F of on-the-job injuries and fatalities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2005, there were 255,750 non-fatal injuries involving falls in pri- vate industry and 735 fatalities. The new standards included in the code provide organizations with a comprehensive resource for protecting workers at height. The code, which applies to anyone NSI/ASSE Z359, the national Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Subsystems
A voluntary consensus fall protec-
tion equipment standard for gen- eral industry, is considered a benchmark and Components •Z359.2: Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall working at height, includes the following new standards: •ANSI/ASSE Z359.0-2007: Defini- tions and Nomenclature Used for Fall standard, one that has been incorporated Protection Program Protection and Fall Arrest into many industrial fall protection pro- •Z359.3: Safety Requirements for •ANSI/ASSE Z359.1-2007: Safety grams. It was last updated in 1999, and Positioning and Travel Restraint Systems Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest then only with minor editorial revisions. •Z359.4: Safety Requirements for Systems, Subsystems and Components The five new standards—which will be Assisted-Rescue and Self-Rescue •ANSI/ASSE Z359.2-2007: Minimum available soon as the ANSI/ASSE Z359 Systems, Subsystems and Components Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program fall protection code—contain many Z359.0: Definitions & Nomenclature •ANSI/ASSE Z359.3-2007: Safety important new requirements. This article This standard functions as a dictionary of Requirements for Positioning and Travel highlights those changes and additions, specialized terms compiled from the other Restraint Systems which will affect many U.S. employers, four standards. It defines each of nearly 150 •ANSI/ASSE Z359.4-2007: Safety workers, SH&E professionals, manufac- terms used throughout the code, from “acti- Requirements for Assisted-Rescue and turers and other stakeholders. vation distance” to “working line.” Self-Rescue Systems, Subsystems and Components The package also includes a copy of ANSI/ASSE Z359.1-1992 (R1999). We would like to thank ASSE for its The scope of ANSI/ASSE Z359 has work as secretariat of the Z359 ASC, and This standard contains product design cri- expanded beyond fall arrest into other we commend the entire Z359 ASC for teria and test procedures for fall arrest work applications. The five standards its efforts in bringing the Z359 Fall Protec- components, subsystems and systems. encompassed by the new code continue tion Code to fruition.We wish you success to adhere to the “systems approach” of Key Changes in using this code as part of your compre- the original 1992 edition: Several key changes have been made hensive managed fall protection program. •Z359.0: Definitions and to Z359.1. Randall Wingfield, Chair, Z359 ASC Nomenclature Used for Fall Protection 1) Gate strength requirements have increased for snaphooks and carabin- Basil Tominna, Vice Chair, Z359 ASC and Fall Arrest •Z359.1: Safety Requirements for continued on page 2 The scope of this new comprehensive continued from page 1 fall protection program standard identifies the standard as a guideline for employers ers. The 1999 standard requires a test for with new or existing fall protection pro- 220 lb force against the gate face and 350 grams. The purpose of a comprehensive lb force against the side of the gate. The program is to: gate mechanism may not disengage from •identify, evaluate and eliminate (or the nose of the snaphook or carabiner. control) fall hazards through planning; The new standard increases the strength •ensure proper training of personnel; requirement to 3,600 lb in all directions •ensure proper installation and use of of potential loading to the gate. Test pro- fall protection and rescue equipment; cedures will change to exert static loads •implement safe fall protection and on the gate face, gate side and from rescue procedures. inside the gate outward, forcing the gate Z359.2 does not apply to the construc- away from the nose of the device. tion industry (SIC Division C), which is 2) The standard includes a front served by ANSI/ASSE A10.32-2004. attachment element for fall arrest. The The standard emphasizes endorsement old standard states that only the dorsal of the employer’s fall protection program (back) D-ring may be used for attachment by company management. Its sets out of a personal fall arrest system. The revised clear, unambiguous duties and responsibili- standard includes attachment of the fall ties for each program participant, including arrest system to a front-mounted D-ring, employers, program administrator, quali- located approximately in the area of the fied person, competent person, authorized sternum. However, connection at the front person, competent rescuer, authorized res- D-ring is limited to systems that restrict free cuer and trainers. Training also is defined fall distance to 2 ft or less and limit the for each role in the organization, as are the maximum fall arrest loads on the front D- requirements for the trainers themselves. ring to 900 lb of force or less. This will be particularly useful in products selected by Training & Evaluations climbers and rope access workers. Training—from administrators, safety 3) The standard includes additional engineers and supervisors to at-risk work- testing and warnings for twin-leg ers and rescue personnel—is addressed shock-absorbing lanyards. Concerns extensively in this standard. This focus is over potential misuse of twin-leg shock- based on years of experience among the absorbing lanyards prompted additional Z359 Committee members and their firm- test requirements and warnings for these ly held belief that without proper training products, which were not mentioned in fall protection equipment and procedures the 1999 version. The new standard are inadequate to the task of reducing includes a 5,000 lb static test of the joint worker injury and death. between the two lanyard legs. To that end, Z359.2 sets goals for achiev- The standard also requires that the prod- ing improved training practices throughout uct label include a warning to attach only the industry. It incorporates by reference the center snaphook to the back D-ring of Rennie Heath ANSI/ASSE Z490.1, Criteria for Accepted 847.768.3436 the harness. More warnings will be includ- Practices in Safety, Health and Environ- rheath@asse.org ed in user instructions, such as a warning mental Training. Z359.2 and Z490.1 provide not to attach the unused leg of the lanyard employers with a comprehensive roadmap to to any point on the harness except attach- enhanced fall protection training. ment points specifically approved by the Susan Carlson harness manufacturer for that purpose. ASSE headquarters staff Fall Protection Procedures scarlson@asse.org This section details general and specific requirements for fall protection proce- ByDesign is a publication of ASSE’s Engineering Practice Specialty, 1800 E. Oakton St., Des Plaines, dures. The procedural scheme is based IL 60018, and is distributed free of charge to mem- around the fall hazard survey report, bers of the Engineering Practice Specialty. The opin- ions expressed in articles herein are those of the This entirely new standard is directed at which is to be written by a trained safety author(s) and are not necessarily those of ASSE. employers and SH&E professionals professional at the qualified person or Technical accuracy is the responsibility of the rather than product manufacturers. The competent person level. The report will author(s). Please send address changes to the address above; fax to (847) 768-3434; or send via new program standard contains detailed identify each fall hazard at the work loca- e-mail to customerservice@asse.org. requirements for a comprehensive fall tion, then recommend appropriate con- protection program. trols for each identified fall hazard. Fall Protection Hierarchy Restraint & Travel Restriction Involvement of outside services logically In descending order of preference, the •Noncertified anchor: 1,000 lbf static must occur before an actual emergency, hierarchy is as follows: strength. and should include a documented plan and •Elimination or substitution. For exam- •Certified anchor: static strength two written confirmation by the rescue agency. ple, eliminate a hazard by lowering the times foreseeable force. If an in-house rescue team is in the work surface to ground level, or substitute a plan, then team members must be trained process, sequence or procedure so that Rescue Systems and equipped for the task, including regu- workers no longer approach a fall hazard. •Noncertified anchor: 3,000 lbf static larly scheduled simulations and document- •Passive fall protection. Isolate or sep- strength. ed plans and instructions for their use. arate the hazard or work practice from •Certified anchor: static strength five workers through the use of guardrails or by times the applied load. Incident Investigations In each case, anchors are divided into A comprehensive managed fall protection covering exposed floor openings. two categories—certified and noncertified. program also should include requirements •Fall restraint. Secure the worker to Certified anchors are those that have been for incident investigation in the event of an anchor using a lanyard short enough to selected under the supervision of a qualified accidental death, injury or property dam- prevent the worker’s center of mass from person who documents—by a process of age. To be effective, these investigations reaching the fall hazard. testing or analysis by a nationally accepted must be conducted promptly, with well- •Fall arrest. This includes systems engineering methodology—and attests to established reporting procedures and doc- designed to stop a worker’s fall after a their capacity. umented results. fall has begun. Noncertified anchors are those that a •Administrative controls. These work Evaluating Program Effectiveness practices or procedures signal or warn a competent person can judge to be capable Regular evaluation of the effectiveness of worker to avoid approaching a fall hazard. of supporting the predetermined anchor the managed fall protection program is a forces prescribed by the standard. Fall critical component in eliminating and Design Requirements for Fall protection systems connected to noncerti- controlling fall hazards. This involves a Protection Systems in New Facilities fied anchors must, in all cases, limit continuous process of building on pro- This section addresses concerns for the con- potential free fall distance to 6 ft or less gram strengths and correcting deficien- trol of fall hazards in new facilities by going and be equipped with an energy-absorb- cies. The evaluations should examine the upstream—to the architects and engineers ing device that limits maximum arrest program to determine whether it has who design new plants, factories and other forces to 900 lb or less. accomplished its objectives and whether buildings. The standard provides guidelines Rope Access they have been achieved according to the for designers to eliminate or control fall written program. Part of continuous Z359.2 addresses—for the first time in a hazards during the facilities planning stage, improvement includes regularly sched- national consensus standard—the system when the cost of doing so is the least bur- uled program reviews and drills, such as of work referred to as rope access. Rope densome to building owners and occupants. rescue drills. access is a growing practice involving This is a concept widely taught yet rarely skilled rope techniques to access work practiced in the building industry. while suspended vertically. The standard ANSI/ASSE Z359.2 enters into the record a recognizes and codifies basic principles practical, cost-effective method to reduce for this work practice, including the use fall hazards in new buildings that will influ- of two rope lines and the need to operate ence safety practices for the next generation. This is another all-new standard. It estab- as a multiworker team. Thus, the standard Anchor Systems breaks new ground, bringing rope access lishes minimum design and test require- Z359.2 establishes strength criteria for var- within the fall protection community and ments for equipment used in work ious fall protection anchors, simplifying in adding national recognition to this impor- positioning and travel restraint. one standard the design requirements for tant practice. Before examining the product require- fall arrest, horizontal lifelines, work posi- ments, let’s review what these terms tioning, travel restraint and rescue systems. Rescue Procedures mean: No fall protection program would be •Work positioning is defined as “sup- Fall Arrest complete without provisions for prompt •Noncertified anchor: 5,000 lbf static porting a worker on a vertical surface rescue after a worker has fallen and while working with hands free.” Work strength. remains suspended, unable to evacuate •Certified anchor: designed, selected positioning systems are designed to prevent him/herself to a safe working level. a fall from occurring. When a fall hazard is and installed by qualified person; static Planning for prompt rescue means getting strength two times maximum arresting present, positioning systems must be used to the rescue subject within 6 minutes in conjunction with a separate and inde- force. after an accidental fall. This takes plan- pendent personal fall arrest system. Work Positioning ning and coordination. •Travel restraint is defined as “limit- •Noncertified anchor: 3,000 lbf static If the rescue plan calls for assistance by ing a worker’s travel in such a manner strength. professional rescue services, such as the that s/he cannot reach a fall hazard zone.” •Certified anchor: static strength two fire department or local search-and-rescue Restraint systems do not support a por- times foreseeable force. teams, then advance planning is needed. continued on page 5 alls continue to be a leading cause of ing the worker from reaching the edge so hazards to understand, for example, whether
F work-related injuries and fatalities.
Like many other hazards, addressing falls in the workplace requires a multidisci- that s/he never goes through a fall. “To help people visualize this concept, we sometimes talk in terms of a dog leash—it holds you the worker has to get up there monthly, every 5 years, every day. So it’s not just about identifying the hazards, but also about plinary strategy. “Fall protection is very back from the edge,” she says. prioritizing them.” complex,” explains Tracey Riepenhoff, man- “Fall arrest/anchorage is about protecting Prioritizing also helps keep the task man- aging principal of LJB Inc. in Lima, OH. “A the worker should a fall occur,” she ageable. “Fall protection can be overwhelm- big part of the challenge is getting all of the explains. “S/he would experience forces ing when you begin to identify all of the people who need to be involved involved to through the whole body and then be hang- hazards,” Riepenhoff cautions. “So the mes- address the issues.” ing there waiting for rescue. People also sage has to be that you can’t fix every haz- It’s further complicated by the fact that need to keep in mind that there are two ele- ard overnight. But if you identify them and people often think just in terms of anchor- ments of a rescue: There’s the fall itself and prioritize them, then you can systematically ages. “The reality of putting together an the ‘rescue’ by the anchorage—meaning it work through that list toward making the overall effective program is more than just held the worker. But then you have to rescue workplace safer.” putting up anchorages,” she says. “You also the worker down to safety.” Involving the at-risk employees is also have to make sure that your workers are important, she says. “If you can involve adequately trained. You have to make sure them not just in identification but also in the you have the proper policy in place. And process of determining the best solution, with respect to fall arrest, you have to they will accept it more willingly.” address rescue, something that often gets Like most safety efforts, risk identifica- You also have to be sure they know how overlooked.” tion and assessment play a crucial role in to recognize and respond to fall hazards. “It Terminology is another area where con- fall protection. According to Riepenhoff, really comes down to training,” Riepenhoff fusion can enter the equation. It’s best to use prioritizing the hazards identified is a key says. “Employees need to know how to rec- fall protection as an all-encompassing term, element of that process. “We can look at ognize and acknowledge when they are in a Riepenhoff says. “Essentially, it’s ‘how are equipment and facilities and know where a situation of risk. If they are properly trained we protecting our employees from a fall.’” typical worker needs to get to, but it’s to identify the risk and know that an overall Fall restraint, she continues, is about keep- always important as you are assessing the program is in place, they will systematically know what to do when they encounter a fall hazard.”
So what questions should be
asked by an SH&E practitioner addressing a fall protection project? Riepenhoff offers these as good starting points: 1) Do we have the right people in the organization prop- erly trained at all levels? 2) Do we have a policy in place that addresses how we are going to deal with fall hazards? 3) Have we identified the fall hazards that exist at our facility? 4) Are we systematically abating those hazards in a prioritized way? Riepenhoff also points to the new ANSI/ASSE Z359.2 standard as a key resource. “The standard is about a comprehensive managed fall pro- tection program,” she explains. “It provides a guidance tool to help those involved understand what goes into an effective program. It address- es all of the elements, from policy to training to hazard identification and abatement, to rescue—the whole gamut of things that you need to be thinking about to develop an effec- tive program.” As far as system requirements, for a •can raise, lower and hold a load; continued from page 3 one-person rescue system, capacity is 130 •features a secondary brake to prevent to 310 lb; for a two-person rescue system, uncontrolled lowering; tion of the worker’s weight. They are capacity is 160 to 600 lb. In addition, •has a minimum mechanical advantage used only on walking/working surfaces connectors must meet the requirements of of 3:1. with a slope between 0 and 18.4 degrees. ANSI/ASSE Z359.1. Descent Devices Full-Body Harnesses Full-Body Harnesses The standard contains several criteria for Full-body harnesses must meet the Harnesses under this section must meet these devices as well: requirements of ANSI/ASSE Z359.1 for all requirements of ANSI/ASSE Z359.1 •single and multiple-use devices; fall arrest. In addition, the work position- for full-body harnesses. The dorsal (back) •automatic and manually controlled; ing and travel restraint attachment ele- D-ring is suitable for rescue applications •descent speed between 1.6 ft/sec and ments (D-rings) must withstand a unless otherwise prohibited by the manu- 6.6 ft/sec; dynamic strength test consisting of a 3.3 facturer. Other rescue/retrieval attach- •static strength of 2,700 lbf; ft free fall with a 220 lb test weight. ments must meet the following criteria: •able to withstand a 2 ft free-fall with a Work Positioning & Travel •3,600 lb static load test; 220-lb test weight and continue to function; Restraint Lanyards •dynamic test with a 2.0 ft free fall dis- •must be able to lower at a controlled Lanyards under this section must be tance with a 220-lb test weight. rate; designed and tested to withstand a static •manually controlled devices must Evacuation Harnesses stop descent if control is released or if load of 5,000 lbf without breaking. Evacuation harnesses are for rescue excessive pressure is applied (panic grab). only, not for fall arrest. They must secure- Traditional sports-climbing descen- ly hold the body whether the person is ders, such as figures-of-eight and racks conscious or unconscious. Body support are outside the scope of this standard. must be accomplished by a combination of webbing straps supporting the body Personnel Hoists Another entirely new standard, this docu- around the shoulders and thighs. These hoists must meet several criteria: ment includes minimum design and test •manually operated or powered by an requirements for equipment used in rescue Rescue Lanyards external power source; and retrieval of workers after a fall. & Anchorage Connectors •powered units must have manual This new standard establishes require- These components of the rescue system back-up cranking capability; ments for design, performance, marking, must meet the applicable requirements for •raise and lower with a maximum qualification, instruction, training, use, lanyards and anchorage connecting force to operate of 30 lb; maintenance and removal from service of devices in ANSI/ASSE Z359.1. •static strength of 3,100 lb exerted at products used in rescue and evacuation. Equipment covered includes connectors, Self-Retracting Lanyard Component termination of the line on the drum. with Integral Rescue Capability Functional criteria include 1) the abili- harnesses, lanyards, anchorage connectors, These devices must meet several criteria: ty to stop and hold a load; and 2) a back- winches/hoists, descent control devices, •engage in rescue mode at any time; up brake system. rope tackle blocks and self-retracting lan- yards with integral rescue capability. •not possible to inadvertently change The standard is directed at rescue sys- to or from rescue mode; The ANSI/ASSE Z359 Fall Protection tems used in preplanned rescue applica- •raise or lower with minimum 3:1 Code addresses a critical need for guid- tions for one to two persons at a time mechanical advantage; ance in creating fall protection programs. where a fall hazard exists. Exceptions •in rescue mode, automatically stops Delineation of clear lines of authority and include construction, sports-related activi- and holds a load if rescuer relinquishes responsibility, detailed job planning and ties, rope access rescue techniques used by control; expanded training requirements are key certified rescue technicians or other tasks •features a means to stabilize device among its guidance. The scope of the that already have established national con- during use in rescue mode; standards has expanded as well to include sensus standards. A competent person must •may be manually operated or powered additional work tasks and equipment determine suitability of equipment in this with speed control and manual back-up; types. Lastly, the ANSI/ASSE Z359 Fall standard for activities conducted in haz- •static strength of 3,100 lbf; Protection Code improves strength and ardous atmospheres. •must raise, lower and hold the load performance of products intended to pro- The standard does not preclude trained while carrying 125% of maximum capac- tect worker safety and health. rescue professionals, such as fire service ity and 75% of minimum capacity. rescue teams, from using the equipment Synthetic Rope Tackle Block Joseph Feldstein is manager of technical services when desired. However, the standard is Several criteria must be met: for MSA. He is a member of ASSE’s Colorado not specifically intended for products to •synthetic rope with minimum break- Chapter and a member of the Society’s Engineer- be used in emergency rescue situations ing strength of 4,500 lb tensile; ing Practice Specialty. Feldstein is a member of the ANSI/ASSE Z359 Accredited Standards Com- where equipment is covered by other •static strength of 3,100 lbf; mittee and chair of the U.S. Technical Advisory standards, such as NFPA 1983 Standard •able to withstand a 2 ft free-fall with Group to the ISO Fall Protection Technical Com- for Life Safety Equipment. a 220-lb weight and continue to function; mittee (ISO TC94/SC4). n April 23, 2007, the Z359.2 stan- or using products, processes or procedures they also address the reactive process of
O dard for managed fall protection
received final ANSI approval. On May 31, 2007, ANSI approved Z359.0, not in conformance to the standards. It should also be noted that ANSI does not develop standards and will under no accident investigation to ensure that fall cau- sation receives adequate attention. The code encompasses the following Z359.1, Z359.3 and Z359.4. These stan- circumstances give an interpretation of standards: dards will be available soon and will have any American national standard. •ANSI/ASSE Z359.0-2007: Defini- an effective date of October 15, 2007. The ANSI/ASSE Z359 Fall Protection tions and Nomenclature Used for Fall Many members have asked how the stan- Code evolved from the continuing devel- Protection and Fall Arrest. Establishes dards will impact the public and private opment of a fall protection standard the definitions and nomenclature used for sectors. Use of national consensus stan- series. These standards tie the elements of the Z359 Fall Protection Code. dards will be of increased importance as the series together and provide tools that •ANSI/ASSE Z359.1-2007: Safety the U.S. economy becomes more global. employers may use to develop programs Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest National consensus standards reflect the that incorporate such elements. They also Systems, Subsystems and Components. insights of the final end users and the opin- address administrative requirements and Establishes requirements for the perform- ions of professionals who work at all levels apply to all occupational and non-occupa- ance, design, marking, qualification, of public and private sectors in technology tional activities except those in SIC instruction, training, inspection, use, main- development, safety and health, manufactur- Division C (construction). They do not tenance and removal from service of con- ing, training, financial analysis, personnel apply to sports activities. nectors, full-body harnesses, lanyards, and academia. This balanced perspective Neither the Z359 Committee nor the energy absorbers, anchorage connectors, enables standards to be crafted in a manner Secretariat states that these standards are fall arresters, vertical lifelines and self- that benefits and protects standard users. perfect or in their ultimate form. New retracting lanyards comprising personal fall ASSE historically supports the developments are to be expected, and arrest systems for users within the capacity increased use of national consensus stan- revision of the standards will be neces- range of 130 to 310 lb (59 to 140 kg). dards in the formulation of occupational sary as state-of-the-art technology pro- •ANSI/ASSE Z359.2-2007: Minimum safety and health legislation. Government gresses and further experience is gained. Requirements for a Comprehensive agencies such as OSHA, MSHA, CPSC However, it is felt that uniform guidelines Managed Fall Protection Program. and NHTSA should be encouraged to use for fall protection programs are needed Establishes guidelines and requirements for these standards in accordance with Public and that the standards in their present an employer’s managed fall protection pro- Law 104-113, “The National Technology form provide the minimum criteria neces- gram, including policies, duties and train- Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995,” sary to develop and implement a compre- ing, fall protection procedures, eliminating and the Office of Management and Budget hensive managed fall protection program. and controlling fall hazards, rescue proce- in its Circular A-119, “Federal Participa- The Z359 Committee acknowledges the dures, incident investigations and evaluat- tion in the Development and Use of critical role of design in influencing the use ing program effectiveness. Voluntary Consensus Standards and in of proper fall protection equipment. Design •ANSI/ASSE Z359.3-2007: Safety Conformity Assessment Activities,” as they deficiencies often increase the risk for Requirements for Positioning and provide an efficient and effective alterna- employees who may be exposed to fall Travel Restraint Systems. Establishes tive to traditional public sector rulemaking. hazards. Examples include: requirements for the performance, design, 1) lack of rail systems to prevent falls marking, qualification, test methods and from machines, equipment and structures; instructions of lanyards and harnesses Before ANSI approves an American 2) failure to provide engineered comprising personal positioning and trav- National Standard, it must verify that the anchorages where use of personal fall el restraint systems for authorized persons standards developer has met the require- arrest systems is anticipated; within the capacity range of 130 lg to 310 ments for due process and consensus. In 3) no provision for safe access to ele- lg (59 kg to 140 kg). the judgment of the ANSI Board of vated work areas; •ANSI/ASSE Z359.4-2007: Safety Standards Review, consensus is estab- 4) installation of machines or equipment Requirements for Assisted-Rescue and lished when directly and materially affect- at heights rather than at floor/ground level Self-Rescue Systems, Subsystems and ed interests reach substantial agreement, to preclude access to elevated areas; Components. Establishes requirements for which means more than a simple majority 5) failure to plan for the use of travel the performance, design, marking, qualifi- but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus restriction or work positioning devices. cation, instruction, training, use, mainte- also requires that all views and objections The standards also offer guidance on nance and removal from service of be considered and that a concerted effort design considerations for new buildings connectors, harnesses, lanyards, anchorage be made toward their resolution. and facilities. connectors, winches/hoists, descent control Use of American national standards is The standards incorporate basic fall safe- devices, rope tackle blocks and self-retract- completely voluntary. Their existence does ty principles, including hazard survey, haz- ing lanyards with integral rescue capability not in any respect preclude anyone whether ard elimination and control, and education comprising rescue systems used in pre- s/he has approved the standards or not, and training. They intend to ensure a proac- planned self-rescue and assisted-rescue from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing tive approach to fall protection. However, applications for one to two persons. EPS: What does the revised industry, as it standardizes test- Randall Wingfield ANSI/ASSE Z359.1 standard include? ing and increases equipment is founder, president and RW: The Z359.1 standard includes quality. If an independent organ- CEO of Gravitec Systems information on the design and testing of ization has tested equipment Inc., a Bainbridge Island, specific fall equipment items and addi- according to a set standard, WA-based firm that offers fall tional specifications for fall protection consumer confidence will protection education and program development, fall hazard assess- increase. training; engineering systems design; industrial rescue; ment, key person responsibility, training EPS: What measures will the design and development of and program maintenance. It also ASC take to ensure that state courses; training and engin- includes information on work-positioning and federal governments recog- eering; and consulting in sys- systems and rescue systems, and features nize the revised Z359.1 stan- tems design and equipment new sections such as a comprehensive dard? Do you anticipate any challenges? purchases. He has been guide for the development of a managed involved in the continuing development of RW: OSHA has participated in the national and international standards for fall fall protection program. development of Z359.1 since its concep- protection equipment and training, and is The revised standard is designed to be a tion. Governing bodies recognize president of the International Society for Fall living document that will change as indus- advancements in the industry, and recog- Protection, chair of the ANSI Z359 Committee, try and technology advance. It will offer nition and acceptance of the standard by and past vice chair of the Canadian Standards those interested in fall protection a com- federal and state governments will occur Association Z259 Committee. Wingfield is a prehensive document that will facilitate over time. member of ASSE’s Puget Sound Chapter. the generation of a new fall protection program or will augment an existing one. EPS: Do you believe the revised EPS: What other projects does the Z359.1 standard should be recognized in Z359 ASC have in development? EPS: How is third-party certification of other areas? RW: The Z359.1 committee is proud of fall arrest and protection equipment per- RW: The Z359.1 standard was not the commitment that everyone has given formed? Why do you believe it is of value written with a specific industry in mind. to the revision of this standard during the to SH&E professionals? We believe the standard has something to past four years. Although this standard is RW: Third-party certification of equip- offer every organization that encounters quite comprehensive, the committee plans ment requires that each item of equip- fall hazards. For example, the construc- to develop additional information for engi- ment be tested and sent to an tion industry could use the standard’s neered systems (horizontal lifelines), hard- independent, unbiased outside testing hazard assessment sections, and the com- ware compatibility, rope access and organization to determine whether the munications industry could benefit from rescue. These issues are scheduled as equipment meets the design and perform- the training sections. future projects for the committee. ance requirements given in the standard. Historically, ANSI has not required third-party testing for fall protection equipment. Therefore, manufacturers have performed their own testing and have attested to the equipment’s compliance with the standard. Since the testing meth- ods and standards may allow some inter- pretation, combined with the variation in testing abilities from one manufacturer to another, inconsistencies have resulted. The lack of unbiased third-party testing has allowed items to be labeled as meeting the ANSI standard when, in fact, they do not. Most large equipment manufacturers have conducted third-party certification for years because their product lines are sold in other countries or in specific industries that require it. This creates a market that can be confusing for con- sumers because it is difficult to determine which items have been independently tested and which have not. Third-party testing is beneficial, not only for SH&E professionals, but also for the entire