The ANSI/ASSE Z359 Series has been extended with the release of three new/updated parts for the Fall Protection Code. All three are 2014 Editions, but have only been released this month. They have an unusual layout that will help you use and understand these standards easily. And you can get your copies now in paper format or for pdf download from Document Center Inc.
We’ll take a look at each of the three new ANSI Z359 standards separately, but I would like to review some features that they have in common. Most notably, they are formatted in two columns. On the left is the text of the standard itself. On the right are explanatory notes, providing insight and resources for users. Also, the three documents have been developed with OSHA requirements in mind. So you’ll get information on how these publications relate to your regulatory mandates.
Now let’s take a closer look at each of the three new releases:
ANSI/ASSE Z359.11, 2014 Edition, Safety Requirements for Full Body Harnesses
Full body harnesses are used for commercial purposes, but also for travel restraint, suspension, and/or rescue applications. This standard provides you with the requirements needed for performance, design, marking, qualification, instruction, training, test methods, inspection and use, maintenance and removal from service. It can be used anywhere in the harness lifecycle, from design, manufacture, testing and certification, regulation, and use.
Not only does the standard review all this material, it also has a number of figures that illustrate the requirements as well. Annex A provides you with information that must be included in the user’s instruction manual. The requirements of ANSI/ASSE Z359.11 will be effective 9/1/2015.
ANSI/ASSE Z359.14, 2014 Edition, Safety Requirements for Self-Retracting Devices for Personal Fall Arrest and Rescue Systems
The ANSI/ASSE Z359.14 does the same thing as the Z359.11, only for self-retracting devices, including self-retracting lanyards, including those with integral rescue capability and leading edge capability. So if you’ve been using the ANSI/ASSE Z359.1 or ANSI/ASSE Z359.4 for these types of devices, you’ll want to move over to this new Part 14.
Again, the 56-page document is comprised of the text. Appendix A then gives you a table with the mandatory inspection requirements. Appendix B provides you with the various figures you’ll be using. The document is a revision of the 2012 Edition, which is now obsolete.
ANSI/ASSE Z359.15, 2014 Edition, Safety Requirements for Single Anchor Lifelines and Fall Arresters for Personal Fall Arrest Systems
The Z359.15 covers lifelines and fall arresters. There are two notible exceptions: window cleaning belts and sports-related equipment. And requirements for horizontal lifelines are also not included. The standard provides you with the requirements for design, testing and performance, marking and instructions, your user inspections, maintenance and storage, and removal from service. It is organized into two sections: Text and Figures.
So now you realize that you need one or more of these new publications. You can orader the copies you need online at the Document Center webstore, www.document-center.com. Or you can contact our customer service staff for more information. They can be reached by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com). With over 30 years of experience in working with standards, you can rely on Document Center to help you not only purchase your documents but also use and maintain them. Make us your Standards Experts!
