Understanding ANSI Z359.14-2021:
Updated Standard for
Self-Retracting Devices (SRDs)
This overview summarizes key updates to the ANSI Z359.14-2021 standard for self-retracting devices (SRDs), effective August 1, 2023. The details below are based on Wesco’s review, offering insights to support safety compliance, though the complete ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021 document should be consulted for full understanding.
Reasons for the Revision
The updated standard simplifies SRD classifications and labeling, making it easier to identify compliant products. Enhanced testing requirements address previous recall issues, improving overall SRD safety and reliability.
Types and Classes: Comparing Z359.14 vs. ANSI Z359.14-2021
Streamlined Labeling Requirements – ANSI Z359.14-2021 introduces stricter labeling requirements to enhance user safety. In addition to standard Class 1 and Class 2 labels, Class 2 SRLs must now display a fall clearance table or diagram on both the product and instruction manual, ensuring critical clearance information is readily accessible to users.
Compliance Deadline for SRDs in Use
The new standard is mandatory for SRDs manufactured on or after August 1, 2023. After this date, only SRDs labeled as compliant with Z359.14-2021 will meet ANSI requirements. SRDs manufactured before this date can still be used if they were compliant at the time of production.
Z359.14 (Old)The intent was to organize SRDs by features in “Type” and then by their overhead performance capability by “Class.” |
Z359.14-2021 (New)With the type and class changes, 2359.14-2021 also introduced standard overhead performance criteria for all SRD’s and standardized class labeling. Now, a worker will be able to quickly identify the suitable device for the hazards faced in their work zone. |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Types: SRL and SRL-R
For devices with rescue/retrieval functions |
Types: SRL and SRL-P
Self-retracting lanyard, personal (SRL-P) is a self-retracting lanyard (SRL) designed to be worn by the user on a full body harness or alternatively mounted to an anchorage. |
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| Type: SRLE
For devices with leading edge capability. |
Type: SRL-R
For devices with rescue/retrieval functions. |
||||||||
| Max Arrest Force |
Average Arrest Force |
Arrest Distance |
Max Arrest Force |
Average Arrest Force |
Arrest Distance |
Max Allowable Free Fall |
Anchor Position |
||
| Class A | 1,800 lbs | 1,350 lbs | 24 inches | Class 1 | 1,800 lbs | 1,350 lbs | 42 inches | Not to exceed 2 feet |
Anchor at or above dorsal D-ring |
| Class B | 1,800 lbs | 900 lbs | 54 inches | Class 2 | 1,800 lbs | 1,350 lbs | 42 inches | Not to exceed 6 feet |
Anchor above or below dorsal D-ring |
Class 1 SRD – For use with anchorages AT or ABOVE the dorsal D-ring. Maximum allowable freefall not to exceed 2 feet.
Class 2 SRD – For use with anchorages ABOVE or BELOW the dorsal D-ring. Maximum allowable freefall not to exceed 6 feet (1.8m).
These requirements ensure all SRDs used in fall protection meet rigorous standards for enhanced safety, durability, and performance in occupational environments.
Understanding Leading Edge Clearance Requirements
Class 2 Integral Clearance Chart Example – Read Instructions for Complete Details
| 0 Feet | 3 Feet | 6 Feet | 9 Feet | 12 Feet | 15 Feet | 17 Feet | 21 Feet | 23 Feet | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Feet | xx.x | xx.x | |||||||
| 10 Feet | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | ||||||
| 15 Feet | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | |||||
| 20 Feet | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | ||||
| 25 Feet | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | |||
| 30 Feet | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | ||
| 35 Feet | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | |
| 40 Feet | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x | xx.x |
Clearance Required (Z) – Includes 2 Foot Safety Margin
Class 2 Illustration of Axes Example
New Testing Requirements and Updates in ANSI Z359.14-2021
- Increased Test Mass: Test mass has been raised to 310 pounds (140 kg), up from 282 pounds (128 kg).
- Tensile Strength Requirements: Class 2 devices must use webbing or synthetic rope with a minimum tensile strength of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN).
- Energy Absorber Integration: Class 2 SRLs must include an energy absorber in the lifeline, meeting either ANSI Z359.14 or ANSI Z359.13 standards. SRL-P devices that attach at the dorsal D-ring do not require a lifeline energy absorber but must still reduce arresting forces.
- Enhanced Static Strength: All SRDs must withstand a 3,600-pound (16 kN) static load for one minute with the lifeline fully extended.
- Brake System Load Capacity: Devices without internal braking systems must hold a minimum static load of 1,800 pounds (8 kN) when locked, with 75% of the lifeline on the drum.
- Twin-Leg SRL-P Devices: Must hold a 3,600-pound load when applied from leg to leg.
- Abrasion Resistance: SRL-P devices designed to wrap around or tie back must withstand a 3,600-pound load after 2,500 cycles of abrasion testing around an I-beam.
- Overhead Dynamic Performance: SRL-P and Class 2 devices are exempt from retraction post-testing.