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Rev.C1 of 210602
12. Annex A - Normative
Note: This information from the Z359.11 standard is required to be included in the instruction manual for the end user:
ANSI/ASSE Z359 Requirements for Proper Use and Maintenance of Full Body Harnesses
(Note: these are general requirements and information provided by ANSI/ASSE Z359, the manufacturer of this equipment may
impose more stringent restrictions on the use of the products they manufacture, see the manufacturer’s instructions.)
1.
It is essential that the users of this type of equipment receive proper training and instruction, including detailed procedures
for the safe use of such equipment in their work application. ANSI/ASSE Z359.2,
Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive
Managed Fall Protection Program
, establishes guidelines and requirements for an employer’s managed fall protection program,
including policies, duties and training; fall protection procedures; eliminating and controlling fall hazards; rescue procedures;
incident investigations; and evaluating program effectiveness.
2.
Correct fit of a Full Body Harness is essential to proper performance. Users must be trained to select the size and maintain the
fit of their Full Body Harness.
3.
Users must follow manufacturer’s instructions for proper fit and sizing, paying particular attention to ensure that buckles are
connected and aligned correctly, leg straps and shoulder straps are kept snug at all times, chest straps are located in the middle
chest area and leg straps are positioned and snug to avoid contact with the genitalia should a fall occur.
4.
Full Body Harnesses which meet ANSI/ASSE Z359.11 are intended to be used with other components of a Personal fall Arrest
system that limit maximum arrest forces to 1800 pounds (8 kN) or less.
5.
Suspension intolerance, also called suspension trauma or orthostatic intolerance, is a serious condition that can be controlled
with good harness design, prompt rescue and post fall suspension relief devices. A conscious user may deploy a suspension relief
device allowing the user to remove tension from around the legs, freeing blood flow, which can delay the onset of suspension
intolerance. An attachment element extender is not intended to be attached directly to an anchorage or anchorage connector for
fall arrest. An energy absorber must be used to limit maximum arrest forces to 1800 pounds (8 kN). The length of the attachment
element extender may affect free fall distances and free fall clearance calculations.
6.
Full Body Harness (FBH) Stretch, the amount the FBH component of a personal fall arrest system will stretch and deform
during a fall, can contribute to the overall elongation of the system in stopping a fall. It is important to include the increase in fall
distance created by FBH Stretch, as well as the FBH connector length, the settling of the user’s body in the FBH and all other
contributing factors when calculating total clearance required for a particular fall arrest system.
7.
When not in use, unused lanyard legs that are still attached to a Full Body Harness D-ring should not be attached to a work
positioning element or any other structural element on the Full Body Harness unless deemed acceptable by the competent
person and manufacturer of the lanyard. This is especially important when using some types of “y” style lanyards, as some load
may be transmitted to the user through the unused lanyard leg if it is not able to release from the harness. The lanyard parking
attachment is generally located in the sternal area to help reduce tripping and entanglement hazards.
8.
Loose ends of straps can get caught in machinery or cause accidental disengagement of an adjuster. All Full Body Harnesses
shall include keepers or other components which serve to control the loose ends of straps.
9.
Due to the nature of soft loop connections, it is recommended that soft loop attachments only be used to connect with other
soft loops or carabiners. Snaphooks should not be used unless approved for the application by the manufacturer.