Ansi Asse Z359.4-2013

AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD
ANSI/ASSE Z359.4-201 3
Safety Requirements for Assisted-Rescue and
Self-Rescue Systems, Subsystems and Components
Part of the Fall Protection Code

VERSI ON 3
A S AMERICAN S OCIETY OF
S E S AFETY E NGINEERS
The information and materials contained in this publication have been developed from sources believed to be
reliable. However, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) as secretariat of the ANSI accredited
Z359 Committee or individual committee members accept no legal responsibility for the correctness or com-
pleteness of this material or its application to speci ﬁ c factual situations. By publication of this standard, ASSE
or the Z359 Committee does not ensure that adherence to these recommendations will protect the safety or
health of any persons, or preserve property
ANSI®
ANSI/ASSE Z359.4 – 2013
American National Standard
Safety Requirements for

Assisted-Rescue and Self-Rescue Systems,
Subsystems and Components
Secretariat
American Society of Safety Engineers
1 800 East Oakton Street
Des Plaines, I llinois 6001 8 -21 87
Approved March 8, 201 3
American National Standards Institute, Inc.

American Approval of an American N ati onal Standard requires veri ? cation by AN SI that th e require-
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? oard
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ered, and that a concerted effort be made toward their resoluti on. The use of American
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clud e anyone, whether he/she has approved the stand ards or not, from manu facturing,
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standards. The American N ati onal Standards I nstitute d oes not devel op standards and
will in no circu mstance give an interpretation of any American N ati onal Stand ard. M ore-
over, no person shall have the ri ght or authority to issue an interpretation of an American
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Published J une, 201 3 by
American Society of Safety Engineers

1800 East Oakton Street
Des Plaines, Illinois 60018-2187
(847) 699-2929 • www.asse.org
Copyright ©201 3 by American Soci ety of Safety Engineers
All Rights Reserved.
N o part of this publication may be reproduced

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otherwise, withou t the pri or written permissi on
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Printed in the U nited States of America

Foreword (This Foreword is not a part of American N ational Stand ard Z359. 4 -201 3.)
I ndivi duals engaged in rescue operati ons in areas where exposure to a fall hazard exists will bene ? t from
the informati on contained in this standard. This standard ad dresses eq uipment and performance criteria
for systems, subsystems and components u sed in preplanned assisted -rescue and self-rescue where a fall
hazard exists. Req uirements for adeq uate training and thorough pre-planning efforts prior to the initiati on
of assisted -rescue or self-rescue operati ons address th e needs of both the rescuer and the rescue subject.
This standard establishes criteria for eq uipment marking, testing, care and use.
This standard is part of a seri es of American N ational Stand ards for Fall Protection for all occupati onal and
non -occupati onal activities. I t is not intend ed to apply to sports activities such as mountaineering, nor to
specialized rescue efforts that may be associated with such activities. The ? rst AN SI standard of this series,
Z359.1 published in 1 992 and was revised in 2007, ad dresses personal fall arrest systems. Other standards
planned for the Z359 series will ad dress related subjects, and the overall fall protection program.
Whenever fall arrest systems are used, ind eed, whenever a fall hazard exists, it is necessary to plan for the
effective rescu e of persons who have experienced a fall event, whether it be a self-rescue applicati on or
assisted rescu e applicati on. Consid ering the diverse technical and environmental circumstances that can
be presented to rescu e personnel, d evelopment of a comprehensive rescu e plan is integral to the safety of
rescu e personnel, the rescu e subject, and the eventu al success of the rescue effort.
The comprehensive rescue plan pred icts circu mstances that mi ght requ ire rescue activiti es, anticipates
hazards associated with rescue operations, i denti ? es methods to control those hazards, recommend s the
appropriate response measures and i d enti ? es the fall arrest and retri eval eq uipment to be used. The rescu e
plan may call for methods or equ ipment that are outsi d e the scope of this standard, su ch as technical rope
rescue, when such methods are reasonable and feasible and estimated to be the most effective rescu e
method.
The Z359 Committee solicits pu blic input that may sug gest the need for revisi ons to this standard. Su ch
input shou ld be sent to the Secretariat, ASC Z359, American Soci ety of Safety Engineers, 1 800 E. Oakton
Street, Des Plaines, I l 6001 8 -21 87.
This standard was d eveloped and approved for submittal to AN SI by the American N ational Standard Com -
mittee on Standards for Fall Protecti on, Z359. Committee approval of the standard d oes not necessarily
imply that all Committee members voted for its approval. At the time it approved thi s standard, th e Z359
Committee had the foll owing members:
Randall Wing ? eld, Chairman
? asil Tominna, P.E., ?ice Chairman
Timothy R. Fisher, CSP, CHMM, ARM, CPEA, Secretary
Jennie Dalesandro, Administrative Technical Support
Organization Represented Name of Representative

3M Raymond Mann
Michael Cameron
American Airlines Dean Carlisle
Len ? radley
American Society of Safety Engineers Jubal D. Hamernik, Ph.D., P.E.
John Stephen Frost, CSP
? ashlin Industries, Inc. Preston Anderson
? radley S. McGill
? oeing Company Chuck Orebaugh
Joey R. Junio
? uckingham Mfg. Co., Inc. James Rullo
DeForest Can ? eld
Capital Safety Group J. Thomas Wolner, P.E.
Judd Perner
Chevron Craig ? erkenmeier
Stephanie Alvarez
Elk River, Inc Kevin Whaley
Ellis Fall Safety Solutions, LLC J. Nigel Ellis, Ph.D., P.E., CSP, CPE
John T. Whitty, P.E.
Flexible Lifeline Systems Hugh Armstrong
David Lee
General Motors Ken Mahnick
Kyle Sullivan
Gravitec Systems, Inc. Randall Wing ? eld
Dave Lough
Hartford Steam ? oiler Inspection ? Insurance Co. Timothy Healey
Jerome Kucharski, CFPS
High Engineering Corp. Greg Small, P.Eng., M.Eng.
Doug Myette
Honeywell Safety Products ? radley Rohlf
ISEA – International Safety Equipment Association Dustin Hawkins
Dan Shipp
Indianapolis Power and Light David H. Pate, CUSA
INSPEC International Ltd. Paul Clarke
Andrew Diamond
LJ ? Inc. Thomas Kramer, P.E., CSP
Rupert Noton, CEng, MIStructE
Latchways PLC Tim ? issett, ? Eng (Hons) CEng, MIMechE
Tim Fletcher
Lawrence Livermore National Security Lynn Camp
Liberty Mutual Group John Rabovsky, MS, CSP, ARM
Cal Sparks
Lighthouse Safety LLC John Corriveau
MSA Marc Harkins
John Giovengo
Monsanto Robert Kling, P.E., CSP
Adam Chapin
Murdock Webbing Co. Inc. ? ob Golz
Greg Pilgrim
National Association of Tower Erectors Gordon Lyman
Don Doty
Pamela R. Huck, Inc. Pamela Huck, CSP
Peakworks Tim Accursi
Gabe Fusco
PenSafe Keith Smith
Reliance Industries, LLC Dan Henn
W. Joe Shaw
SPRAT – Society of Professional Rope
Access Technicians Loui McCurley
Jim Frank
Safety Connection, Inc. Clint Honeycutt, Sr.
Janice Honeycutt
Safety Equipment Institute Steve Sanders
Safety Through Engineering, Inc. Michael C. Wright, P.E., CPE, CSP
Mark Williams
Sellstrom Manufacturing Co./RTC Division Kenneth Lemke
Tim Higgins
Shell Exploration ? Production Co. Steven Kim ? iggs
Joe ? . George
Skylotec N.A., LP Mark Conover
Kurani Seyhan
SPANCO, Inc. / Rigid Lifelines Arnie Galpin, P.E.
George Nolan
Sturges Manufacturing Co., Inc. Richard Grif? th
Tyler Grif? th
Superior Energy Services, Inc. Noel Spicuzza, III
David Turner
Tractel Inc. Doug Knapp
Catalin Anesia
Transport Workers Union James Mark
Travelers Scott H. Richert, CSP, ARM, ALCM
Tritech Fall Protection Systems, Inc. John Seto, P.E
Craig Siciliani
United Auto Workers Tom Kinman
Matthew S. Uptmor
U.S. Air Force Safety Center Mark S. Kantorowicz
Robert ? aker
U.S. ? ureau of Reclamation Shawn Smith
Shaun Reed
U.S. Department of Interior – ? SEE John M. Cushing, Jr.
Sara Corman
U.S. Department of the Navy ? asil Tominna, P.E.
Shawn Smith
?ertical Access LLC Kelly Streeter, P.E.
Keith Luscinski
Western Area Power Administration
Subgroup Z359.4 had the following members:

J. Thomas Wolner, P.E. (Chair)
Jeff Wild ( ?ice Chair)
Steven Kim ? iggs
Paul Clarke
Mark Conover
John Corriveau
J. Nigel Ellis, Ph.D., P.E., CSP, CPE
Jim Frank
Paul Illick
Thomas Kramer, P.E., CSP
Jack Lamberson
Loui McCurley
David H. Pate, CUSA
Diane Waghorne
Randall Wing ? eld
Michael C. Wright, P.E., CPE, CSP
Contents SECTI ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE
1 . Scope, Purpose, Application, Exceptions and I nterpretations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

1 .1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1 .2 Purpose and Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1 .3 Exceptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1 .4 I nterpretations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2. De ? niti ons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3. Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3. 1 System Requ irements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3. 2 Component and Element Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3. 3 Corrosion Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7
4. ?uali ? cation Testing ....................................................................................... 1 7

4. 1 Test Equipment and Test Specimens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7
4. 2 Reserved for Futu re U se . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8
4. 3 Component, Constituent and Element Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8
5. M arking and I nstru ctions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

5. 1 General M arking Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
5. 2 Speci ? c M arking Requ irements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
5. 3 General I nstruction Requ irements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
5. 4 Speci ? c I nstruction Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
6. I nspection, M aintenance and Storage of Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

6. 1 I nspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
6. 2 Maintenance and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
7. Eq uipment Selection, Rigging, U se and Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

7. 1 Equipment Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
7. 2 Eq uipment Rigging and U se . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
7. 3 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
8. References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Figures:
Fi gu re 1 Static Strength Testing of Synthetic Rope Tackle (Secti on 4. 3. 4.1 ) . . . . . 42

Figu re 2a Descent Test (Secti on 4. 3. 5.1 ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Fi gu re 2b Descent Test (Secti on 4. 3. 5.1 ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Fi gu re 3 Descent Device Static Strength Testing
(Fi gures a, b ? c) (Secti on 4. 3. 5. 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Fi gu re 4a Descent Device Dynamic Strength Test (Secti on 4. 3. 5. 3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Fi gu re 4b Descent Device Dynamic Strength Test (Secti on 4. 3. 5. 3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
ANSI/ASSE Z359.4-2013 American National Standard Safety Requirements for Assisted-Rescue and
STANDARD REQUIREMENTS EXPLANATORY INFORMATION

(Not part of American National Standard Z359. 4)
1 . SCOPE, PU RPOSE, APPLICATION, EXCEP-
TIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS
1.1 Scope. This standard establishes req uirements
for the performance, design, marking, quali ? cation,
instructi on, training, use, maintenance and removal
from service of connectors, harnesses, lanyard s,
anchorage connectors, winches/hoists, descent
control devices, rope tackle blocks and self-retract-
ing lanyard s with integral rescue capability compris-
ing rescue systems, u tilized in pre-planned self-
rescue and assisted -rescu e applicati ons for one to
two persons.
1.2 Purpose and Application. The purpose of this

standard is to establish criteria to ensu re suitability
of the equipment and method s de ? ned herein for
u se in rescu e situations where a fall hazard exists.
Rescue system elements, components or subsys-

tems meeting the requirements of this stand ard
may not be represented as complying with or used
in personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) claiming
compliance with AN SI /ASSE Z359.1 or other rel -
evant Z359 stand ards unless the requ irements of
that stand ard are additi onally met. The requ ire-
ments of this standard supersed e any correspond -
ing requ irements in AN SI /ASSE Z359.1 American
N ati onal Stand ard s
1 .3 Exceptions.
1 .3.1 The req uirements of this stand ard do not ad-
dress sport-related activities, rope access rescue
techniques utilized by certi ? ed rescue technicians
or other tasks that have established national con-
sensus standards. H owever, this does not preclude
use of equipment addressed within this stand ard for
such activities where appropria te.
1 .3.2 The competent person shall determine the suit- E1.3.2 For a de?nition of competent person refer to
ability of equ ipment ad dressed within this stand ard the ANS??ASS? Z359. 0 De ?nitions and Nomencla-
?
for activities conducted in hazardou s atmospheres. ture ?sed for Fall ?rotection and Fall Arrest and for ?
additional information refer to ANSI/ASSE Z359. 2,

? inimum Requirements for a Comprehensi?e an- ?
? ?
aged Fall rotection rogram.
e ri c a n N at i o n a l
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AMERICAN S OCIETY OF
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8 S AFETY E NGINEERS
1 .4 Interpretations. Requests for interpretations of

this standard shall be in writing and addressed to
the Secretariat of this standard.
2. DEFINITIONS
Please refer to AN SI /ASSE Z359. 0, De ?nitions and
Nomenclature ?sed for Fall ?rotection and Fall Ar-
rest, for de ? nitions of terms used in this standard.
3. REQUIREMENTS
3.1 System Requirements.
3.1 .1 A rescu e system shall be used only if attached
to an anchorage, or anchorage with anchorage con-
nector, which complies with the req uirements of this
stand ard .
3.1 .2 The capacity of a one-person rescue system E3.1.2 Some components such as hoists or rope
shall range from 1 30 to 31 0 pou nds (59 to 1 41 kg). tac?le ?loc?s ma? ha?e wor?ing load ratings that
The capacity of a two-person rescu e system shall differ from the capacit? range. This ma? ?e for pur-
range from 1 30 to 620 pounds (59 to 282kg). The poses such as material handling. The requirements
maximum and minimu m rated working loads for of this standard onl? address rescue applications of
each system component shall encompass the ca- these components.
pacity range of the assembled system.
3.2 Component and Element Requirements. E3.2 The component and element requirements
contained within this section are minimum design
and performance requirements and are not intend-
ed to control the design or manufacturing process.
It is the responsi?ilit? of the manufacturer to ensure
appropriate controls and procedures are applied to
ensure consistent qualit?. ?asic engineering princi-
pals including ?ut not limited to material selection
and compati?ilit?, factors of safet?, en?ironmental
considerations and process ?ia?ilit? should ?e ap-
plied.
3.2.1 Connector (Hardware) Components and
Elements. Connectors used in rescue systems
shall meet req uirements of AN SI /ASSE Z359. 1 2.
Connectors complying with these requirements are
su itable for use in one and two person rescue sys-
tems.
3.2.2 Body Support Components.
eri ca n N ation al
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S AFETY E NGINEERS
9
3.2.2.1 Full Body Harness. E3.2.2.1Full ? od? harness as de ?ned in ANSI/

ASSE Z359. 0 and for additional information see
ANSI/ASSE Z359.1.
3.2.2.1 .1 Full bod y harnesses shall meet the re- E3.2.2.1.1 In some situations, the manufacturer
quirements of AN SI /ASSE Z359. 1 . U nless speci ? - ma? prohi? it use of the dorsal attachment element
cally prohibited for rescue use by the manufacturer, for rescue. For e?ample, if the dorsal attachment
the dorsal attachment element is suitable for res- element is occupied ?? another su?s?stem, con-
cu e application and need not be evaluated in ac- nection of a second connector (to the same point)
cordance with 3. 2. 2. 1 . 2 or 3. 2. 2. 1 . 3. for rescue purposes ma? not ? e possi? le or recom-
mended.
3.2.2.1 .2 Static Strength. When statically tested

3, 600 pounds (1 6kN ) in accordance with 4. 3. 1 . 1 ,
harness attachment elements d esignated by the
manu facturer as suitable for rescue pu rposes shall
not release the test torso and no load-bearing ele-
ment shall break or separate from the harness.
3.2.2.1 .3 Dynamic Performance. When dynami-

cally tested in accord ance with 4. 3. 1 . 2, harness
attachment elements designated by the manu fac-
turer as su itable for rescue purposes shall not re-
lease the test torso and no load -bearing element
shall break or separate from the harness. The test
torso shall remain suspended for one minute after
the test. The angle at rest between the torso verti-
cal centerline and the vertical shall not exceed 30
degrees after the torso comes to a rest.
3.2.2.2 Evacuation Harness.

3.2.2.2.1 The evacu ation harness shall at minimum E3.2.2.2.1 The e?acuation harness should prop-
provide support for the body around the shoulders erl? ?t and ? e designed to securel? hold the rescue
and thighs. su? ject during rescue whether conscious or uncon-
scious.
3.2.2.2.2 Load-Bearing Straps. Load-bearing

straps or other harness textile materials that serve
an eq uivalent function shall be made from virgin
synthetic materials having strength, aging, abra-
sion resistance and heat resistance characteristics
equivalent or superior to polyamides. ? ody sup-
porting evacuation harness straps shall not be less
than 1 -5/8 inches (41 mm).
3.2.2.2.3 Thread and Stitching. Lock stitching shall

be used at all sewn joints. The thread shall be of the
same type as the load -bearing member and shall
be of a contrasting color to facilitate inspection.
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3.2.2.2.4 Metal Elements. Metal elements shall be

capable of withstanding a minimum salt spray test
of 48 hours when tested in accordance with refer-
ence 8. 2. 1 . The presence of red rust visible to the
unaid ed eye or other evid ence of corrosion of the
base metal shall constitute failure of the salt spray
test. Post-test presence of white scale on element
su rfaces is permitted. Surfaces, which come into
contact with materials that may cut or tear, shall be
free of burrs, pits, sharp edges or rou gh surfaces.
3.2.2.2.5 Static Strength. Evacuation harnesses

when statically tested to 3, 600 pou nds (1 6kN ) in
accord ance with 4. 3. 1 . 1 shall not release the test
torso. N o load-bearing element shall break or sepa-
rate from the rescue harness.
3.2.2.2.6 Dynamic Performance. Evacuation har-

nesses when dynamically tested in accordance
with 4. 3. 1 . 2, shall not release the test torso. The
test torso shall remain suspended for one minute
after drop testing. N o load-bearing element shall
break or separate from the self-rescue harness.
The angle at rest between the torso vertical cen-
terline and the vertical shall not exceed 30 degrees
after the torso comes to a rest.
3.2.3 Rescue Lanyard Component.

3.2.3.1 Rescu e lanyards shall meet the lanyard
req uirements of AN SI /ASSE Z359. 1 . N ote: When
statically tested , the load path for Y-rescue lanyard s
shall be as intended in service.
3.2.3.2 Connectors used in the construction of res-

cu e lanyards shall meet the requ irements of AN SI /
ASSE Z359. 1 2.
3.2.4 Rescue Anchorage Connector Compo-

nent.
3.2.4.1 Rescue anchorage connectors shall meet
the requ irements for anchorage connectors speci-
? ed in AN SI /ASSE Z359. 1 and additional require-
ments of this standard.
3.2.5 Self-Retracting Lanyard Component with E3.2.5 SRL-Rs compl?ing with these requirements
Integral Rescue Capability. Self-Retracting Lan- are suita?le for use in one person rescue s?stems.
yard with integral rescu e capability (SRL-R) u sed in
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rescue systems shall meet requirements of AN SI /

ASSE Z359. 1 4.
3.2.6 Synthetic Rope Tackle Block.

3.2.6.1 Rope. M aterials for virgin synthetic ropes
used in rope tackle blocks shall have strength, ag-
ing, abrasion resistance and heat resistance char-
acteristics equivalent to or superior to polyamides.
When tested in accord ance with reference 8. 9. 2,
new rope shall have a minimu m breaking strength
of not less than 4, 500 pounds (20kN ).
3.2.6.2 Rope tackle blocks shall have a secondary E3.2.6.2 The primar? method is actions of the op-
means to prevent uncontrolled lowering of the load. erator. The secondar? method, independent of op-
Rope tackle blocks shall have a minimum theoreti- erator’s actions, is a passi?e mechanical method
cal mechanical advantage of 3: 1 . for pre?enting uncontrolled descent.
3.2.6.3 Static Strength. When tested in accor-

dance with 4. 3. 4. 1 , the rope tackle block shall with-
stand the applied load of 3, 1 00 pounds (1 3. 8kN ) for
at least one minute without failu re of the d evice or
any element part thereof. The static strength test
shall be condu cted for each rope type allowed for
use with the device and each rigging con ? guration
(e. g. 3: 1 , 4: 1 , 5: 1 ratios).
3.2.6.4 Dynamic Strength. When tested in accor-

dance with 4. 3. 4. 2, the rope tackle block shall ar-
rest the test weight. Following the dynamic strength
test, the rope tackle block shall raise, lower and
hold the load as intended after the d evice has ar-
rested the test weight. The dynamic strength test
shall be condu cted for each rope type allowed for
use with the device and each rigging con ? guration
(e. g. 3: 1 , 4: 1 , 5: 1 ratios).
3.2.6.5 Function. When tested in accordance with

4. 3. 4. 3, the rope tackle block shall raise, lower and
hold the load as intended while the device is carry-
ing 1 25% of the maximu m capacity. When operat-
ing control is released, the means for preventing
uncontrolled lowering of the load shall halt the test
weight within 1 2 inches (305mm). This test is to be
repeated with a load of 75% of the minimum capac-
ity. The functional tests shall be cond ucted for each
rope type allowed for use with the device and each
rigging con ? guration (e. g. 3: 1 , 4: 1 , 5: 1 ratios).
3.2.7 Descent Devices.
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3.2.7.1 Descent Energy and Capacity. The capac-

ity of descent devices addressed by this standard
shall be 31 0 pou nds (1 41 kg), see 3. 1 . 2, capacity
one person. Descent d evices designed for single
use (one time u se) shall have a minimum descent
energy rating of 30, 000 foot-pou nds (40, 675 joules).
These devices shall be classi ? ed as: Single U se.
Descent d evices designed for repeated or multiple
uses shall have a d escent energy rating of not less
than 300, 000 foot-pou nds (406, 750 joules). The
descent energy rating is determined by E = W x H x
N ; where E = Descent Energy Rating (foot-pounds);
W = Test Weight (31 0 pound s (1 41 kg)); H = De-
scent H eight (feet); N = N umber of Descents. When
tested in accordance with 4. 3. 5. 1 , the descent de-
vice shall be capable of single or su ccessive op-
eration as applicable until the decent energy rating
is reached. N o component, constituent or element
shall show signs of breaking or failure following de-
scent energy testing. I f the d escent device is ca-
pable of being rigged in more than one way, the
requ irements of this section must be met for each
rigging con ? guration.
3.2.7.2 Descent Speed. When tested in accor-

dance with 4. 3. 5. 1 , the descent speed for automat-
ic descent control devices shall be not greater than
6. 6 feet/second (2m/s) or less than 1 . 6 feet/second
(. 49m/s). For manually operated descent control
devices when tested in accordance with 4. 3. 5. 1 ,
the descent speed shall not exceed 6. 6 feet/sec-
ond (2m/s).

dance 4. 3. 5. 2, the d escent d evice including the
descent line as normally installed and terminated,
shall be capable of su staining a static load of 2, 700
pounds (1 2kN ) for at least one minute without re-
lease of the load.
3.2.7.4 Dynamic Strength. When tested in accor-

dance with 4. 3. 5. 3, the d escent device, if d esigned
to stop the weight if control is lost, shall stop and
not release the test weight. The descent device
inclu ding the d escent line shall remain fully func-
tional. When tested in accordance with 4. 3. 5. 3, the
descent device, if designed to continue lowering
the load at a controlled rate if control is lost, shall
remain functional and the descent speed shall not
exceed 6. 6 feet/second (2m/s).
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3.2.7.5 Function. When tested in accordance with

4. 3. 5. 4, the d escent device shall function as intend-
ed and the descent speed shall meet the require-
ments of 3. 2. 7. 2. I n the case of manu ally operated
devices, the descent device shall stop and hold the
load if the control device is released (hands free) or
if excessive application of the control device is ap-
plied (panic grasp). When tested in accordance with
4. 3. 5. 4 in the two stop modes (hands free, panic
grasp), the amount of line movement through the
descent device or movement of the descent device
on the line as applicable shall not exceed 6 inches
(1 52mm). This test series shall be repeated follow-
ing the wet conditioning de ? ned in 4. 3. 5. 4.
3.2.7.6 Design.
3.2.7.6.1 Line Material. E3.2.7.6.1 The line material strength ?alues speci-
?ed in this section are not appropriate for use with
descent de?ices for wor? positioning applications
or other applications requiring a person to ?e sus-
pended on line for purposes other than preplanned
rescue.
3.2.7.6.1 .1 Synthetic Rope. Rope used as a line

constitu ent of a descent device shall be made of
virgin synthetic materials having strength, aging,
abrasion resistance and heat resistance character-
istics equ ivalent or superior to polyamides. When
statically tested in accord ance with reference 8. 9. 2,
synthetic rope shall have a minimum breaking
strength of 3, 000 pounds (1 3. 3kN ).
3.2.7.6.1 .2 Webbing. Webbing used as a line con-

stituent of a d escent device shall be made of vir-
gin synthetic materials having strength, aging and
abrasion resistance and heat resistance character-
istics eq uivalent or superior to polyamides. Web-
bing shall have a minimum breaking strength of
3, 000 pounds (1 3. 3kN ) when tested in accordance
with reference 8. 9. 1 .
3.2.7.6.1 .3 Wire Rope. Wire rope used as a line

constitu ent of a descent d evice shall be construct-
ed of stainless steel or galvanized steel strand hav-
ing a minimum breaking strength of 3, 000 pounds
(1 3. 3kN ) when tested in accordance with reference
8. 2. 2.
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3.2.7.6.1 .4 Connectors. Snaphooks or carabiners

which are integral to the descent devices shall meet
the requirements of 3. 2. 1 .
3.2.7.6.2 M anually operated descent devices shall

stop descent if operator control is released (hands
free), or if excessive application of the control de-
vice is applied (panic grasp).
3.2.8 Personnel Hoists.

3.2.8.1 Capacity. Personnel hoists described in
this section shall have a capacity of 31 0 pound s
(1 41 kg) when designed for raising/lowering one
person and 620 pounds (282kg) when d esigned for
raising/lowering two persons. The manufacturer of
the hoist shall identify the number of persons for
which the hoist is rated (see 5. 4. 6).
3.2.8.2 Operation. The hoist shall be capable of

raising and lowering the load to effect rescue. De-
sign of the hoist shall permit operation by one per-
son. The hoist shall au tomatically stop and hold the
load if the operator intentionally or unintentionally
relinquishes control. H oists equipped with an auto-
matic descent feature shall also meet the require-
ments of 3. 2. 7.
3.2.8.3 Powered Operation. H oists that are d e-

signed for u se with a power source other than
manu al shall have a means to limit applied lifting/
lowering force and speed. A manual backup means
of operation shall be provided.

dance with 4. 3. 6. 1 , the hoist shall su stain a load of
3, 1 00 pounds (1 3. 8kN ) applied directly to the point
of the hoist line connection to the wind ing d rum
for a period of at least one minu te. When tested in
accord ance with 4. 3. 6. 2, the hoist shall sustain a
static load eq ual to four times the maximum capac-
ity of the hoist for a period of at least one minute.
Following this static test, the hoist shall success-
fully complete the tests conducted in accordance
with 4. 3. 6. 2 and 4. 3. 6. 3.
3.2.8.5 Functional Criteria. When tested in accor-

dance with 4. 3. 6. 3, the maximum force applied to
raise and lower the load shall be 30 pounds (1 33N ).
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The hoist shall be capable of raising and lowering

the load without slipping when tested in accordance
with 4. 3. 6. 4. When operating control is released,
the hoist must stop within 4 inches (1 02mm), when
tested in accordance with 4. 3. 6. 5.
For hoists that are designed for use with a power

source other than manu al, the applied force shall
be automatically limited to 1 50% of maximum ca-
pacity when tested in accordance with 4. 3. 6. 6.
Powered hoists that operate at a ? xed speed shall
limit the rate of lowering to 6. 6 feet/second (2m/s)
when tested in accord ance with 4. 3. 6. 7. Powered
hoists equipped with variable speed controls shall
be capable of limiting the rate of raising and lower-
ing to 6. 6 feet/second (2m/s) and slowing the load
as it approaches the stopping point when tested in
accord ance with 4. 3. 6. 8.
H oists shall be equipped by the manufactu rer with

a secondary brake that engages in the event the
primary brake mechanism is disabled. The second-
ary brake must bring the load to a stop within 24
inches (61 0mm) when tested in accordance with
4. 3. 6. 9.
Additionally, the functional criteria shall be met after

conditioning in accordance with the procedures giv-
en in 4. 3. 2. One test is required for each condition-
ing procedure. A new hoist may be used for each.
3.2.8.6 Connectors. Snaphooks or carabiners

which are integral to the descent shall meet re-
quirements of 3. 2. 1 .
3.2.8.7 The design of hoist working parts, their lo-

cation and the protection afforded to them shall be
su ch as to prevent the possibility of performance
being impaired by casu al interference.
3.2.8.8 Line Constituent of Hoist.

3.2.8.8.1 Synthetic Rope. Rope used as a line
constitu ent of a hoist shall be made of virgin syn-
thetic materials having strength, aging and abra-
sion resistance and heat resistance characteristics
equivalent or superior to polyamid es. When stati-
cally tested in accordance with reference 8. 9. 2, syn-
thetic rope shall have a minimu m breaking strength
of 4, 500 pounds (20kN ).
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3.2.8.8.2 Webbing. Webbing used as a line constit-

uent of a hoist shall be made of virgin synthetic ma-
terials having strength, aging, abrasion resistance
and heat resistance characteristics equivalent or
su perior to polyamides. Webbing shall have a mini-
mum breaking strength of 4, 500 pounds (20kN )
when tested in accord ance with reference 8. 9. 1 .
3.2.8.8.3 Wire Rope. Wire rope used as a line

constitu ent of a hoist shall be constructed of stain-
less steel or galvanized steel strand having a mini-
mum nominal diameter of 0. 1 875 inches (4. 8mm)
and a minimum breaking strength of 3, 400 pounds
(1 5. 1 kN ) when tested in accordance with reference
8. 2. 2.
3.2.8.8.4 Termination of the Line Constituent.

Shall be d esigned such that the resu lting constitu-
ent when installed to the hoist will meet the requ ire-
ments of 3. 2. 8. 4.
3.2.8.9 Winding Drums & Sheaves. The minimum

pitch diameter of a mu ltiple wrap wind ing dru m shall
not be less than ten times the diameter of the wire
rope used .
I ntegral unwrapped gu ide sheaves or rollers shall

have a minimum pitch diameter of three times the
diameter of the wire rope.
3.3 Corrosion Protection. Corrosion protection

shall be afford ed to all elements (parts) of hoist,
rope block tackle and control descent devices. Pro-
tection shall, at a minimum, allow these devices to
operate and show no signs of corrosion, which, if left
unchecked , could result in corrosion-related failu re
of the device, after being salt spray (fog) tested for
96 hours in accordance with the method described
in reference 8. 2. 1 .
4. QUALIFICATION TESTING
?uali ? cation and veri ? cation testing shall meet the
requ irements of AN SI /ASSE Z359. 7.
4.1 Test Equipment and Test Specimens.

4.1 .1 Drop Test Structure. Shall meet the require-
ments as speci ? ed in AN SI /ASSE Z359. 7 section
for Test Structure.
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4.1 .2 Test Weight. The test weights shall be of a

rigid steel constru ction such that the center of grav-
ity is below the lifting point. The lifting point must be
su itable for lifting the weight and for connecting the
item to be tested to the test weight. The weight shall
weigh +/- one percent of the weight prescribed by
the test procedu re.
4.1 .3 Test Lanyard. Shall meet the requirements

as speci ? ed in AN SI /ASSE Z359. 7 section for Test
Lanyard.
4.1 .4 Test Yoke. The test yoke shall be assembled

and constructed using the same materials and as-
sembly processes as the test lanyard. The yoke
shall be a “Y” con ? guration with a pear-shaped mas-
ter link (working load limit 6, 1 00 pou nds (2, 773kg)
minimum) at the junction of the “Y”. The upper two
legs of the “Y” shall be 1 6 inches (406mm) in length
and the lower leg up to 6 feet (1 . 8m) in length as
measu red from bearing point to bearing point.
4.1 .5 Quick Release Mechanism. Shall meet the

requ irements as speci ? ed in AN SI /ASSE Z359. 7
section for Quick Release M echanism.
4.1 .6 Static Tensile Test Equipment. Shall meet

the requirements as speci ? ed in AN SI /ASSE Z359. 1
section for Static Tensile Test Equipment.
4.1 .7 Force Measurement Gage. The force mea-

su rement gage shall be capable of measuring force
within an accu racy of +/- one percent of the speci-
? ed load.
4.1 .8 Test Specimens. Test specimens for quali ? -

cation testing shall be new and in unused condition,
selected randomly from the initial production lot of
a given mod el of equipment. They shall conform in
all respects to the manufacturer’s speci ? cations for
the model to be tested .
4.1 .9 Test Torso. Shall meet the requ irements as

speci ? ed in AN SI /ASSE Z359. 1 section for Test
Torso.
4.2 Reserved for Future Use.

4.3 Component, Constituent and Element
Testing.
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4.3.1 Full Body Harness and Evacuation Har-

ness Quali ? cation Testing.
4.3.1 .1 Static Strength Testing. The test torso E4.3.1.1 The test torso ma? need to ?e ?tted with
and static tensile strength test equ ipment shall be temporar? lim?s to allow testing of some rescue
as speci ? ed in 4. 1 . 9 and 4. 1 . 6 respectively. The test harness con ?gurations.
sample shall be pu t on the test torso as though the
torso was a person and ad justed for a snug ? t. The
test torso shall be anchored by its crotch ring and a
load of 3, 600 pou nds (1 6kN ) shall be applied to the
test sample via the connection point(s) in the direc-
tion simulating a rescue. The load shall be applied
using the static tensile test equipment. Maintain the
load for a period of one minute. Release the load
and evalu ate sample in accordance with 3. 2. 2. 1 . 2
or 3. 2. 2. 2. 5 as applicable before removing it from
the torso.
4.3.1 .2 Dynamic Performance Testing. The drop

test stru cture, test torso, test lanyard of 4 foot (1 . 2m)
length and qu ick release mechanism shall be in ac-
cordance with 4. 1 . 1 , 4. 1 . 3, 4. 1 . 5 and 4. 1 . 9 respec-
tively. The test sample shall be put on the test torso
as though the torso was a person and adjusted for
a snug ? t. Attach one end of the test lanyard to the
appropriate attachment element of the sample and
the other end to the test structure. Raise the test
torso to a level, which will allow a 2 foot (0. 6m) free
fall u pon release of the test torso. The torso shall
be lifted to a point no more than 1 2 inches (305mm)
horizontally from the anchorage. Release the torso
with the quick release mechanism. After the drop,
the torso is to remain suspended for a period of
one minu te. During the post fall suspension period,
measu re the angle at rest. After test, evaluate the
sample according to 3. 2. 2. 1 . 3 or 3. 2. 2. 2. 6 as ap-
propriate.
4.3.2 Environmental Conditioning Procedures.

I n accordance with 3. 2. 8. 5, testing shall be per-
formed following each of the cond itioning proce-
dures set forth in 4. 3. 2. 1 through 4. 3. 2. 3.
4.3.2.1 Heat. Place the hoist in a heated chamber

for two hours at a minimu m temperature of 1 30 de-
grees F (54 degrees C) and at a minimum relative
humidity of 85%. Test within ? ve minutes.
4.3.2.2 Cold. Place the hoist in a refrigerated cham-
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ber for two hou rs at a temperature of -40 degrees F

(-40 degrees C) or colder. Test within ? ve minu tes.
4.3.2.3 Wet. Arrange the hoist in a tank and spray

water on it for three hours at a rate of approximately
1 8 gallons/hour (70L/hr). Test within ? ve minutes.
4.3.3 Reserved for Future Use.

4.3.4 Synthetic Rope Tackle Block Quali ? cation
Testing.
4.3.4.1 Static Strength. The static tensile strength E4.3.4.1 For an e?ample of drop test structure an-
test equipment shall be as speci ? ed in 4. 1 . 6. Attach chorage see Figure 1.
the synthetic rope tackle block to the static tensile
test equipment in accord ance with the manufac-
turer’s instru ctions such that the load is applied
through the device as in use (see Figure 1 ). U s-
ing the second ary means to prevent u ncontrolled
lowering of the load (as prescribed by the manufac-
turer) ? x the load line of the synthetic rope tackle
block. Apply a load of 3, 1 00 pounds (1 3. 8kN ) using
the static tensile test eq uipment. The time to reach
the test load shall be greater than 30 seconds to
avoid dynamic effects. Sustain the load for a period
of one minute. Compare the test resu lts with the
requ irements set forth in 3. 2. 6. 3.
4.3.4.2 Dynamic Strength. The drop test structure,

test weight and quick release mechanism shall be in
accord ance with 4. 1 . 1 , 4. 1 . 2 and 4. 1 . 5 respectively.
The synthetic rope tackle block shall be connected
to the drop test structure anchorage in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions. The 220 pound
(1 00kg) test weight shall be connected directly to
the lifting point (running block) of the synthetic rope
tackle block and to the quick release mechanism.
H oist the test weight (with the quick release) from
a point within 1 2 inches (305mm) horizontally of
the rope tackle block anchorage to a level approxi-
mately 8 feet (2. 44m) below the anchorage and
su f? ciently high above the ground, and remove any
slack from the rope tackle block system. Withou t
further adju stment of the rope tackle block, hoist
the test weight an additional amou nt such that upon
release, the test weight will free fall 2 feet (0. 6m).
N ote: For this test, there shall be no manual control
of the synthetic rope tackle block (i. e. hands free
test). Release the test weight with the quick release
mechanism as speci ? ed in 4. 1 . 5. Compare the test
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results with the requirements set forth in 3. 2. 6. 4.
4.3.4.3 Function. The test weight shall be in accor-

dance with 4. 1 . 2. The synthetic rope tackle block
shall be connected to a rigid anchorage in accor-
dance with the manufactu rer’s instru ctions. A test
weight eq ual to 1 25% of the maximum capacity of
the device shall be connected directly to the lifting
point (running block) of the synthetic rope tackle
block. Raise the test weight at least 1 0 feet (3m)
by operating the rope tackle block to within approxi-
mately 3 feet (. 9m) of the anchorage. Record the
vertical position of the test weight. Release control
of the load line, allowing the secondary means for
controlling the load to activate. M easure the verti-
cal movement of the test weight relative to its po-
sition prior to releasing the load line and compare
the result with the req uirements of 3. 2. 6. 5. Check
operation by lowering the test weight to the grou nd,
raising it to the anchorage level, then back to the
grou nd. Repeat the above series of tests u sing a
weight equ al to 75% of the minimum capacity of
the device.
4.3.5 Descent Devices Quali ? cation Testing.

4.3.5.1 Descent Energy. For both single and mul- E4.3.5.1 For e?ample, alternati?e descent energ?
tiple use d escent devices, the descent distance test method for descent control de?ices (source
used to apply the descent energy shall be equal to CSA Z259.1) see Figures 2a and 2?.
the maximum allowable d escent distance of the de-
vice. The test weight shall be 31 0 pou nds (1 41 kg).
For mu ltiple use devices, individual descents shall
be conducted d irectly after another until the rated
descent energy of the device is reached or until 20
tests have been completed. N ote: Alternative to
vertical descents, descent energy testing can be
conducted using an apparatu s similar to that de-
scribed in Figure 2a and Figu re 2b. M easure the
descent velocity by timing the descent over a 1 0-
20 feet (3-6m) distance and calculating the descent
speed or by direct velocity measurement. For de-
scent velocity evaluation, manual descent devices
shall be operated at a nearly constant rate of speed ,
but not greater than 6. 6 feet/second (2m/s). Evalu-
ate the descent speed result in accordance with the
requ irements of 3. 2. 7. 2. Following the energy test,
evaluate the descent device and line in accordance
with the requirements of 3. 2. 7. 1 .
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4.3.5.2 Static Strength Testing. The descent E4.3.5.2 For an e?ample, see Figures 3a, 3? and 3c.
device shall be connected to the test structure as
shown in Figure 3a or 3b for the static test. I f the
test con ? guration of Figure 3a is used, a load of
1 , 350 pound s (6kN ) shall be applied using the stat-
ic tensile test equ ipment in accordance with 4. 1 . 6.
I f the test con ? guration of Figu re 3b is used, a load
of 2, 700 pounds (1 2kN ) shall be applied u sing the
static tensile test equipment. The prescribed load
shall be maintained for a period of one minute upon
completion of this period. Examine the test sample
in accordance with the req uirements of 3. 2. 7. 3.
I f the test con ? guration of Figure 3a is used, a sec-

ond test of the terminated line (new section of line)
shall be cond ucted as shown in Figu re 3c. A load
of 2, 700 pounds (1 2kN ) shall be applied u sing the
static tensile test equipment in accord ance with
4. 1 . 6 to the terminated line section and maintained
for a period of one minute. Following the one-min-
ute period , the terminated line shall be evalu ated in
accord ance with the requ irements of 3. 2. 7. 3.
4.3.5.3 Dynamic Strength Test. The test stru cture, E4.3.5.3 For an e?ample see Figures 4a and 4?.
test weight, test lanyard and qu ick release mecha-
nism shall be in accordance with 4. 1 . 1 , 4. 1 . 2, 4. 1 . 3
and 4. 1 . 5 respectively. The d escent d evice or line
shall be connected to the test structure anchorage
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
For this test, there shall be no manual control of
manu ally operated descent devices i. e. hands free
test. The 220 pound (1 00kg) test weight shall be
connected directly (or via the test lanyard ) to the
descent d evice or the descent line as if to lower
the weight. I n either case, the descent device shall
be located within 2 feet (0. 6m) from the anchorage
(see Figures 4a and 4b). The test weight shall then
be raised from a point within 1 2 inches (305mm)
horizontally of the descent device attachment to the
anchorage such that upon release, the test weight
will free fall 2 feet (. 6m) before the descent device
engages. Release the test weight using the quick
release mechanism. For d evices designed to low-
er the weight at a controlled rate following loss of
control, measure the descent speed starting at a
point within 5 feet (1 . 52m) of activation of the d e-
vice. Time the descent over a distance of 1 0-20 feet
(3-6m) and calculate the descent speed. Evaluate
test results in accordance with the requ irements of
3. 2. 7. 4.
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4.3.5.4 Functional Test. The test weights shall be

in accordance with 4. 1 . 2. Following the d escent
energy test, the descent d evice shall be operated
over its permitted maximu m d escent height and
the descent speed shall be determined using the
process d escribed in 4. 3. 5. 1 . One test shall be
conducted using a 1 30 pou nd (60kg) weight and
a second test u sing a 31 0 pound (1 41 kg) weight.
Manu ally operated descent devices shall be oper-
ated at a nearly constant rate of speed for each
weight. The descent speed shall be evaluated for
both weights as described above. Ad ditionally, for
manu ally operated controlled descent devices, con-
duct the following test using the 31 0 pound (1 41 kg)
test weight. ? y means of a hoist, suspend the test
weight at least 2 feet (0. 6m) off the ground level.
Attach the descent device or descent line as appli-
cable to the test weight as if preparing to lower the
weight. Likewise attach the descent line or d escent
device to an anchorage point directly over the test
weight (within 1 foot (305mm) horizontally from the
su spension point of the hoist lifting point). Remove
all slack from the descent system and mark the po-
sition of the d escent device on the line or the line
itself as applicable to allow measurement of rela-
tive movement. H old the descent device in panic
grasp position and slowly lower the weight u sing
the hoist until the weight is borne by the descent
device and line. Observe and record the movement
of the descent device or line through the d escent
device as applicable. Repeat this procedure with
the descent d evice in the hands free mode. This
test series 4. 3. 5. 4 shall be repeated using a wet
descent line. Condition descent line by immersing
in water at room temperature for a minimum of one
hour. Evaluate test results in accordance with the
requ irements of 3. 2. 7. 5.
4.3.6 Hoist Quali ? cation Testing.

4.3.6.1 Static Strength Test, Hoist Line Termi-
nation. The static tensile strength test eq uipment
shall be as speci ? ed in 4. 1 . 6. I nstall the hoist into
the static tensile test eq uipment such that a tensile
load can be applied via the hoist line to the connec-
tion of the hoist line to the winding dru m. N ote: The
hoist line shall be shortened to conduct this test
by using the same termination means applied by
the manu facturer for a normal hoist. Apply a load
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of 3, 1 00 pound s (1 3. 8kN ) using the static tensile

test equipment to the wind ing d rum connection and
maintain this load for a period of one minute. Re-
lease the load and evaluate the hoist in accordance
with 3. 2. 8. 4.
4.3.6.2 Static Strength Test, Hoist. The static ten-

sile strength test equipment shall be as speci ? ed
in 4. 1 . 6. I nstall the hoist into the static tensile test
equipment such that a tensile load can be applied
via the hoist line to the winding drum. For this test,
the hoist drum shall be ? lled to capacity (maximu m
useable length) with hoist line. The hoist shall be
prepared for the test by ? xing the input shaft or
mechanism such that the load will be transmitted
through the entire hoist drive train from the inpu t to
the winding drum. All brakes, including the primary
brake shall be disengaged. Apply a load using the
static tensile test equ ipment equal to four times the
maximum capacity of the hoist via the hoist line and
maintain this load for a period of one minute. Re-
lease the load and rotate or activate the hoist inpu t
to produ ce movement of the drum equal to one-
quarter of the total drive train reduction and repeat
the static test. Following the static test, condu ct the
function, slippage test in 4. 3. 6. 4 and the function
test, primary brake in 4. 3. 6. 5. Compare the resu lts
to the requ irements of 3. 2. 8. 5.
4.3.6.3 Function Test, Force to Raise/Lower. The

test weight and force measurement gage shall be in
accord ance with 4. 1 . 2 and 4. 1 . 7 respectively. I nstall
the hoist to the test structure in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instru ctions. For this test, the hoist
drum shall be ? lled to capacity (maximum useable
length) with hoist line. Connect a rigid weight equal
to the maximu m capacity of the hoist to the end of
the hoist line. U sing the manual operating means of
the hoist, raise the load until it is fully suspend ed by
the hoist line. U sing the force measurement gage,
measu re the force req uired to raise the load as it
would be applied in use by the rescuer. Conduct
this measurement three times over one full revolu-
tion of the hoist-winding drum. Determine the av-
erage of the three measurements and compare
this resu lt to the requ irements of 3. 2. 8. 5. U sing the
same procedure as above, determine the force re-
quired to lower the load. Compare this result to the
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4.3.6.4 Function Test, Slippage. The test weight

shall be in accordance with 4. 1 . 2. I nstall the hoist
to the test structu re in accordance with the manu-
facturer’s instructions. For this test, the hoist d rum
shall be ? lled to capacity (maximum useable length)
with hoist line. Connect a rigid weight equ al to 1 25%
of the maximu m capacity of the hoist to the end of
the hoist line. U sing the manual or powered oper-
ating means of the hoist, raise and lower the load
over a distance of at least 1 0 feet (3m). Observe
the hoisting fu nction for any slippage of the load as
it is raised or lowered. Conduct this test three times
and compare the results with the requirements of
3. 2. 8. 5.
4.3.6.5 Function Test, Primary Brake. The test

weight shall be in accordance with 4. 1 . 2. I nstall the
hoist to the test structu re in accordance with the
length) with hoist line. Connect a rigid weight equal
to 1 25% of the maximum capacity of the hoist to the
end of the hoist line. U sing the manual or powered
operating means of the hoist, raise the load until it
is completely su spended and at least 2 feet (0. 6m)
above the ground. M easure and record the level of
the weight relative to the ground (or other ? xed ref-
erence point). Without raising or lowering the weight
from this position, release the operating control of
the hoist. Measure and record the new position of
the weight and determine the distance the weight
traveled following release of control. Condu ct this
measu rement process three times over one full
revolution of the hoist-winding d rum. Determine the
average of the three measu rements and compare
this result to the requirements of 3. 2. 8. 5.
4.3.6.6 Function Test, Load Limit, Powered Hoist.

The test weight shall be in accordance with 4. 1 . 2.
I nstall the hoist to the test structure in accordance
with the manu facturer’s instructions. For this test,
the hoist d rum shall be nearly empty (last useable
layer of line). Connect a rigid weight equal to 1 60%
of the maximum capacity of the hoist to the end
of the hoist line. N ote: H oist line may need to be
shortened from its normal usable length. U sing the
powered operating means of the hoist, attempt to
raise the load u ntil it is completely suspended. De-
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termine if the hoist limits lifting action before weight

becomes completely suspend ed. Compare this re-
sult to the requ irements of 3. 2. 8. 5.
4.3.6.7 Function Test, Fixed Speed, Powered

Hoist. The test weight shall be in accord ance with
4. 1 . 2. I nstall the hoist to the test structu re in ac-
cordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. For
this test, the hoist drum shall be ? lled to capacity
(maximum u seable length) with hoist line. Connect
a rigid weight equal to the maximu m capacity of the
hoist to the end of the hoist line. U sing the powered
operating means of the hoist, raise the load until it
is fully su spended and at least 2 feet (0. 6m) above
the grou nd. From this point, time the movement of
the weight as it is raised over a distance of at least
1 0 feet (3m). Likewise time the movement of the
weight as it is lowered over a distance of at least 1 0
feet (3m). Repeat this measurement three times.
Calcu late the speed of the weight movement for
each direction for each trial and determine the av-
erage speed in each direction. Compare this result
to the requ irements of 3. 2. 8. 5.
4.3.6.8 Function Test, Variable Speed, Powered

Hoist. The test weight shall be in accord ance with
4. 1 . 2. I nstall the hoist to the test structu re in ac-
cordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. For
this test, the hoist drum shall be ? lled to capacity
(maximum u seable length) with hoist line. During
this test, vary the speed of the hoist such that when
calculated, the average speed does not exceed the
maximum approach speed speci ? ed in 3. 2. 8. 5. The
test weight must not stop at any intermediate point
between the upper and lower limits of the measu re-
ment range of travel during the test. Connect a rigid
weight equal to the maximum capacity of the hoist
to the end of the hoist line. U sing the powered op-
erating means of the hoist, raise the load until it is
fully suspended and at least 2 feet (. 6m) above the
grou nd. From this point, time the movement of the
weight as it is raised over a distance of at least 1 0
feet (3m). Likewise time the movement of the weight
as it is lowered over a distance of at least 1 0 feet
(3m). Repeat this measu rement three times. Cal-
cu late the speed of the weight movement for each
direction for each trial and determine the average
speed in each direction. Compare this result to the
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4.3.6.9 Function Test, Secondary Brake. The test

weight shall be in accordance with 4. 1 . 2. I nstall the
hoist to the test structu re in accordance with the
length) with hoist line and the primary brake shall
be disabled. Connect a rigid weight equal to 1 25%
of the maximu m capacity of the hoist to the end of
the hoist line. U sing the manual or powered operat-
ing means of the hoist, raise the load until it is com-
pletely suspended and at least 4 feet (1 . 2m) above
the ground. M easure and record the level of the
weight relative to the grou nd (or other ? xed refer-
ence point). Without raising or lowering the weight
from this position, release the operating control of
the hoist to allow the secondary brake to activate.
Measu re and record the new position of the weight
and determine the distance the weight traveled fol-
lowing release of control. Compare this result to the
5. MARKING AND INSTRUCTIONS

5.1 General Marking Requirements.
5.1 .1 M arkings shall be in English.
5.1 .2 The legibility and attachment of required

markings shall endure for the life of the component,
su bsystem or system being marked. When pres-
su re sensitive labels are used, they shall comply
with the applicable provision of reference 8. 1 . 1 .
5.1 .3 Except for connectors, as set forth in 5. 2. 1 ,

equipment shall be marked with the following:
• part number and mod el d esignation;

• year of manu facture;
• manufacturer’s name or l ogo and contact infor-
mation;
• capacity range;
• stand ard number (AN SI /ASSE Z359. 4);
• warning to foll ow the manu facturer’s instructions
inclu ded with the equipment at time of shipment
from the manu facturer;
• the need for inspecti on in accordance with the
manu facturer’s instructi ons.
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5.2 Speci ? c Marking Requirements. E5.2 Additional mar?ings ma? ?e pro?ided ?? the
manufacturer as deemed necessar?.
5.2.1 Connectors. Connectors shall be marked

in accordance with requirements of AN SI /ASSE
Z359. 1 2.
5.2.2 Harnesses, Full Body. I n addition to the E5.2.2 ?ictograms ma? ?e used in lieu of te?t to il-
requ irements in 5. 1 , fu ll body harnesses shall be lustrate and identif? attachment elements.
marked in accordance with the requ irements of
AN SI /ASSE Z359. 1 .
5.2.3 Harnesses, Evacuation. I n addition to the

requ irements in 5. 1 , evacuation harnesses shall be
marked to identify:
• the ? ber u sed in the material of constru ction;

• donning instru cti ons;
• the rescu e attachment element(s);
• the purpose(s) of any other attachment
element(s);
• FOR RESCU E ON LY: DO N OT U SE FOR OTH -
ER PU RPOSES.
5.2.4 Lanyards, Rescue. I n addition to the requ ire-

ments in 5. 1 , rescue lanyard s shall be marked to
identify:
• the material of constru ction;

• the length;
• the need to avoi d contact with sharp ed ges and
abrasive su rfaces;
• the need to make only compatible connections.
5.2.5 Anchorage Connectors, Rescue. I n addi-

tion to the requirements in 5. 1 , rescue anchorage
connectors shall be marked to identify:
• the materials of constructi on;

• proper method of coupling to anchorage or refer-
ence to separate instructi ons specifying same, or
both;
abrasive surfaces, if applicable;
• inspection requirements;
• warnings against use with incompatible connec-
tors;
• stability and compatibility limitati ons with respect
to anchorages;
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• limitations concerning physical hazards such as

thermal, electrical and chemical sou rces.
5. 2 . 6 Wi n ch /H oi s t. I n addition to the requirements

in 5. 1 , winch/hoist(s) shall be marked to id entify:
• summary on how to operate a hoist;

• diameter, constru ction, material of rope or wi re
rope u sed in the unit;
• maximum working length of load line;
• instru cti ons for reeving of rope or wire rope;
• force requ ired to operate rescue features when
device is loaded to maximu m capacity;
• need for inspecti on at peri odic intervals and at
least annually;
abrasive surfaces.
5. 2 . 7 D es cen t C on trol D evi ce. I n add ition to the

requ irements in 5. 1 , d escent control devices shall
be marked to identify:
• directi on of use if not bi -directional;

• warning to avoi d d escending into electrical, ther-
mal, chemical sources or other hazard s;
• method of applying braking action, if applicable;
• the compatible size and type of rope;
• warnings against u se of incompatible rope;
• single or multiple use, with multiple use speci ? ed;
• reference to separate instructions and cauti on
statements;
• the need for inspecti on at peri odic intervals and
at least annually;
• maximum length of descent;
• maximu m number of d escents (if applicable);
• proper routing of line throu gh the device if not in -
tegrally installed by the manu facturer.
5. 3 G en eral I n s tru cti on Req u i rem en ts .
5. 3. 1 I nstructions shall be provid ed to the rescu er,

printed in English, and af? xed to the equipment at
the time of shipment from the manu facturer.
5. 3. 2 I nstructions shall contain the following infor-

mation:
• a statement that the manufacturer’s instru cti ons

shall be provid ed to the rescuer;
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• manufacturer’s name, add ress and telephone

number;
• manufactu rer’s part number and model designa-
tion for the equipment;
• intended use and pu rpose of the eq uipment;
• proper method of u se and limitati ons on use of
the eq uipment;
• illustrati ons showing locations of markings on the
equipment;
• reproduction of printed information on all markings;
• inspecti on procedures requ ired to assu re the
eq uipment is in serviceable cond ition and oper-
ating correctly;
• anchorage requ irements as set forth in 7. 2. 2
throu gh 7. 2. 4;
• criteria for d iscarding eq uipment which fails in -
spection;
• proced ures for cleaning, maintenance and stor-
age;
• reference to the AN SI /ASSE Z359.1 and AN SI /
ASSE Z359. 4 standard s and applicable regu la-
ti ons governing safe rescue operati ons.
5.3.3 I nstructions shall require that only the eq uip-

ment manufacturer, or persons or entities autho-
rized in writing by the manufacturer, shall make
repairs to equipment.
5.3.4 I nstructions shall require the rescuer to re-

move equipment from ? eld service for inspection,
repair or replacement if it has been subjected to the
forces of arresting a fall or affecting a rescu e.
5.3.5 I nstructions shall require the rescuer to have

a rescue plan and the means at hand to implement
it when using the equipment.
5.3.6 I nstructions shall provide warnings regarding:
• altering the equ ipment;

• misusing the equ ipment;
• using combinations of components or subsys-
tems, or both, which may affect or interfere with
the safe functi on of each other;
• exposing the eq uipment to chemicals, high heat,
severe cold or other harsh environments which
may produ ce a harmfu l effect and to consu lt the
manu facturer in cases of d ou bt;
• using the eq uipment arou nd moving machinery
and electrical hazard s;
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• using the eq uipment near sharp edges and abra-

sive su rfaces.
5.4 Speci ? c Instruction Requirements.

5.4.1 Connectors. I n addition to the requirements
in 5. 3, instructions for connector components shall
inclu de req uirements of AN SI /ASSE Z359. 1 2.
5.4.2 Full Body Harness. I n addition to the re-

quirements in 5. 3, instructions for full body har-
nesses shall include all requirements of AN SI /
ASSE Z359. 1 .
5.4.3 Harnesses, Self-Rescue. I n addition to the

requ irements in 5. 3, instructions for self-rescue
harnesses shall includ e:
• all the markings with appropriate elaborati ons or

explanati ons;
• donning, ? tting, adjustment and use informati on
includ ing warnings against improper method s of
assembly;
• method(s) of using and ri gging the harness for
rescu e operations;
• not for fall arrest.
5.4.4 Lanyards, Rescue. I n addition to the re-

quirements in 5. 3, instructions for lanyards shall
inclu de:
• a warning against contact with sharp edges and

looping arou nd small diameter stru ctural mem -
bers.
5.4.5 Anchorage Connectors, Rescue. I n ad dition

to the requirements in 5. 3, instructions for anchor-
age connectors shall include:
• the material used in the anchorage connector

constru cti on;
• the need to make only stable and compatible in -
terfaces and connecti ons and limitati ons of sta-
bility and compatibility;
• proper meth od of coupling the anchorag e con -
nector to anchorages with which it is intended
to be used and to adjacent components of the
system;
• the strength of the anchorage connector when
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statically tested in accordance with the require-

ments of this standard;
• warnings that the anchorage connector shall be
attached to no more than one rescue system un-
less certi ? ed for such purpose;
• warnings to avoid exposure to physical and
chemical hazards, which the anchorage connec-
tor is not designed to withstand.
5. 4. 6 Wi n ch /H oi st. In addition to the requirements
in 5.3, instructions for winch/hoist(s) shall include:
• the ? bers or other materials used for rope con-

struction;
• diameter, construction, material of rope or wire
rope used in the unit;
• the maximum service length of rope;
• capacity when used for rescue, one or two per-
sons;
• force required to operate device when device is
loaded to capacity;
• proper means to anchor the unit, required con-
nections and required capacity of the anchorage
point;
• warnings that the retrieval unit anchorage must
be independent from fall protection anchorage;
• appropriate methods to secure the individual to
the rope and to receive the individual when re-
trieved to upper elevation;
• appropriate methods of winch operation;
• maximum working length of line.
5. 4. 7 Descen t Con trol Devi ce. In addition to the E5.4.7 When used as prescri?ed ?? the manufac-
requirements in 5.3, instructions for descent control turer, it should not ?e possi?le to e?ceed the de-
devices shall include: scent energ? rating in a single descent.
• the compatible size and type of rope;

• the service classi ? cation: single use or multiple
use;
• descent energy rating calculation;
• the maximum descent distance;
• the maximum descent rate;
• proper means to anchor the device, required
compatible connections and required capacity of
the anchorage point;
• proper means of securing the individual to the
rope or the device;
• warning to avoid descending into electrical, ther-
mal, chemical sources or other hazards;
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• method of applying braking action, if applicable;

• warnings against using incompatible rope or
line;
• maximu m number of d escents (if applicable);
• proper routing of line throu gh the device if not in -
tegrally installed by the manu facturer.
5.4.8 Integral Subsystems and Integral Systems.

I n addition to the req uirements in 5. 3, instructions
for integral subsystems and integral systems shall
inclu de the provisions of 5. 4. 1 through 5. 4. 8 which
are applicable to the constituents of such subsys-
tems and systems.
6. INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

OF EQUIPMENT
Rescuers u sing equipment subject to the requ ire-
ments of, and marked as being in compliance with,
this standard shall at a minimum comply with all
manu facturer instructions regarding the inspection,
maintenance and storage of the equ ipment. The
organization shall retain the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions and make them readily available to all rescu-
ers.
6.1 Inspection.
6.1 .1 Eq uipment shall be inspected by the rescuer E6.1.1 The purpose of two-le?el inspection of
before each use and ad ditionally by a competent equipment is to pro?ide two independent means for
person other than the rescuer at intervals of no detecting and pre?enting the use of defecti?e, dam-
more than one year. aged or improperl? maintained equipment. If such
equipment conditions are o?ser?ed ?? the compe-
tent person’s inspection, measures should ?e ta ?en
to pro?ide the rescuer with additional training or re-
training in equipment inspection, maintenance, use
and storage. Such o?ser?ations ma? also suggest
the need for selection of alternati?e equipment more
suita?le for the conditions of use. The frequenc? of
periodic inspections ?? a competent person should
?e esta?lished ?? the rescuer’s organization ?ased
upon careful consideration of rele?ant factors. Such
factors include the nature and se?erit? of wor?place
conditions affecting the equipment and the modes
of use and e?posure time of the equipment.
6.1 .2 I nspection criteria for the eq uipment shall E6.1.2 The rescuer’s organization ma? consider
be set by the rescuer’s organization. Such crite- mar?ing equipment with tags or other distinct indi-
ria shall equal or exceed the greater of the criteria cators that identif? the equipment as a?aila?le for
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established by this standard or the manufacturer’s intended use.

instructions. I nspection criteria shall be kept current
in relationship to changing patterns or cond itions of
use.
6.1 .3 Documentation of equipment inspections

shall be maintained by the rescuer’s organization.
This documentation shall include at a minimum the
identity of the equipment, inspection date, name of
the competent person cond ucting the inspection
and the results of that inspection.
6.1 .4 When an inspection reveals any of the prob-

lems listed below, the eq uipment shall be perma-
nently removed from service or und ergo adeq uate
corrective maintenance before return to service:
• defects in eq uipment; or
• damage to equ ipment; or
• inad equ ate maintenance of equipment; or
• activated stress indicators; or
• activated warning systems or devices.
6.1 .5 I n addition to the inspection requirements set

forth in the manu facturer’s instructions, the equip-
ment shall be inspected at both inspection levels
described in 6. 1 . 1 for:
• absence or illegibility of markings or tags;

• absence of any elements affecting the eq uipment
form, ? t or functi on;
• evid ence of defects in or damage to hard ware el -
ements includ ing but not limited to cracks, sharp
ed ges, d eformati on, corrosi on, chemical attack,
excessive heating, alteration or excessive wear;
• evid ence of d efects in or damage to straps or
ropes including but not limited to fraying, unsplic-
ing, unlaying, kinking, knotting, roping, broken or
pu lled sti tches, excessive elongation, chemical
attack, excessive soiling, abrasi on, alterati on,
needed or excessive lubricati on, excessive aging
or excessive wear;
• alteration, absence of parts or evid ence of de-
fects in, damage to or improper functi on of, me-
chanical d evices and connectors;
• any other cond iti on that calls to question the suit-
ability of the equipment for its intended purpose.
6.1 .6 I n addition, if the eq uipment has arrested a
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fall, that equipment shall be removed from service,

marked or tagged as unusable and either disposed
of or returned to the manufacturer for evaluation.
6.2 Maintenance and Storage.
6.2.1 Maintenance and storage of equipment shall E6.2.1 ?aintenance refers to an? act of cleaning,
be conducted by the rescuer’s organization in ac- repair, resetting, etc. of equipment. An e?ample of
cordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. a unique issue ma? ? e hea?? soiling of an article ??
Unique issues, which may arise due to conditions a su?stance not addressed in the manufacturer’s
of use, shall be addressed with the manufacturer. instructions.
The manufacturer’s instructions shall be retained
for reference.
6.2.2 Equipment, which is in need of or scheduled
for maintenance, shall be tagged as unusable and
removed from service.
6.2.3 Equipment shall be stored in a manner as to E6.2.3 Equipment, which is damaged or in need
preclude damage from environmental factors such of maintenance, should not ? e stored in the same
as heat, light, excessive moisture, oil, chemicals and ?
area as usa ? le equipment. rior to using equipment
their vapors or other degrading elements. Rescue which has ? een stored for long periods (greater than
equipment shall be stored in a clearly marked area one ?ear) of time, a detailed inspection should ? e
and be readily accessible for rescue purposes. ?
performed ?? a competent person. ea?il? soiled,
wet or otherwise contaminated equipment should
recei?e proper maintenance (e. g. dr?ing and clean-
ing) prior to storage.
7. EQUIPMENT SELECTION, RIGGING, USE

AND TRAINING
When rescue is necessary, persons performing as-
sisted rescue or self-rescue shall be equipped with
an appropriate rescue system as identi ? ed by an
established rescue plan. The rescue plan shall be
prepared by a competent person knowledgeable
with rescue site conditions, conditions of rescue
applications and the associated hazards.
7.1 Equipment Selection. Prior to selecting equip-
ment for assisted-rescue or self-rescue systems,
the rescuer shall make an assessment of work-
place conditions where the equipment is required.
Such assessment shall, at a minimum, identify the
presence of hot objects, sparks, ? ames and heat-
producing operations, chemicals, electrical haz-
ards, environmental contaminants, sharp objects,
abrasive surfaces, moving equipment and materi-
als, unstable or uneven or slippery walking/working
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surfaces, unguarded openings, climatic and weath-

er factors and foreseeable changes in any of these
conditions taken individually or collectively. Equip-
ment shall be selected based on its compatibility
with other work or personal protective equipment to
be used/worn on a particular job.
7.1 .1 Suitable anchorages meeting the require-
ments of 7.2.2 shall be identi ? ed, and proper an-
chorage connectors meeting the requirements of
3.2.4 shall be speci ? ed for each. The location and
type of anchorage connectors shall be selected to
prevent pendulum fall arrest.
7.1 .2 The stability and compatibility of couplings
between anchorage connectors and anchorages
shall be considered in anchorage and anchorage
connector selection.
7.1 .3 The exposure of anchorage connectors
to sharp edges, abrasive surfaces and physical
hazards such as thermal, electrical and chemical
sources shall be considered in anchorage and an-
chorage connector selection.
7.1 .4 The equipment identi ? ed in the rescue plan
shall be selected to accommodate the anticipated
load. The competent person shall identify within the
rescue plan the required capacity of the equipment
used in the rescue scenario considering either a
one person or two person loading requirement.
7.1 .5 A harness meeting the requirements of this
standard shall be selected which is sized and pro-
portioned to ? t the rescuer in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions. Evacuation harness
shall not be used for fall protection or purposes
other than rescue.
7.1 .6 Connectors that are selected, whether integral
elements or individual components, shall be suit-
ably sized and con ? gured to interface compatibly
with associated connectors which will be attached
to them.
7.1 .7 The rescuer shall select means of protecting
the equipment against damage by workplace oper-
ations. The rescuer shall consult a quali ? ed person
or the manufacturer’s instructions.
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7.1 .8 The rescu er/rescue subject shall check the

equipment markings and instructions at time of se-
lection to be sure the equipment complies with this
stand ard . The manufacturer’s equ ipment selection
instructions shall be read and followed by the res-
cu er/rescue subject.
7.2 Equipment Rigging and Use. Rigging and

using the rescue system shall take into consider-
ation the rescue plan and the rescue equ ipment
provision. The rescue eq uipment shall be rigged to
prevent contact with hazard ous objects that could
damage the equipment or prevent its proper func-
tioning.
7.2.1 Snaphooks and carabiners shall be compati- E7.2.1 ? ultiple connectors of snaphoo ?s into a sin-
bly matched to their associated connector to red uce gle ring are not recommended (i. e. two snaphoo ?s;
the possibility of rollout. Snaphooks and carabiners snaphoo? and we?? ing; snaphoo? and cara ? iner).
shall be securely closed and locked once coupled
to an associated connector. Snaphooks and carabi-
ners shall not be connected to each other.
7.2.2 Anchorages selected for rescue systems shall E7.2.2 See ?uali?ed ?erson ANSI/ASSE Z359. 2.
have a strength capable of sustaining static loads,
applied in the directions permitted by the rescue
system of at least 3, 1 00 pou nds (1 3. 8kN ) for con-
nection of rescu e system only, or meet a factor of
safety of 5: 1 based on the static load placed on the
system when the system is designed, installed and
used under the supervision of a qu ali ? ed person.
Persons engaged in rescue operations that are ex-

posed to a fall hazard must be provided an anchor-
age suitable for fall arrest in accord ance with AN SI /
ASSE Z359. 1 .
7.2.3 Anchorage connectors shall not be attached E7.2.3 Anchorages intended for use as fall ar-
to anchorages where such attachment wou ld re- rest shall conform to ANSI/ASSE Z359. 2. A 3,100
duce the anchorage system strength below the ap- pound (13. ??N) rated rescue anchorage is not in-
plicable level set forth in 7. 2. 2 or red uce the an- tended for fall arrest. When an anchorage ma? ? e
chorage strength below the allowable level set by utilized for ? oth fall arrest and rescue, the greater
applicable stru ctural codes. A suitable anchorage load requirement shall appl?.
connector shall be used for rigging the connection
of lanyards and lifelines to stru ctural members. A
lanyard shall not be connected back onto itself for
use as an anchorage connector unless designed
for this pu rpose.
7.2.4 Anchorage connections shall be stabilized to
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prevent unwanted movement or disengagement of

the rescue system from the anchorage. ?erify sys-
tem connections by pre-tensioning the system be-
fore applying the intended load.
7.2.5 ?ertical lines used in the rescue system shall
suspend freely from its anchorage connection with-
out contact along its length with structures or other
objects that would adversely affect their function.
?ertical lines shall extend to or below the lowest
level to which the rescuer is expected to travel. The
competent person shall insure that when multiple
vertical lines are rigged, the rescue plan establish-
es rigging criteria so as to prevent entanglement of
those vertical lines.
7.2.6 Winches, hoists and rope tackle blocks se- E7.2.6 The competent person should assess the
lected for the rescue system shall provide the ap- conditions of the rescue application and identif? the
propriate mechanical advantage. The rescue plan components of the rescue equipment that will meet
shall identify an appropriate mechanical advantage the load demands of the planned rescue applica-
to accommodate one person or two person loads or tion.
extended raising or lowering operations.
7.2.7 The rescue plan shall consider the placement E7.2.7 The rescue plan should include a person
of winches, hoists, descent control devices, SRL- assigned to the position of load watch when using
Rs and rope tackle blocks within the rescue system winches, hoists, descent control de?ices, SRL-Rs
to ensure that suf? cient clearances are available to and rope tac?le ?loc?s to pre?ent injur? to the res-
allow uninterrupted operation of the devices during cue su?ject contacting entanglement hazards dur-
a rescue operation. ing the rescue operation. It should ?e noted that
SRL-Rs in rescue mode might not ha?e fall arrest
capa ?ilit?. Therefore, slac? should not ?e allowed
in the ?ertical line.
7.2.8 The rescue plan shall consider using second-

ary back-up safety lines for the rescue subject dur-
ing a rescue operation.
7.3 Training. Prior to performing rescue work, res-
cuers shall be trained to select, inspect, use, store
and maintain the equipment according to the re-
quirements of this standard and the manufactur-
er’s instructions. Rescuers shall also be trained in
emergency rescue planning and execution of self-
rescue. All training shall be conducted by a compe-
tent trainer. Training shall include lecture, demon-
stration and hands-on practice in the requirements
of this standard.
7.3.1 Rescuers and competent persons shall meet
the training requirements of ANSI/ASSE Z359.2.
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7.3.2 Training shall be provided in the selection of E7.3.2 Do not com?ine components or su?s?stems
rescue equipment and include: to create a rescue s?stem unless speci?call? de-
signed for that purpose ?? the manufacturer.
• where and when to use speci ? c equipment and
the selection criteria;
• consideration of environmental and other work-
place factors.
7.3.3 Training shall address inspections of the E7.3.3 ?ost-use inspection should also ?e per-
equipment and include the manufacturer’s recom- formed ?efore returning equipment to storage.
mendations for inspection.
7.3.4 Training shall be provided in proper use of the E7.3.4 Wor?ers and emergenc? response person-
equipment and include: nel should ?e trained to recognize and respond to
the ris?s of suspension trauma. Following a fall,
• how to use the equipment; wor?ers equipped with a full ?od? harness should
• proper methods of donning, adjusting and inter- be trained to:
connecting the equipment;
• proper attachment locations on the equipment; • ?o?e their legs in the harness and tr? to push
• intended function and performance characteris- against an? footholds; and
tics for each item of equipment; • Adjust their position to a sitting posture with legs
• proper attachment methods including compatibil- up as high as practical.
ity of the sizes of snaphooks, D-Rings and other
connections to reduce the probability of acciden- Rescuers should be trained to rapidl? respond to
tal disengagement; minimize the dangers of suspension trauma. Time
• what to do after a fall to protect the rescue sub- is of the essence and trauma ma? occur if a wor?er
ject from injury; is suspended in an upright position for longer than
• emergency rescue planning and execution to in- ??e minutes. E?ercise care in handling the sus-
clude: pended wor?er, especiall? if the wor?er is uncon-
• methods of rescue; scious. Ta?e at least 30 minutes to mo?e the res-
• rescue personnel availability; cued wor?er from:
• type of equipment available for rescue
and effective means to summon rescue 1. An upright position;
personnel; 2. To ?neeling;
• drilling of rescue personnel in rescue and 3. To sitting; and ?nall?,
evacuation procedures; 4. To a supine position.
• rescuer safety as the ? rst priority of the
plan. This will a ?oid sudden blood ?ow to the heart after
remo?al of a wor?er from a suspended position.
Following an ? period of post fall suspension, the

wor?er should be ta ?en to a hospital for obser?a-
tion.
7.3.5 Training in maintenance procedures shall in- E7.3.5 ?ost-use inspection ma? also be included
clude those issues set forth in the manufacturer’s as a maintenance procedure.
instructions and Section 6.2.
7.3.6 Training in proper storage techniques shall
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be provid ed in accordance with the manu facturer’s

recommendations.
7.3.7 Training shall be provided to each rescuer

when:
• initially d onning or u sing eq uipment;

• a component is changed;
• ? rst approaching a conditi on of u se;
• encountering special conditions.
7.3.8 Periodic assessment of the effectiveness of E7.3.8 Training effecti?eness ma? be e?aluated
rescuer training shall be conducted at least annu- ?
b? se?eral techniques. ersonnel should demon-
ally by a competent person and the need for more strate their working knowledge of personal fall ar-
training and retraining determined. rest equipment and procedures through a written or
practical demonstration or both.
7.3.9 The rescuer’s organization should maintain

records of training on this equipment. These re-
cords should includ e the student’s name, date of
training, the name of the competent person who
acted as the instructor, training topics presented
and the results of the training.
8. REFERENCES
When referred to herein, the speci ? c references
cited below (inclusive of revision designated) shall
be applied. I f any of the listed references is revised
or becomes obsolete by its issu er, the speci ? c ref-
erence cited below shall continue to apply to this
stand ard unless and until this standard is of? cially
amended.
8.1 U nderwriters Laboratories, I nc. , N orthbrook, I l-

linois
8.1 .1 U L 969, Standard for Marking and Labeling

S?stems
8.2 American Society for Testing and M aterials,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
8.2.1 ?
ASTM ? 1 1 7-03, Standard ractice for ?per-
ating Salt Spra ? (Fog) Apparatus
8.2.2 ASTM E8-04, Standard Test Methods for Ten-

sion Testing of Metallic Materials
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8.3 American Society of Safety Engineers, Des

Plaines, I llinois
8.3.1 AN SI /ASSE Z359. 0, De ?nitions and Nomen-

clature ?sed for Fall ?rotection and Fall Arrest
8.3.2 AN SI /ASSE Z359. 1 , Safet? Requirements
for ?ersonal Fall Arrest S?stems, Subs?stems and
Components
8.3.3 AN SI /ASSE Z359. 2, Minimum Requirements
for a Comprehensi?e Managed Fall ?rotection ?ro-
gram
8.3.4 AN SI /ASSE Z359. 7, ?uali?cation and ?eri?-
cation Testing of Fall ?rotection ?roducts
8.3.5 AN SI /ASSE Z359. 1 2, ?ersonal Energ? Ab-
sorbers and Energ? Absorbing Lan?ards
8.4 General Services Administration Speci ? ca-
tions ? ranch, 7 ? D Street, S. W. , Washington,
th
DC
20407
8.4.1 FED-STD-1 91 /41 08, Strength and Elonga-

tion, ?reaking; Te?tile Webbing, Tape and ?raded
Items
8.4.2 FED-STD-1 91 /601 6, Strength and Elonga-
tion, ?reaking of Cordage: Non-Spliced Specimen
Method
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Anchorage
I -Beam
Load Cell
3, 1 00 lbs (1 3. 8 kN )
Load Weight
Figure 1: Static Strength Testing

Synthetic Rope Tackle Block
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Anchorage
I -Beam
Pulley
Descent line
Rope direction
Automatic descent
control device
Rope
300 lb
(1 36 kg)
Test weight
Descent line
retrieval system
2 ft (0. 6 m) Safety lanyard
Figure 2a: Descent Test – Type 1 E

Descent Control Devices
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Anchorage
I -Beam
Pulley
Engage descent
control device so that
weight is suspended
Rope direction over the ground
Rope
300 lb
(1 36 kg)
Test weight
Descent line
retrieval system
2 ft (0. 6 m) Safety lanyard
Figure 2b: Descent Test – Type 2E, Type 2W

and Type 3W Descent Control Devices
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Anchorage Anchorage
I -Beam I -Beam
Figure 3a Descent
Figure 3b Descent
Device Device
Line stop or
N ormal Line
Load Cell
Load Cell
1 , 350 lb (6 kN )
2, 700 lb (1 2 kN )
Figure 3c
2, 700 lb 2, 700 lb
(1 2 kN ) (1 2 kN )
Figures 3a, b, c: Descent Device

Static Strength Test
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Anchorage
I-Beam
Winch
Descent
Device
Quick Release
M echanism
Test
Weight
2 ft (0. 6 m)
Test
Weight
1 2 in (0. 3 m)
M ax.
Figure 4a: Descent Device

Dynamic Strength Test
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Anchorage
I -Beam
Winch
Descent
Device
Quick Release
M echanism
2 ft (0. 6 m)
Test
Weight
2 ft (0. 6 m)
Descent
Device
Test
Weight
1 2 in (0. 3 m) max.
Figure 4b: Descent Device

Dynamic Strength Test
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AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD

Part of the Fall Protection Code

American National Standard

Safety Requirements for

Approved March 8, 201 3

American National Standards Institute, Inc.

Published J une, 201 3 by

American Society of Safety Engineers

N o part of this publication may be reproduced

Printed in the U nited States of America

Organization Represented Name of Representative

Subgroup Z359.4 had the following members:

1 . Scope, Purpose, Application, Exceptions and I nterpretations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4. ?uali ? cation Testing ....................................................................................... 1 7

5. M arking and I nstru ctions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

6. I nspection, M aintenance and Storage of Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

7. Eq uipment Selection, Rigging, U se and Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Fi gu re 1 Static Strength Testing of Synthetic Rope Tackle (Secti on 4. 3. 4.1 ) . . . . . 42

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS EXPLANATORY INFORMATION

1.2 Purpose and Application. The purpose of this

Rescue system elements, components or subsys-

additional information refer to ANSI/ASSE Z359. 2,

1 .4 Interpretations. Requests for interpretations of

3.2.2 Body Support Components.

3.2.2.1 Full Body Harness. E3.2.2.1Full ? od? harness as de ?ned in ANSI/

3.2.2.1 .2 Static Strength. When statically tested

3.2.2.1 .3 Dynamic Performance. When dynami-

3.2.2.2 Evacuation Harness.

3.2.2.2.2 Load-Bearing Straps. Load-bearing

3.2.2.2.3 Thread and Stitching. Lock stitching shall

3.2.2.2.4 Metal Elements. Metal elements shall be

3.2.2.2.5 Static Strength. Evacuation harnesses

3.2.2.2.6 Dynamic Performance. Evacuation har-

3.2.3 Rescue Lanyard Component.

3.2.3.2 Connectors used in the construction of res-

3.2.4 Rescue Anchorage Connector Compo-

rescue systems shall meet requirements of AN SI /

3.2.6 Synthetic Rope Tackle Block.

3.2.6.3 Static Strength. When tested in accor-

3.2.6.4 Dynamic Strength. When tested in accor-

3.2.6.5 Function. When tested in accordance with

3.2.7 Descent Devices.

3.2.7.1 Descent Energy and Capacity. The capac-

3.2.7.2 Descent Speed. When tested in accor-

3.2.7.3 Static Strength. When tested in accor-

3.2.7.4 Dynamic Strength. When tested in accor-

3.2.7.5 Function. When tested in accordance with

3.2.7.6.1 .1 Synthetic Rope. Rope used as a line

3.2.7.6.1 .2 Webbing. Webbing used as a line con-

3.2.7.6.1 .3 Wire Rope. Wire rope used as a line

3.2.7.6.1 .4 Connectors. Snaphooks or carabiners

3.2.7.6.2 M anually operated descent devices shall

3.2.8 Personnel Hoists.

3.2.8.2 Operation. The hoist shall be capable of

3.2.8.3 Powered Operation. H oists that are d e-

3.2.8.4 Static Strength. When tested in accor-

3.2.8.5 Functional Criteria. When tested in accor-

The hoist shall be capable of raising and lowering

For hoists that are designed for use with a power

H oists shall be equipped by the manufactu rer with

Additionally, the functional criteria shall be met after

3.2.8.6 Connectors. Snaphooks or carabiners

3.2.8.7 The design of hoist working parts, their lo-