ANSI Z359.18 Rated Fall Protection

In plain words. Fall protection is sold by part: a harness you wear, a lanyard or self-retracting lifeline that connects you, and an anchor that holds the system to the structure. OSHA 1926.502 requires an anchorage able to hold 5,000 pounds per worker (or a system designed by a qualified person with a safety factor of two), limits the arresting force on a worker to 1,800 pounds, and limits free fall to 6 feet. ANSI/ASSP Z359 is the voluntary standard most manufacturers test to; the capacity range printed on the label (usually 130 to 310 pounds, including tools) is the range the equipment was tested for.

Technical. ANSI/ASSP Z359.11 covers full body harnesses, Z359.13 energy-absorbing lanyards (6 ft and 12 ft free-fall versions), Z359.14 self-retracting devices (Class 1 overhead anchorage, Class 2 rated for foot-level anchorage and leading edge, 2021 edition), Z359.18 anchorage connectors, Z359.1 the overall code; ANSI/ISEA 121 covers dropped-object prevention (tool tethers and attachments); ANSI A14.3 covers fixed ladders. OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502 (construction) and 1910.140 (general industry) set the anchorage strength, arresting force, free-fall and inspection requirements. Capacities and lengths on this page are the manufacturer's published values.

Ratings and specifications on this page are shown as published by the manufacturer or the named standard and describe performance in that standard's test. They are not a recommendation for any task. The employer's hazard assessment decides what protective equipment a job needs. Verify details against the manufacturer's current documentation before you buy.