ANSI/ASSP Z359.11-2021 Safety Requirements for Full Body Harnesses-Latest standard
Compared with Standard ANSI/ASSE Z359.11-2014, there are two main changes, one regarding the dorsal D ring, the other regarding the fall indicator.
1. If the impact force of the dorsal D ring can not reach 3600lbs in the dynamic test when head is down, then it is OK to raise the free fall height to at least 1.8 meters; Test requirements when head is up remains the same (1.22 m free fall height with at least 3600lbs of impact force)
2. Dynamic test or static test of the fall indicator is optional. Any of the test is passed, the indicator is considered qualified. Dynamic test requirements are the same as the old standard, that is, after dynamic test, at least one fall indicator should permanently fall off;for static test, there is no requirement in the old standard. According to the new standard, fall indicator must permanently fall off under the static force of 4kN.
Since harnesses apply to multifarious work environments, ANSI/ASSP Z359.11-2021 is used by a vast range of professionals. In general, it applies to full body harnesses in occupations requiring personal protection against falls from heights. If required, the standard allows for specialized functions of travel restraint,work positioning, and/or rescue.
With this, ANSI/ASSP Z359.11-2021 adherents include manufacturers, distributors, purchasers, and users of FBHs, along with relevant testing, certifying, and regulating bodies.
This standard applies only to FBHs and auxiliary equipment designed for use as part of the full body harness. The full body harnesses covered by ANSI/ASSP Z359.11-2021 are for users within the capacity range of 130 to 310 lbs. (59 to 140 kg). ANSI/ASSP Z359.11-2021 revises the previous edition of the same American National Standard for full body harnesses, ANSI/ASSE Z359.11-2014. The update of ASSE to ASSP in the designation is due to the American Society of Safety Engineers changing its name to the American Society of Safety Professionals in 2018.
