New Quality Standards for Fall Protection Equipment Testing

Although you hope it’s never needed, fall protection equipment is intended to save lives. Have you ever stopped to think about how that lifesaving equipment is tested?

Even if you haven’t, the ANSI Z359 committee has.  In 2011, ANSI published the Z359.7 standard:  “Qualification and Verification Testing of Fall Protection Products.”  Although the document was officially published in October 2011, the 12-month adjustment period is over, and the standard is now in effect. Also, it is available as a free download.  As of October 3, before any fall protection product can bear an ANSI/ASSE Z359 marking, it must meet the requirements of the newly adopted standard.

The ANSI Z359.7 standard establishes requirements for certification of fall protection products and components, as well as requirements for third-party testing, witness testing and manufacturer self-certification of fall protection products and components. The standard includes minimum requirements for testing labs, equipment and specimens.

Although LJB works to minimize the use of PPE solutions for fall protection, having a standard to ensure appropriate testing does provide additional peace of mind regarding equipment performance.  Before you buy new equipment, I recommend you confirm that it has the ANSI/ASSE Z359 marking on it and references the latest standard.