BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash., August 3, 2011 - Gravitec Systems, Inc., a leading provider of fall protection and rescue services, today announced the expansion of its ISO 17025 scope of accreditation for fall protection product testing.
ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation of Gravitec’s third-party testing laboratory was first awarded in June 2010 for performance and strength testing of full body harnesses and energy absorbers. Driven in large part by industry trends and standards development, Gravitec has since broadened its scope of accreditation to include self-retracting lifelines, anchorage connectors, fall arresters, ladder safety systems and positioning lanyards.
Gravitec’s extensive testing capabilities provide answers to a variety of fall protection testing needs. With the growth of the fall protection sector in recent years, it has never been more important to have competent testing of fall protection products to ensure they meet performance and design requirements.
The expansion follows the release of the ANSI/ASSE Z359.7-20111, Qualification and Verification Testing of Fall Protection Products, standard. The Z359.7 American National Standard sets out requirements for third-party, witness and manufacturer testing of ANSI/ASSE Z359 Fall Protection Code products.
“The Z359.7 standard represents a significant step in fall protection product conformance and compliance testing and consumer safety,” stated Gravitec General Manager David Lough. “The new standard aims to provide uniformity to the testing of fall protection products and remove some of the interpretation we’ve seen among testing laboratories.”
Under the new standard, testing must be performed by testing laboratories accredited to ISO 17025, General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories. Testing laboratories with ISO 17025 accreditation have demonstrated competence to carry out the types of tests identified in their scope. The Z359.7 standard and ISO 17025 accreditation helps to ensure the consistency and repeatability of test methods used to qualify and verify that a product meets all prescribed design and performance requirements.
The ANSI Z359.7-2011 standard is available for free download on the American Society of Safety Engineers’ website at: http://www.asse.org/shoponline/z359-7form.php. The ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code can be purchased from Gravitec in its entirety by calling 1.800.755.8455.
Since its formation over 25 years ago, Gravitec Systems, Inc., has been committed to fall protection and rescue in industrial settings. Gravitec provides a full range of fall protection and rescue services including training, engineering, consulting, equipment sales and testing. For more information about Gravitec's services, call 1.800.755.8455 or visit us online at www.gravitec.com.