ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021 Safety Requirements Update for Self-Retracting Devices (SRDs)

Effective Date Adjustment

The ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021 standard for Self-Retracting Devices, which covers safety requirements for personal fall arrest and rescue systems, had its original effective date set for August 1, 2022. However, this has been postponed to February 1, 2023. An official update is expected via an addendum or revision to the ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021 document.

Background

The ANSI/ASSP Z359.14 standard specifies safety requirements for SRDs used in personal fall arrest systems. Approved on June 17, 2021, the 2021 revision supersedes previous standards, including ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2014, ANSI/ASSP Z359.1, ANSI/ASSP Z359.3, and ANSI/ASSP Z359.4. This summary, based on 3M Fall Protection’s review, aims to educate employers, safety personnel, and equipment users on the latest product performance standards.

Scope of the Standard

This updated standard applies to SRDs used in occupations that require fall protection and covers requirements for devices used in personal fall arrest, travel restraint, rescue, and retrieval. Below is a timeline of relevant updates to safety standards for self-retracting devices:

  • May 1992: ANSI Z359.1 provided initial guidance on fall protection equipment, including SRDs.
  • 1999: ANSI Z359.1 reaffirmed.
  • January 2012: ANSI Z359.14 introduced specific SRD requirements, effective August 20, 2012, establishing Class A and B devices and requirements for Leading Edge devices.
  • February 2015: ANSI Z359.14-2012 was revised, leading to the publication of ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2014, adding requirements for Leading Edge SRDs.
  • June 17, 2021: ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021 revision was published with an effective date initially set for August 1, 2022.

Key Changes in ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021

1. Increased Test Mass

  • 2021 Revision: SRDs are now tested with a mass of 310 pounds (140 kg).
  • Previous Requirement: The standard required testing with a mass of 282 pounds (128 kg).

2. New SRL Categories

  • New Categories:
    • SRL: Standard Self-Retracting Lifeline.
    • SRL-P: New designation for Personal SRLs.
    • SRL-R: Retained from previous standards.
  • Removal of SRL-LE: Now designated under Class 2.

3. Revised SRD Classifications

  • Class 1 SRD: For anchorages at or above the dorsal D-ring, with a maximum freefall limit of 2 feet.
  • Class 2 SRD: For anchorages above or below the dorsal D-ring, allowing a maximum freefall of 6 feet (1.8 m).
  • Class Designations:
    • 2014 Revision: Devices were categorized as Class A or B.

4. Strength Requirements for Webbing and Synthetic Rope

  • 2021 Revision: Class 2 devices now require a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN).
  • 2014 Requirement: 4,500 pounds (20 kN) was the minimum strength requirement.

5. New Energy Absorber Requirement

  • Class 2 Devices: Now must have an integral energy absorber on the lifeline, meeting either the ANSI/ASSP Z359.14 or ANSI/ASSP Z359.13 testing standards.
  • SRL-P Devices: Where the SRL attaches to the dorsal D-ring rather than an anchorage, no energy absorber is needed on the lifeline, but the SRD must dissipate arresting forces effectively.

This summary provides an overview of significant updates to ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021 and serves as a reference for understanding SRD requirements in occupational fall protection systems. For comprehensive details, refer to the full ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021 document.