Connectors or fall protection hardware are the critical elements used to join personal fall protection system components. They may interconnect a complete unit, serve as the primary link to a permanent anchorage connector (snaphooks or carabiners) and/or act as a main attachment point (D-ring, O-rings and oval rings). Once assembled, these components must remain securely fastened.
To help ensure the durability and reliability of connectors used in personal fall arrest systems, the Amercian National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) have released ANSI/ASSE Z359.12-2009 for inclusion in the growing Z359 Fall Protection Code. The standard was effective Nov. 16, 2009.
Titled "Connecting Components for Personal Fall Arrest Systems," ANSI/ASSE Z359.12-2009 outlines requirements for the performance, design, marking, qualification, test methods and removal from service of connecting components used in personal fall arrest systems. Connecting hardware used in work positioning and fall restraint systems is also covered.
The standard details testing requirements for connector components. All hardware under the new standard shall be self-closing and self-locking and require at least two consecutive and deliberate actions to be opened. When tested in accordance with ANSI/ASSE Z369.12-2009, carabiners, snaphooks, D-rings and O-rings shall be proof-load tested to 3,600 lbs (16 kN), and capable of withstanding a tensile load of 5,000 lbs (22.2 kN) without breaking. A 220 lb (100 kg) rigid steel weight is specified for qualification testing.
Connecting devices will be clearly marked to identify the 3,600 lb load rating on the major axis and gate mechanism as specified by ANSI/ASSE Z359.12-2009. Non-integral connectors designed and tested in accordance with ANSI/ASSE Z359.12-2009 will display the "ANSI Z359.12" marking.
Instruction requirements include proper coupling methods, connector size and dimensions affecting compatibility with associated objects, certification of proof-load testing, minimum gate strength of carabiners and snaphooks and minimum strength of the connector body when loaded in specified direction. Connectors must be compatibly matched in shape and dimension to reduce the possibility of forced rollout.
For more information about ANSI/ASSE Z359.12-2009 or the Z359 Fall Protection Code, call Gravitec at 1.800.755.8455.
Buy the Code
Gravitec is a reseller of the ANSI/ASSE Z359 Fall Protection Code, a family of voluntary national consensus standards developed by ANSI and the ASSE. The Code provides guidance for fall protection equipment manufacturers, workers at height and their employers.
For your convenience, we stock the Code in a hard copy format or we can provide it as a one-time PDF download for the same price offerd by ASSE. If you're visiting us as a student for an upcoming course, order the Code early and we'll have it waiting for you here when you arrive.
ASSE recognizes resellers for promoting awareness of American National Standards. We hope you'll purchase your Code from Gravitec
About ANSI
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private, not-for-profit organization that serves as coordinating body for the facilitation and development of voluntary consensus standards. Although ANSI is not law, its designation is highly regarded among industry professionals. Other ANSI Z359 standards are in various stages of development.
Learn More..."Hardware Compatibility: Your Life Depends on It"
Want to learn more about connecting hardware compatibility? Click here to view "Hardware Compatibility: Your Life Depends on It," an article by Gravitec General Manager David Lough, published in the April 2009 issue of Occupational Health & Safety magazine. You may also access this article by clicking on the magazine cover to the right.