used in personal fall protection systems commonly referred to as personal fall arrest equipment. Q2: To what Industries does it apply? A2: The ANSI Z Standard applies to personal fall arrest equipment used in General Industry. It does not apply to Construction, Window Cleaning or Sports-Related Activities. Q3: Does the ANSI Z Standard apply to connectors used in all personal fall arrest systems? A3: No. It does not apply to body belts, window cleaner belts, chest-waist harnesses and chest harnesses. In addition, it does not apply to components used in horizontal lifeline systems, as well as personal protective systems for climbing, travel restriction, rescue and evacuation. 3

4 Q4: What types of connectors are covered by this Standard? A4: The connectors covered by ANSI Z include snap hooks, carabiners, D-rings, O-rings, buckles and oval adjuster rings. Q5: Why was the ANSI Z Standard written? A5: ANSI Z establishes a separate Standard dedicated solely to connectors that incorporate more detailed and expanded performance and testing requirements. These requirements are based upon years of testing and research which have provided a better understanding of how this equipment is used. Q6: What are the key changes to the performance and testing requirements? A6: ANSI Z essentially extracted the connector components requirements from the existing ANSI Z359.1 Standard with the following key changes: 1. Pin type captive eye snap hooks or carabiners are no longer excluded from minor axis testing on the connector gate to the 3,600 lbs. gate requirement. (Section ) 2. Connectors must now be subjected to a dynamic drop test. When tested, permanent deformation is acceptable provided that, in cases where the component relies on gate closure, this deformation is not sufficient to release the gate. (Section ) 3. Prior to dynamic drop testing, the connector must be subjected to a variety of conditioning tests: a. Abrasion Testing: Connector is subjected to 50,000 revolutions with a hexagonal bar to simulate wear. (Section ) b. Cold Conditioning: After abrasion testing, the connector shall be conditioned to -35 +/- 2 degrees Celsius for 8 hours before dynamic drop test. (Section ) c. Accelerated Weathering: For connectors made of materials other than metal or metal alloys, the test sample shall be subjected for 2,000 hours of specific weathering requirements using xenon arc-light source prior to dynamic drop testing. (Section ) ANSI Z Personal Energy Absorbers and Energy-Absorbing Lanyards (Effective November 16, 2009) Q1: What is the scope of the new ANSI Z Standard? A1: The new ANSI Z Standard establishes requirements for the performance, design, marking, qualification, instructions, inspection, maintenance and removal from service of energyabsorbing lanyards and personal energy absorbers for users within the capacity range of 130 to 310 lbs. ( kg). 4

5 Q2: What s new about the Z Standard? A2: The requirements for performance include testing methods for manufacturers to follow to ensure their products are ANSI Z359-compliant. The testing methods were developed from accumulated knowledge in the industry about the use of lanyards. The methods include droptesting, environmental testing, abrasion testing for wrap-around or tie-back lanyards, double-leg or Y lanyards, and new markings. The Standard also outlines performance requirements for sixfoot (6') and 12-foot (12') free-falls. Q3: What is the most significant change to test methods for the ANSI Z Standard? A3: The ANSI Z standard has increased the weight of the steel test mass manufacturers use to test energy-absorbing lanyard performance. ANSI does not exceed OSHA General Industry requirements for energy absorbers that states, when arresting a fall, energy absorbers should limit maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 lbs. Because the weight has increased, energy absorbers that are part of both pack-style and tubular-style lanyards may deploy with higher fall arrest forces (still under 1,800 lbs.) and allow for more elongation or extension of the energy-absorbing material (maximum 48"). Q4: How are Miller brand products affected by the new ANSI Z Standard? A4: Honeywell Safety Products offers a complete line of ANSI Z359-compliant Miller lanyards that have been available since 2007 with new ANSI-compliant hardware. The same product line will be upgraded to meet the new Standard for users who want to be compliant with ANSI Z Q5: Will Miller products look different as a result? A5: The ANSI Z359-compliant lanyards will look the same as the current group of ANSI Z359- compliant lanyards released in 2007; however, the only change will be on the labeling for packstyle energy-absorbing lanyards. Lanyards designed for a six-foot (6') free-fall will have labels with black print on a white background. Labels featured on a lanyard designed for a 12-foot (12') freefall will have white print on a black background. Q6: Does this new Standard allow workers to tie-off at their feet for a twelve-foot (12') free-fall? A6: It is recommended that alternative means of fall protection be investigated prior to using systems that allow for free-falls greater than six feet (6'). In some instances, there is no other option than to tie-off at your feet. Prior to the new Standard, Honeywell offered lanyards with the Miller Maxx energy absorber pack, designed for free-falls greater than six feet (6'). Q7: Are fall clearance calculations affected by this new Standard? A7: Users should always read the instructions and labels supplied by the fall protection manufacturer before use and carefully calculate fall clearance before working at height. The labels on the ANSI Z compliant energy-absorbing lanyards will contain information about maximum elongation or in other words, shock absorber extension, and that distance should be included in fall clearance calculations. 5

6 Q8: The BackBiter Tie-Back Lanyard has been around for years, why is ANSI outlining test methods now? A8: Miller pioneered the development of purpose-built, tie-back lanyards by using real world testing to ensure the equipment would perform in the most rigorous applications. Since the introduction of the BackBiter Tie-Back Lanyard, many other manufacturers have offered their versions of a tie-back lanyard. The Z Standard now establishes testing requirements for wrap-around or tie-back lanyards that are a safe solution to the dangerous, but common practice of using a conventional energy-absorbing lanyard to tie-back onto itself. Q9: Is it OK to attach a lanyard snap hook to the side D-rings of a harness when not in use? A9: Connecting a lanyard to other areas of a harness in some circumstances could produce dangerous conditions, and Honeywell recommends against this situation. All Miller harnesses now feature pull-free lanyard rings on the chest strap as a convenient location to connect a lanyard that is not in use. When connected to side D-rings, the lanyard could also drag on the ground, snag the webbing or cause a trip hazard. Q10: Are energy absorbers for horizontal lifelines addressed in the new ANSI Z359.6 Standard? A10: No, energy absorbers for horizontal lifelines are not addressed in this new Standard since horizontal lifelines are outside the scope of this section of the Standard. Q: What is the Honeywell Miller Beyond the Standards ANSI Z359 campaign? A: 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. 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. 6

7 Q: Is there a list of products affected by the Standard changes for which Honeywell has a selection of compliant Miller products? A: Yes, there is a list of top-selling Miller products that comply with the new ANSI Z359 Standard requirements. The list is included in this launch package. The list is also available on the company s Miller website at or by calling Honeywell Technical Service at Q: Are current products grandfathered into the new ANSI Fall Protection Code introduced in 2007? A: No, there is no provision to grandfather products that are currently in the field. However, many products in the field that meet ANSI Z (R1999) will meet many of the performance requirements proposed in the latest ANSI Z359 Standard and the eight (8) sub-sections now in effect. Q: Are the Miller locking snap hooks and shock absorber materials on products that have been purchased in the past still safe? A: Yes, as long as the proper equipment is used correctly in the proper application. This holds true for all safety products. Miller products have been saving lives for more than 60 years. Selecting the right product for the right application is a critical element to protecting workers at heights. If you have questions regarding proper selection of product for an application, please contact Miller Technical Service at Q: What should be done with existing products that do not meet the new ANSI Standard? A: 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 particular 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. Q: When will the products meeting the new ANSI Z359 Standards being introduced in 2009 be available to order? A: With the exception of shock-absorbing lanyards, all Miller products produced today labeled ANSI Z359 currently meet the new Standards going into effect in November Product changes to shock-absorbing lanyards will be phased into production starting in October. All lanyards produced on or after November 16, 2009 will meet the new requirements. 7

8 Q: What are the lead-times of the ANSI Z359 products? A: If a product is currently designated as stock in the U.S., and we offer an ANSI Z359 version of the product, the new ANSI Z359-compliant product will also be designated stock. If the ANSI Z359-compliant product is created from a product that is not currently designated as stock, then the ANSI version will be considered non-stock. Since ANSI Z359 is primarily focused on the U.S. market, all items created with the -Z7 model number will be non-stock in Canada. Due to different CSA testing requirements, some products will not be available in Canada. Q: Will the new ANSI Z359 products be available outside the United States? A: The new line of ANSI-compliant products will be available for global customer demand since many companies operate globally. Questions or more information, contact: Miller Technical Service 800/ / or 814/ Fax 800/ or Fax 814/