New ANSI Z359.1-2007 Requirements for Snap Hooks and Carabiners Effective October 15, 2007

The current American National Standard (ANSI Z359.1-1999) stipulates that all Snap Hooks and Carabiners must be able to withstand a minimum gate face load of 220 lbs (1kN) and a 350 lbs (1.55kN) gate side load.

The new ANSI Z359.1-2007 is effective October 15, 2007 and calls for significant increases to these critical requirements with the intent to improve overall user safety. The new standard increases the minimum gate face and side load requirements to meet or exceed 3,600 lbs (16kN) which is more than 10 times the original standard. This standard will also require that connectors with non-integral eyes have minor axis gate strength of 3.600 lbs (16kN). In addition to the physical testing requirements of the new standard, the gate of the connector must be marked with the load rating and the body of the connector is to be marked with a major axis load rating. Non-integral connectors are to be clearly marked with ANSI Z359.1-2007.

Note: This voluntary standard only applies to fall arrest equipment used in general industry and does not apply to the construction industry. The construction industry has their own set of standards.

* New ANSI Minor Axis Loading required for connectors with non-integral eyes.

DESTRUCTIVE TESTING: TESTING CONFIGURATION

Gate Face Test Rig for Snap Hook Connectors	Side Load Test Rig for Snap Hook Connectors	Major Axis Test Rig for Snap Hook Connectors