![]() Fall Protection |
ANSI Z359.1-2007 Standard | ||||||
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November 24, 2007, the new ANSI Z359.1-2007 Standard will go into effect. This new standard pertains to new performance requirements for fall protection equipment used in the General Industry. ANSI Standards are voluntary standards that primarily focus on the General Industry on product performance. The significant changes under the new ANSI Z359 Standard relates to snaphook and carabiner gate strength requirements used on fall arrest and positioning devices. This change requires increasingthe gate strength by more than ten times the curren trequirements.
Many ASSE members have inquired about the status of the ANSI/ASSE Z359 FallArrest/Protection standards.
Many members have asked how the standards will impact the public and private
sectors. Use of national consensus standards in the United States will be of
increased importance as the nation's economy becomes more global. National
consensus standards reflect the insights of the final end users and the
opinions of professionals who work at all levels of public and private
sectors in technology development, safety and health, manufacturing,
training, financial analysis, personnel and academia. This balanced
perspective enables standards to be crafted in a manner that benefits and
protects standard users.
Before ANSI approves an American National Standard, it must verify that the
standards developer has met the requirements for due process and consensus.
In the judgment of the ANSI Board of Standards Review, consensus is
established when directly and materially affected interests reach
substantial agreement, which means more than a simple majority but not
necessarily unanimity. Consensus also requires that all views and objections
be considered and that a concerted effort be made toward their resolution.
The standards also offer guidance on design considerations for new buildings
and facilities.
Standards approved as of May 31, 2007 are as follows:
Timothy R. Fisher, CSP, ARM, CPEA
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