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9.0 Definitions
The following are general definitions of fall protection terms as defined by ANSI Z359.0-2012.
Anchorage:
A secure connecting point or a terminating component of a fall protection system or rescue system
capable of safely supporting the impact forces applied by a fall protection system or anchorage subsys-
tem.
Anchorage Connector:
A component or subsystem that functions as an interface between the anchorage and a fall protection,
work positioning, rope access or rescue system for the purpose of coupling the system to the anchor-
age.
Arrest Distance :
The total vertical distance required to arrest a fall. The arrest distance includes the deceleration dis-
tance and activation distance.
Authorized Person:
A person assigned by the employer to perform duties at a location where the person will be exposed to
a fall hazard.
Available Clearance:
The distance from a reference point, such as the working platform, to the nearest obstruction that an
authorized person might contact during a fall which, if struck, could cause injury.
Capacity:
The maximum weight that a component, system or subsystem is designed to hold.
Certification:
The act of attesting in writing that the criteria established by these standards or some other designated
standard have been met.
Certified Anchorage:
An anchorage for fall arrest, positioning, restraint or rescue systems that a qualified person certifies to
be capable of supporting the potential fall forces that could be encountered during a fall.
Clearance:
The distance from a specified reference point, such as the working platform or anchorage of a fall
arrest system, to the lower level that a worker might encounter during a fall.
Clearance Requirement:
The distance below an authorized person that must remain clear of obstructions in order to ensure
that the authorized person does not make contact with any objects that would cause injury in the
event of a fall.
Competent Person:
An individual designated by the employer to be responsible for the immediate supervision, implemen-
tation and monitoring of the employer’s managed fall protection program who, through training and
knowledge, is capable of identifying, evaluating and addressing existing and potential fall hazards, and
who has the employer’s authority to take prompt corrective action with regard to such hazards.
Component :
An element or integral assembly of interconnected elements intended to perform one function in the
system.
Connecting Subsystem:
An assembly, including the necessary connectors, comprised of all components, subsystems, or both,
between the anchorage or anchorage connector and the harness attachment point.
Connector:
A component or element that is used to couple parts of the system together.
