Transcript Standards Development in Fall Protection

A Review of Upcoming Changes
to the
ANSI Z359.1 Fall Arrest Standard
MSA WebCast
May 23, 2006
Presented by:
Joseph Feldstein
Manager Technical Services
Mine Safety Appliances Company
© MSA
A Review of the Proposed New
Standard

What we will cover:
Background Information
 The “Family of Standards”




Schedule for Release



Summary of proposed new standards
Highlights of new requirements
Estimated Dates
Public Comment
Question and Answer Period
© MSA
History of ANSI Z359.1 Standard

Originally published in 1992
First General Industry fall protection standard
 First to use the “systems” approach to fall
arrest equipment


Revised in 1999
Few changes were made
 Incorporated into many industrial fall
protection programs


Revised and Expanded in 2006
© MSA
The Family of Standards





Z359.0 - “Definitions and Nomenclature Used for
Fall Protection and Fall Arrest”
Z359.1 – “Safety Requirements for Personal Fall
Arrest Systems, Subsystems and
Components”
Z359.2 – “Minimum Requirements for a
Comprehensive Managed Fall
Protection Program”
Z359.3 – “Safety Requirements for Positioning
and Travel Restraint Systems”
Z359.4 – “Safety Requirements for Assisted
Rescue and Self-Rescue Systems,
Subsystems and Components”
© MSA
Value Added by the New Standard

Addresses a critical need for guidance in
creating fall protection programs

Broadens the scope of standard to include
additional work tasks and equipment types

Improves strength and performance of
products intended to protect worker health
and safety
© MSA
ANSI Z359.0, “Definitions and Nomenclature
Used for Fall Protection and Fall Arrest”


Lexicon of terms used in the other four
sections of the standard
Single point of reference for definitions
that apply throughout the family of
standards
“Activation Distance” to “Working Line”
and everything in between
© MSA
ANSI Z359.2, “Minimum Requirements for a
Comprehensive Fall Protection Program”
© MSA
Z359.2 - Section 1: Scope, Purpose,
Exceptions and Interpretations

Scope


Purpose





Identify, evaluate and eliminate (or control) fall hazards
through planning
Ensure proper training of personnel
Ensure proper installation and use of fall protection and
rescue equipment
Implement safe fall protection and rescue procedures
Exceptions


Guidelines for an employer’s managed fall protection program
Does not apply to construction industry (SIC Division C)
Interpretations

In writing to Secretariat of this standard (ASSE)
© MSA
Z359.2 – SECTION 3: Policies, Duties
and Training


Policy Statement
Duties & Responsibilities
Employers
 Program Administrator
 Qualified Person
 Competent Person
 Authorized Person
 Competent Rescuer
 Authorized Rescuer
 Trainers

© MSA
Z359.2 – SECTION 3: Policies, Duties
and Training (continued)

Training and Evaluations

General Requirements




Conforms to ANSI Z490.1, “Criteria for Accepted
Practices in Safety, Health and Environmental
Training”
Training Guides & Documentation
Regularly scheduled re-training
Specific Requirements


For each person defined in the managed fall
protection program
Documented performance through observation,
measurement and recording of results
© MSA
Z359.2 – Section 4: Fall Protection
Procedures

General Requirements


Written fall protection procedures for routine
hazards
Fall Hazard Survey Report
Survey of work environment by Qualified or
Competent Person
 Report prepared for each fall hazard
 Identifies methods to eliminate or control the
hazard

© MSA
Z359.2 – Section 4: Fall Protection
Procedures (continued)

Minimum Requirements for Fall
Protection Procedures
Written by Qualified or Competent Person
 Provide for 100% continuous fall protection
 Include training and qualifications of
authorized persons permitted to use system
 Anchor identification and criteria
 Equipment assembly, usage and inspection
 Provisions for post-fall rescue
 Requirements for investigation of incidents

© MSA
Z359.2 – Section 5: Eliminating and
Controlling Fall Hazards

Fall Protection Hierarchy - in
decreasing order of preference:





Elimination or Substitution
Passive Fall Protection
Fall Restraint
Fall Arrest
Administrative Controls
© MSA
Z359.2 – Section 5: Eliminating and
Controlling Fall Hazards (continued)

General Requirements for Fall
Protection Systems
Certified components
 Design of system based on testing or
engineering calculations
 Design and installation must be performed
under supervision of a Qualified Person
 Certified anchors
 Maximum arrest force 1,800 lbf or less
 Fall restraint limited to working surfaces at, or
less than, a 4:12 slope

© MSA
Z359.2 – Section 5: Eliminating and
Controlling Fall Hazards (continued)

Design Requirements for Fall
Protection Systems in New Facilities
Controlling fall hazards when planning and
designing a new building
 Requirement for safe design from architects,
planners, engineers and building owners
 Account for fall hazards arising during
maintenance and occupancy considered
during design phase

© MSA
Z359.2 – Section 5: Eliminating and
Controlling Fall Hazards (continued)

Anchor Systems

Fall Arrest

Non-Certified Anchor


Certified Anchor



5,000 lbf static strength
Designed, selected and installed by Qualified Person
Static strength two times maximum arresting force
Work Positioning

Non-Certified Anchor


3,000 lbf static strength
Certified Anchor

Static strength two times foreseeable force
© MSA
Z359.2 – Section 5: Eliminating and
Controlling Fall Hazards (continued)

Anchor Systems (continued)

Restraint and Travel Restriction

Non-Certified Anchor


Certified Anchor


1,000 lbf static strength
Static strength two times foreseeable force
Rescue Systems

Non-Certified Anchor


3,000 lbf static strength
Certified Anchor

Static strength five times the applied load
© MSA
Z359.2 – Section 5: Eliminating and
Controlling Fall Hazards (continued)

Inspection, Maintenance and Storage
of Fall Protection and Fall Rescue
Equipment

Inspection


Inspection before use
Formal inspection by Competent Person at least
annually
Removal from Service
 Maintenance
 Storage

© MSA
Z359.2 – Section 5: Eliminating and
Controlling Fall Hazards (continued)

Rope Access




Provides a means of access to
the workplace
Job safety analysis required
Two person team
Two-line system



Maximum free fall distance 6 ft
Maximum arresting force 1,800
lbf
Competent Person trained in
Rope Access

Select anchor, determines
rigging, identify hazards and
establishes control measures
© MSA
Z359.2 – Section 6: Rescue
Procedures

Provisions for Prompt Rescue
Written rescue procedures
 Contact with rescue subject within 6 minutes


Professional Rescue Services
Advance planning
 Written confirmation & plan from rescue
agency


In-House Rescue Service
Specialized training and re-training
 Documented rescue plans and instructions

© MSA
Z359.2 – Section 7: Incident
Investigations





Reporting scheme for all fall-related
incidents
Provision for prompt investigation
Activity ceases until investigator gives goahead
Inspection and custody of equipment
Documentation and record keeping
requirements
© MSA
Z359.2 – Section 8: Evaluating
Program Effectiveness




Evaluation Criteria
Regular Reviews
Rescue Drills
Evaluation of fall protection
program by Program
Administrator at least every
two years. More frequently
when there are incidents
involving injuries, property
damage or “near-misses.”
© MSA
ANSI Z359.1, “Safety Requirements for
Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Subsystems
and Components”

Product Standard



Design, performance and test requirements
Remains essentially the same as ANSI
Z359.1-1992(R1999) with notable
exceptions
Focus on several new requirements in the
proposed standard
© MSA
ANSI Z359.1, - Snaphooks and
Carabiners

Gate strength
requirements have
increased:


Was – 220 lbf (gate face), 350
lbf (gate side)
Will Change to –
 3,600 lbf
 In all directions of potential
loading

Face, side and minor axis
(from inside out)
© MSA
ANSI Z359.1, - Full Body Harnesses

Front Attachment Element for
Fall Arrest is Now Included in
Standard


Was – back D-ring only for fall
arrest
Will Change To Include (in
addition to back D-ring) 



Front D-ring mounted in the chest
area
For use as part of a complete
personal fall arrest system that
limits maximum free fall distance
to 2 ft or less and maximum arrest
forces to 900 lbf or less
Static load tested to 3,600 lbf,
Dynamically tested with 220 lb
test weight, 3.3 ft free fall
distance, in both head-first and
feet-first orientation
© MSA
ANSI Z359.1, - Twin Leg Shock
Absorbing Lanyards for Fall Arrest

Additional Testing and
Warnings Against Misuse:


Was – twin leg lanyards not
specifically addressed in
standard
Will Change To:



Static test of central point of
connection where two legs
meet to 5,000 lbf
Warning on product label to
attach only the snaphook at
the center of the lanyard to
the fall arrest attachment
element of the harness
Additional warnings in User
Instructions
© MSA
ANSI Z359.3, “Safety Requirements for
Positioning and Travel Restraint Systems”

Work Positioning Defined:

“Supporting a worker on a vertical surface while working
with hands free”


Work positioning systems are designed to prevent a fall
from occurring. When a fall hazard is present, positioning
systems must be used in conjunction with a separate and
independent personal fall arrest system
Travel Restraint Defined:

“Limiting a worker’s travel in such a manner that they
cannot reach a fall hazard zone”


Restraint systems do not support a portion of the worker’s
weight
Used only on walking/working surfaces with a slope
between zero and 18.4 degrees
© MSA
Z359.3 – Equipment Covered in this
Standard

Full Body Harnesses



Must meet ANSI Z359.1
harness requirements
Positioning and travel
restraint attachment
elements (D-rings) must
withstand a dynamic
strength test of a 3.3 ft
free fall with a 220 lb test
weight
Work Positioning and
Travel Restraint
Lanyards

Must withstand a static
load of 5,000 lbf without
breaking
© MSA
ANSI Z359.4, “Safety Requirements for
Assisted Rescue and Self-Rescue Systems,
Subsystems and Components”
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Scope, Purpose, Application, Exceptions and
Interpretations
Definitions
Requirements
Qualification Testing
Marking and Instructions
Inspection, Maintenance and Storage
Equipment Selection, Rigging, Use and Training
© MSA
Z359.4 – Section 1: Scope, Purpose,
Application, Exceptions and
Interpretations

Scope


Requirements for design, performance, marking,
qualification, instruction, training, use, maintenance and
removal from service
Equipment covered in the standard:








Connectors
Harnesses
Lanyards
Anchorage Connectors
Winches/Hoists
Descent Control Devices
Rope Tackle Blocks
Self-Retracting Lanyards with Integral Rescue Capability
© MSA
Z359.4 – Section 1: Scope, Purpose,
Application, Exceptions and
Interpretations (continued)

Purpose and Applications


For rescue systems utilized in pre-planned rescue
applications for 1 – 2 persons where a fall hazard exists
Exceptions


Construction, sports-related activities, rope access
rescue techniques utilized by certified rescue
technicians, or other tasks that have established
national consensus standards
Competent Person must determine suitability of
equipment in this standard for activities conducted in
hazardous atmospheres
© MSA
Z359.4 – Section 3: Requirements

System
Requirements

One person rescue
system capacity


Two person rescue
system capacity


130 to 310 pounds
130 to 600 pounds
Connector
Requirements

Must meet
requirements of ANSI
Z359.1
© MSA
Z359.4 – Section 3: Requirements

Full Body Harness
Requirements



Must meet ANSI Z359.1
Dorsal (back) D-ring is
suitable for rescue
applications unless
specifically prohibited
Other rescue/retrieval
attachment elements must
meet:


3,600 lbf static load test
Dynamic test with 220 lb
test weight and 2.0 ft free
fall
© MSA
Z359.4 – Section 3: Requirements
(continued)

Evacuation Harness




For rescue only, not for
fall arrest
Securely hold body
whether conscious or
unconscious
Support the body around
the shoulders and thighs
Rescue Lanyards &
Anchorage Connectors

Must meet requirements
of ANSI Z359.1
© MSA
Z359.4 – Section 3: Requirements
(continued)

Self-Retracting Lanyard Component with
Integral Rescue Capability

Operation






Static Strength


Engages in rescue mode at any time, not possible
to inadvertently change to or from rescue mode
Raise or lower with minimum 3:1 mechanical
advantage
In rescue mode, will automatically stop and hold a
load if rescuer relinquishes control
Means to stabilize device during use in rescue
mode
May be manually or powered with speed control
and manual back-up
3,100 lbf
Function

Must raise, lower and hold the load while carrying
125% of maximum capacity and 75% of minimum
capacity
© MSA
Z359.4 – Section 3: Requirements
(continued)

Synthetic Rope Tackle Block

Rope


Static Strength


3,100 lbf
Dynamic Strength


Synthetic rope with minimum
breaking strength of 4,500 lbf
Withstand a 2 ft free-fall with a
220 lb weight and continue to
function
Function



Raise, lower and hold a load
Secondary brake to prevent
uncontrolled lowering
Minimum mechanical
advantage of 3:1
© MSA
Z359.4 – Section 3: Requirements
(continued)

Descent Devices

Descent Energy and Capacity



Descent Speed


2,700 lbf
Dynamic Strength


Between 1.6 ft/sec and 6.6 ft/sec
Static Strength


Single and multiple-use devices
Automatic and manually controlled
Withstand a 2 ft free-fall with a 220 lb
test weight and continue to function
Function


Lower at a controlled rate
Manually controlled devices must
stop descent if control is released, or
if excessive pressure is applied
(panic grab)
© MSA
Z359.4 – Section 3: Requirements
(continued)

Personnel Hoists

Operation



Static Strength


Manually operated
and Powered
Raise & lower with
max force to operate
of 30 pounds
3,100 lbf static
Functional Criteria


Stop & hold load
Backup brake
© MSA
Z359.4 – Section 4: Qualification
Testing

Test Equipment and Methods Defined
for each component


Static and Dynamic Strength and Performance
Conditioning
Cycle testing
 Environmental conditioning


Corrosion Resistance
© MSA
Value Added by the New Standard

Addresses a critical need for guidance in creating fall
protection programs




Broadens the scope of standard to include additional work
tasks and equipment types





Clear Lines of Authority and Responsibility
Detailed Job Planning
Expanded Training
Work Positioning
Travel Restraint
Rescue
Rope Access
Improves strength and performance of products intended to
protect worker health and safety



Increased snaphook & carabiner gate strength
Additional testing for twin leg lanyards
Establishes minimum requirements for positioning, restraint and
rescue components
© MSA
Schedule for Release



Estimated publication in August 2007
Effective Date of October 15, 2007
To Obtain Copies of New Standard
American Society of Safety Engineers,
Des Plains, IL
 ph: 847-699-2929
 Email: www.asse.org

© MSA
Implications for the Scaffold Industry

For Scaffold Manufacturers


For Scaffold Users



To provide safe designs that take into account fall
hazards
To follow a comprehensive managed fall protection
program in accordance with Z359.2-2007
To provide fall protection products certified to the new
standard
For Safety Professionals in the Scaffold
Industry


To promote safe practices according to the
requirements of Z359.2-2007
To provide expanded training that conforms to the new
requirements in Z359.2-2007
© MSA
QUESTION AND ANSWER
PERIOD
call in or email your questions to :
Telephone:
E-Mail:
© MSA
Thank you for your participation!
For further information, contact:
Joseph Feldstein
MSA Fall Protection
2250 South Tejon Street
Englewood, CO 80110
Ph: (303) 975-2304
Fax: (303) 934-9960
Email: [email protected]
© MSA
Thank you for your participation!
For further information, contact:
Joseph Feldstein
MSA Fall Protection
2250 South Tejon Street
Englewood, CO 80110
Ph: (303) 975-2304
Fax: (303) 934-9960
Email: [email protected]
© MSA