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ANSI/ASSP Z359.11 American National Standard
Annex A
ANSI/ASSP Z359 Requirements for
Proper Use and Maintenance of Full Body Harnesses
L
NOTE:
These are general requirements and information provided by ANSI/ASSP Z359. 3M Fall Protection may impose
more stringent restrictions on the use of its products; refer to your 3M instruction manual for more information.
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/ASSP 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 (FBH) 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/ASSP Z359.11 are intended to be used with other components of a Personal Fall
Arrest System that limit maximum arrest forces to 1800 lbf (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 lbf (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. Snap Hooks should not be used unless approved for the application by the manufacturer.
Sections 10-16 provide additional information concerning the location and use of various attachments
that may be provided on this Full Body Harness (FBH).
10. Dorsal
– The dorsal attachment element shall be used as the primary Fall Arrest attachment, unless the application allows
the use of an alternate attachment. The dorsal attachment may also be used for Travel Restraint or Rescue. When supported
by the dorsal attachment during a fall, the design of the Full Body Harness shall direct load through the shoulder straps
supporting the user, and around the thighs. Supporting the user post-fall by the dorsal attachment will result in an upright
body position with a slight lean to the front with some slight pressure to the lower chest. Considerations should be made
when choosing a sliding versus fixed dorsal attachment element. Sliding dorsal attachments are generally easier to adjust to
different user sizes, and allow a more vertical rest position post-fall, but can increase FBH Stretch.
11. Sternal
– The sternal attachment may be used as an alternative Fall Arrest attachment in applications where the dorsal
attachment is determined to be inappropriate by a Competent Person, and where there is no chance to fall in a direction
other than feet first. Accepted practical uses for a sternal attachment include, but are not limited to, ladder climbing with a
guided-type fall arrester, ladder climbing with an overhead self-retracting lifeline for fall arrest, Work Positioning, and rope
access. The sternal attachment may also be used for Travel Restraint or Rescue.
When supported by the sternal attachment during a fall, the design of the Full Body Harness shall direct load through
the shoulder straps supporting the user, and around the thighs. Supporting the user post-fall by the sternal attachment
will result in roughly a sitting or cradled body position with weight concentrated on the thighs, buttocks and lower back.
Supporting the user during Work Positioning by this sternal attachment will result in an approximate upright body position.
If the sternal attachment is used for Fall Arrest, the Competent Person evaluating the application should take measures to
ensure that a fall can only occur feet first. This may include limiting the allowable free fall distance. It may be possible for a
sternal attachment incorporated into an adjustable style chest strap to cause the chest strap to slide up and possibly choke
the user during a fall, extraction, suspension, etc. The Competent Person should consider Full Body Harness models with a
fixed sternal attachment for these applications.
