Introduction
ANSI Z359.1 was introduced in 1992 when standards for common fall protection equipment and methods in the workplace did not exist. That year 600 work-related falls resulted in fatalities, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). ANSI Z359.1-1992 made strides by addressing personal fall protection equipment and methods for arresting falls. The standard mandated the type and quality of equipment like full body harnesses and required self-closing, self-locking snap hooks. It also stated that fall protection systems must have a maximum arrest force of 4 to 8 kN (900 to 1800 pounds). Yet fatal falls in the workplace have continued to steadily increase since 1992. In 2006, 808 work-related falls resulted in fatalities, according to the BLS. This represents a 5 percent increase from the previous year and equals over two deaths per day on average. Revisions to Z359.1-1992 have been needed and anticipated. In 1999, the standard underwent minor editorial changes. Now, eight years later, some significant revisions have been made. Four new standards have also been drafted and approved, and the new code went into effect on Nov. 24, 2007. The Z359 family now goes beyond equipment and fall arrest to address managed fall protection programs, work positioning and work restraint systems and rescue systems. Yet, this is only the beginning. The current Z359 family is a living document and will continue to grow as twelve new subsections are drafted. As the individual standards are adopted, the Z359 code will be updated. What was once a 100-page document will soon swell in excess of 1,000 pages in the next few years...
To read Gravitec's ANSI Z359 Overview, click on the PDF to the right.
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Gravitec's American National Standards Institute Z359 Overview
December 12, 2007
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Gravitec's ANSI Z359 Overview
