Fall Protection ANSI-What is it, Why is it important? New ANSI Standards Craig Firl March 5 th, 2013
ANSI Fall Protection Standards What is ANSI? American National Standards Institute Voluntary Consensus Standards ANSI Standards Developed by several people, including: End Users Associations Government Officials Insurance Industry Manufacturers of Fall Protection Equipment The Primary ANSI Fall Protection Standard is the ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code 2
ANSI Fall Protection Standards ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code System and component standards Z359.3: Positioning and Travel Restraint Systems Z359.4: Assisted-Rescue and Self-Rescue Systems Z359.6: Design of Active Fall Protection Systems Z359.8: Rope Access Systems Z359.9: Descent Control Devices Z359.11: Full Body Harness Z359.12: Connecting Components Z359.13: Energy Absorbers and Lanyards Z359.14: Self-Retracting Devices Z359.15: Vertical Lifelines and Fall Arresters Z359.16: Climbing Ladder Fall Arrest Systems Z359.17: Horizontal Lifelines Z359.18: Anchorage Connectors Umbrella and reference standards Z359.0: Definitions Z359.1: Personal Fall Arrest Systems (reference) Z359.2: Managed Fall Protection Program Z359.7: Qualification and Verification Testing 3
ANSI Fall Protection Standards ANSI-Why is it Important? Up-to-date fall protection standards OSHA is out of date, 1995 vintage, 1970 vintage Comprehensive. Detailed OSHA is the minimum. ANSI covers design, performance, labeling, markings, etc. Requires testing and verification at Accredited Lab ANSI Z359.7 OSHA does not approve products. Liability! 4
ANSI Z359.14 Self Retracting Devices Effective August 20, 2012 SUMMARY New terms SRD, SRL-R, R, SRL-LELE New classifications Class A, Class B New requirements Visual Indicator required, new test weight - 282 lbs. for SRL performance test Leading edge classification and testing Specific test t criteria, i Average arresting force Measured during testing, labeled on product New inspection requirements Factory authorized inspections, more frequent competent person inspections 5
ANSI Z359.14 Details New terms SRD = Self Retracting Devices, includes SRL s s, SRL-R s Rs and SRL-LE sle SRL= Self Retracting Lanyard (or Self Retracting Lifeline) SRL-R= SRL with integral rescue capabilities Examples of models: Sealed Bloks with retrieval winch SRL-LE= SRL with leading edge capability Examples of models: Ultra-Lok 3504500 and 3504600 6
ANSI Z359.14 Details New classifications SRD s with dynamic performance as follows: Class A= maximum arrest distance of 24 inches. Average arresting force not to exceed 1350 lbs. Class B=maximum arrest distance of 54 inches. Average arresting force not to exceed 900 lbs. Example: Ultra-Lok web and cable models, Sealed Bloks, Talons, User instructions and markings on product will identify which class 7
ANSI Z359.14 Details New requirements Visual impact indicator Now required for all ANSI Z359.14 compliant SRD s. Indicator shall be readily visible. New test weight Test weight for dynamic performance test is now 282 lbs. The old test weight was 220 lbs. 282 lb. test weight represents a 310 lbs. person 282 lbs. represents a conversion ratio of human weight to test weight of 1.1:1 (220 lbs. represented a conversion of 1.4:1) 8
ANSI Z359.14 Details Leading edge classification and testing Test set up Markings on products include minimum set back distance and required clearance when falling over edge Compliant models: Leading edge Ultra-Lok models 3504500 and 3504600 (contain larger diameter cable and external energy absorber) Drop test video 9
energy absorber test weight back up line leading edge SRL-LE 10
Video 017 test weight SRL-LE leading edge back up line 11
ANSI Z359.14 Details Average arresting force What is this? Average of every data point over 500 lbs. Why is it important? Average arresting force more closely represents what the attached user and the anchorage point are subjected to. Compare this is maximum arresting force which includes one time spikes or peaks in the force measurement. How do you know what average arresting force is for a particular product? Labeling on product User instruction manual 12
Average arresting force- data points over 500 lbs. Peak Force Average Force 500 lbs. threshold >500 lbs. time frame 13
ANSI Z359.14 Details New inspection requirements Before use inspection same as before Competent person inspections Frequency based on type of use and conditions of use. Ranges from quarterly to annually. In the past, the competent person inspections were done annually 14
ANSI Z359.14 Details New inspection requirements Factory authorized inspections An in depth internal inspection by a factory authorized inspection entity This is in addition to the competent person inspection Requires specialized training by the factory Frequency is based on type of use and conditions of use. Ranges from annually to every 5 years. In the past, CSG policy was to inspect device at least annually by competent person. If device passed inspection, no factory inspection/ recertification was required. To comply with ANSI Z359.14, SRD s must have factory authorized inspection performed! 15
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ANSI Z359.7 Qualification and Verification Testing Effective October 3, 2011 SUMMARY (one year to comply) Requirements of ANSI Z359.7 must be met before any product can be marked as ANSI Compliant. Plus applicable Z359 standard for that item Test laboratory must be in compliance with ISO 17025 Complete standard must be complied with- not just selected sections Three ways that fall protection products can be tested to meet requirements Certification available on-line Detailed proof of compliance to standards d will be available upon request Verification testing every 5 years if mfg. has registered Quality program 17
ANSI Z359.7 Details Product must comply with Z359.7 and applicable Z359 product standard Example = SRL s must meet Z359.7 and Z359.14 Example= Harnesses must meet Z359.7 and Z359.1 Note- Product must be marked with compliance to applicable ANSI product standard ANSI Z359.14, or ANSI Z359.1 for example. Note- CSG has determined d that t CSG product will also be marked with the following - ISO 17025 accredited verification to ANSI Z359.7 Product must comply with complete standard Cannot pick and choose which portions to comply with Must comply with everything- performance, design, markings, inspections, instructions, use, maintenance, etc. Product must comply with most current edition of the standard Example= Cannot indicate compliance to ANSI Z359.1-1992 version if we made lanyard with non-3600 lb. gated hooks. 18
ANSI Z359.7 Details Test lab must be in compliance with ISO 17025- General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories Audited annually Accredited by outside agency The structure and all measuring equipment must be in compliance and calibrated annually Test stand must meet stiffness and frequency requirements Test instruments must have correct level of sensitivity 19
ANSI Z359.7 Details Qualification and verification testing must be done by one of the following Third Party organization with compliant lab At manufacturers accredited lab if witnessed by representative of accredited independent lab At manufacturers accredited lab and signed off and stamped by a professional engineer and qualified person. 20
ANSI Z359.7 Details Certification from Capital Safety is available on line. Example : See next slide Upon request, we will provide proof of compliance 21
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THANK YOU Questions or Comments? 23