10
USE
Approved American National Standard
ANSI/ASSE Z359.11-2014 Annex A- Normative American National Standard
Safety Requirements for Full Body Harnesses
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.
