Z359.14 establishes requirements for the performance, design, qualification testing, markings and instructions, inspections, maintenance and storage, and removal from service of self-retracting devices, including self-retracting lanyards, self-retracting lanyards with integral rescue capability, and self-retracting lanyards with leading-edge capability. It also establishes requirements for self-retracting devices intended for use in personal fall arrest or rescue systems for authorized persons within the capacity range of 130 to 310 lb (59 to 141 kg).
The revised Z359.4 standard establishes requirements for the performance, design, marking, qualification, instruction, training, use, maintenance, and removal from service of connectors, harnesses, lanyards, anchorage connectors, winches/hoists, descent control devices, rope tackle blocks, and self-retracting lanyards with integral rescue capability comprising rescue systems utilized in pre-planned self-rescue and assisted-rescue applications for one to two persons.
According to Tom Wolner, M.E., P.E., vice president of engineering for Capital Safety and chair of the Z359.14 and Z359.4 subcommittees, “The new Z359.14 standard addresses several types of these retractable lanyards and additionally classifies them according to performance. Type A devices, for example, are capable of arresting a fall in less than 2 ft which is very important in situations where fall clearance is limited. . . . Other important additions include expanded requirements for user information and guidelines on inspection expectations depending on the severity of use.” As for the revised Z359.4 standard, Wolner notes, “The major focus is to emphasize the need for preplanning each potential rescue scenario with the expectation that employers and equipment users will use the code to develop effective rescue procedures.”
Look for another post about availability in April. Learn more about ASSE standards here. https://www.asse.org/cartpage.php?link=standards.
Look for another post about availability in April. Learn more about ASSE standards here. https://www.asse.org/cartpage.php?link=standards.