ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code

ANSI Z359.14 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 Z359.0 2007
ANSI Z359.1 2007
ANSI Z359.2 2007
ANSI Z359.3 2007
ANSI Z359.4 2007
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 Z359.6 2009 Specifications and Design Requirements for Active Fall
Protection Systems
ANSI Z359.12 2009 Connecting Components for Personal Fall Arrest Systems
ANSI Z359.13 2009 Personal Energy Absorbers and Energy Absorbing Lanyards

August 2012 Update 1

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 Z359.14 2012 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 Z359.11
ANSI Z359.5
ANSI Z359.8 Requirements for Full-Body
Safety Requirements for Personal
Requirements for Rope Access Harness for Personal Fall Arrest
Fall Arrest Systems
System

ANSI Z359.15 ANSI Z359.16 ANSI Z359.17

Safety Requirements for Vertical Safety Requirements for Fall Safety Requirements for
Lifelines for Personal Fall Arrest Arresters for Personal Fall Arrest Horizontal Lifelines for Personal
Systems Systems Fall Arrest Systems

ANSI Z359.18
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 Z359.14 Safety Requirements for Self-Retracting Devices for Personal Fall
Arrest?

A4: ANSI Z359.14 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 ANSIs 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 self-
retracting lanyards (SRLs), self-retracting lanyards with integral rescue capability (SRL-Rs), and self-
retracting lanyards with leading edge capability (SRL-LEs) and, hybrid combinations of these.

August 2012 Update 2

 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 4.1.2. 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

 New Guidelines for Inspection
Although Honeywell does not require annual factory inspection/recertification of most Miller SRLs,
ANSI Z359.14 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

Inspection
Application Frequency Factory Authorized
Type of use Conditions of Use
Examples Competent Inspection
Person

Good storage conditions,

At least every 2-5 years,
Rescue and confined indoor or infrequent
Infrequent to but not longer than
space, factory outdoor use, room Annually
Light intervals required by the
maintenance temperature, clean
manufacturer
environments

Fair storage conditions,

Transportation, At least every 1-2 years,
indoor and extended Semi-
Moderate to residential but not longer than
outdoor use, all annually to
Heavy construction, utilities, intervals required by the
temperatures, clean or annually
warehouse manufacturer
dusty environments

Harsh storage conditions,

At least annually, but not
Commercial prolonged or continuous Quarterly to
Severe to longer than intervals
construction, oil and outdoor use, all semi-
Continuous required by the
gas, mining temperatures, dirty annually
manufacturer
environment

Q7: Does ANSI Z359.14 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 Z359.14 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 Z359.14

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

Q9: Does ANSI Z359.14 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 Z359.14 require snap hooks and carabiners with 3,600 lb (16kN) gate-strength?

A10: Yes, snap hooks and carabiners on all ANSI Z359.14-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:
www.millerfallprotection.com

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 Z359.14 printed
on the product label.

Q13. I currently have a non-ANSI Z359.14 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 Z359.14 SRL for service, we will service the unit as a non-ANSI Z359.14 unit
and ship it back. The device will not carry the ANSI Z359.14 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 Z359.14 requirements?

A14: We will soon be launching a new product that meets all of the testing requirements detailed in ANSI
Z359.14. 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

 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 (www.millerfallprotection.com), or by contacting Honeywell Technical Service at 800-
873-5242 (press 4).

For complete information, the ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code is available directly from the
American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) www.asse.org.

August 2012 Update 6