How will these ANSI SRD standard changes affect me?
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A new revision of the American National Standard Institute for the Safety Requirements for Self-Retracting Devices (SRDs) has been approved with an effective date of August 1, 2023. After this date, manufacturers will be required to conform to this latest revision of the ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021 standard document. Through out this page there is content highlighting the important modifications to the standard that safety managers, end-users, and manufacturers should take into account:
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FAQ
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Is it mandatory that I must update my existing SRL’s to the new ANSI/ASSP Z359.14 standard revision after the August 1, 2023 effectivity date arrives?
NO, existing SRL equipment manufactured to previous revisions may continue to be used provided it continues to meet all inspection requirements as defined by the manufacturer's instructions for use.
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Have the arresting distances changed for both classes?
YES, the new maximum deceleration distance for both a Class 1 and Class 2 is 42 in. (1,067mm)
The previous distance was 24 in. (610 mm) for Type A and 54 in (1,372 mm) for Type B.
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Has the ANSI/ASSP Z359 Fall Protection Code increased the maximum user weight capacity?
NO, ANSI/ASSP Z359 Fall Protection Code defines user weight capacities as between 130 lbs. (59 kg) and 310 lbs. (140 kg).
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Has the ANSI/ASSP Z359.14 qualification testing mass for manufacturers been increased?
YES, the testing mass has been increased from 282 pounds (128 kg) to 310 pounds (140 kg)
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Are there any new labeling requirements?
YES, new labels are required to be affixed to the product displaying the device Class, along with a fall clearance indicator table, preferably at or near the point of attachment to the full body harness. This information will indicate minimum fall clearance based on position of the worker on the working surface.
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Is there any additional warning information required with the SRLs?
YES, for Class 2 SRDs (Leading Edge SRLs), a new warning card is now required to be provided as a separate (orange) card insert. This card acknowledges that there are risks with leading edge applications and users should follow all manufacturer’s instructions and warnings.
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Are there new SRL classifications created with this Standard revision?
YES, under each SRL category, there are now new Class designations. The previous Class A and Class B devices have now been re-designated as Class 1 or Class 2 devices, under the new ANSI Z359.14-2021 standard. SRDs must now show a Class 1 or Class 2 SRD label on the product in order to designate its Class type.
a. Class 1 SRD – Must be used with an anchorage point at or above the dorsal D-ring.
b. Class 2 SRD – For use with an anchorage point either above or below the dorsal D-ring.
This means for applications requiring an anchorage point below the dorsal D-Ring, and when using SRDs certified to the new ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021 standard, a Class 2 SRD must now be used.
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Can distributors still sell SRDs after the August 1, 2023 effectivity date arrives?
Even after August 1, 2023, a distributor can continue to sell any existing inventory of their SRDs if those devices have a manufacturing date of prior to August 1, 2023. Any SRDs manufactured after August 1, 2023 shall be certified to the new ANSI Z359.2021 standard by the manufacturer, in order to be sold to end users.
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Will my existing Fall Protection anchorage be sufficient to use with the Self-Retracting Lifelines newly certified to ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021?
With the ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021 standard having new requirements for the allowed Average Arresting Force (AAF) increasing from 900 lbs. (4 kN) to 1,350 lbs. (6 kN), it is necessary to confirm the strength of your anchorage is sufficient for the increased values in AAF. Always check the product label for the actual AAF indicated on the Self-Retracting Lifeline, to validate use with appropriate anchorages.
Note: Some Self-Retracting Lifeline models may have a AAF of less than 1,350 lbs., and still meet the new ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021 standard.
