4. 4/10/2012
• A power line worker was on a new utility pole
connecting conductors.
• He was about 9 meters above the ground.
• After completing the connections, he started to
descend the pole.
• The gaff on his pole climber cut out of the pole.
• With his body belt around the pole, he fell onto a
horizontal down-guy metal support pole for the utility
pole.
• He had surgery and was hospitalized for 14 days with
fractured ribs, a fractured pelvis, fractured legs, and
internal injuries.
• The injured employee had been working for his
employer for 2 years, performing duties of an
electrical distribution mechanic trainee, including
climbing utility poles.
6. ANSI Z359.1
• “American National Standard
Safety Requirements for
Personal Fall Arrest Systems,
Subsystems and Components”
was originally published in
1992 and later revised in 1999
• The purpose of this Standard
was to address the variety of
equipment being developed in
the rapidly growing field of Fall
Protection.
• Used as a basis of Subpart M in
OSHA
7. 2007
• Five (5) Standards were approved and effective November 24,
2007:
• ANSI Z359.0 – 2007 Definitions and Nomenclature Used for
Fall Protection and Fall Arrest
• ANSI Z359.1 – 2007 Safety Requirements for Personal Fall
Arrest Systems, Subsystems and Components
• ANSI Z359.2 – 2007 Minimum Requirements for a
Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program
• ANSI Z359.3 – 2007 Safety Requirements for Positioning and
Travel Restraint Systems
• ANSI Z359.4 – 2007 Safety Requirements for Assisted Rescue
and Self-Rescue Systems, Subsystems and Components
8. Key Changes in Z359.1
• Section 3.2.1.4
• Gate face strength
requirements have
changed from 220
lbs. (1kN) (old
Standard) to 3,600
lbs. (16kN) (new
Standard). Gates strength makes
with capacity.
9. Key Changes
• Side of gate
strength
requirements have
changed from 350
lbs. (1.55kN) (old
Standard) to 3,600
lbs. (16kN) (new
Standard).
10. Key Changes
• Minor axis
strength of non-
captive eye snap
hooks or
carabiners must
be 3,600 lbs.
(16kN).
11. Key Changes
• Section 3.2.2.5a
• Allows the front D-ring
to be used in a fall
arrest system that:
• (a) Limits the
maximum free fall
distance to two (2) ft.
(0.6m)
• (b) Limits the
maximum arrest force
to 900 lbs. (4.0kN).
12. Key Changes
• Addition of double-legged
lanyards to the Standard.
• They are defined as lanyards
with two (2) integrally
connected legs and
• Shall have a minimum of
5,000 lbs. (22.2kN) breaking
strength when statically
tested in accordance with
4.3.4.1.3.
13. Y Lanyard Warning
• Connect only the center
snap hook to the fall
arrest attachment element
• Do not modify the
lanyard to create more
than a 6 ft. (1.8m) free
fall
• Do not allow the legs of
the lanyard to pass under
arms, between legs or
around the neck
Never choker a lanyard back
unto itself.
14. Y-Lanyards
• Do not attach the leg of
the lanyard which is not in
use to the harness, except
to attachment points
specifically designated by
the manufacturer for this
purpose
15. Key Changes
• Snap hooks and connectors marked
• Year of manufacture
• Manufacturer’s identification
• Part number
• Load rating for the major axis of
the connector stamped or otherwise
permanently marked on the device
• Load rating for gate stamped or
otherwise permanently marked on
the gate mechanism
• Markings for connectors shall be
sufficient to provide traceability
• For connectors that are non-
integral, include the Standard
number “Z359.1 (07)” ANSI
16. Anchorages
• Noncertified
• A fall arrest anchorage that a
competent person can judge to
be capable of supporting the
predetermined anchorage forces
• Certified
• Qualified person certifies the
anchorage to be capable of
supporting the potential fall
forces that could be
encountered during the fall
17. Anchorage Static Load
Requirements
• Noncertified
• Fall Arrest Systems
5,000 lbs. (22.2 kN)
• Work Positioning
Systems 3,000 lbs.
(13.3 kN)
• Restraint & Travel
Systems 1,000 lbs. (4.5
kN)
• Rescue Systems 3,000
lbs. (13.3 kN)
• Certified
• 2 X maximum arresting
force
• 2 X foreseeable force
• 2 X foreseeable force
• 5 X applied load
18. Retractable Lifelines
• ANSI Z359.14-2012
• Two classifications for self-
retracting devices according to
dynamic performance:
• Class A for maximum arrest
distances of 24 inches (610mm)
and
• Class A devices will arrest a fall
in less than two feet, which is
important when fall clearance is
limited. For Class A devices,
the average arrest force must
not exceed 1,350 pounds (6kN)
or a maximum peak force of
1,800 pounds (8kN).
19. Retractables
• Class B for maximum arrest
distances of 54 inches
(1,372mm).
• For Class B devices, the
average arrest force must not
exceed 900 pounds (4kN) or a
maximum peak of 1,800 pounds
(8kN). Average arrest forces are
calculated by averaging every
data point over 500 pounds
(2.22kN) during the arrest
period of the self-retracting
device on the force/time graph.
20. Retractables
• For the first time,
manufacturers are required
to perform special testing
to evaluate the
performance of self-
retracting devices with
leading edge capability
• Look for SRL-LE
Additional marking requirements for
self-retracting lanyards with leading
edge capability are also specified and
include: minimum installation
setback distance and clearance
required when falling over the edge.
21. Retractables
• ANSI Z359.14 (2012) Self-
retracting lanyards with leading
edge capability (SRL-LEs).
• The test edge material is very
sharp metal with an edge radius
of .005 inches (.13mm) or less.
• An energy absorber is required
and must not be separable from
the SRD device or lifeline.
• Testing is expanded to include
“offset” testing that tests sliding
of the lifeline along the edge.
• Dynamic Strength Testing
requires repeating the
perpendicular and off-set
tests with a 282 lb. weight
• Markings on the device and use
instructions have been expanded to
provide advice to equipment users
about leading edge work.
23. Work Positioning
• Positioning device system means a
body belt or body harness system
rigged to allow an employee to be
supported on an elevated vertical
surface, such as a wall, and work with
both hands free while leaning.
• Work Positioning free fall cannot
exceed 24 inches
• Max fall arrest force is 900 lbs.
• Lanyards and harnesses used.
Avoid belts.
• Equipment must have minimum
breaking strength of 5,000 lbs.
24. Descent Control
• Capacity of 310 lbs.
• Single-use devices must
have a minimum descent
energy rating of 30,000
ft./lb.
• Multiple-use devices must
have a minimum descent
energy rating of 300,000
ft./lb.
• Descent speeds meet ANSI.
25. Deceleration Distance
• The ANSI Z359.13-2009
standard has developed
new design criteria for the
performance and testing
methods of EA lanyards.
• Specifically, the new ANSI
energy absorbers will
increase the user’s
deceleration distance from
42 inches (3.5 ft) to 48
inches (4.0 ft), which will
increase your overall
potential fall distance.
26. April 2014
• Cell Tower worker
slipped on plate.
• Successful rescue.
28. Types of Aerial Lifts
A92.5 Self
Propelled
Extensible
Boom
A92.6 Self
Propelled
Scissor
type
A92.2 Vehicle Mounted
29. Training
• National Training guidelines
• International Powered Access
Federation (IPAF)
www.ipaf.org
• "Spot the Mistake" video
• Successful trainees are awarded
the PAL Card (Powered Access
Licence) as proof of training
30. Inspections
• Inspect before use using
manufacturer’s guidelines
• Check all working components
and safety device.
• Address all leakage of fluids.
• Search for defective
hydraulic/pneumatic cables.
• Look for electrical tape as
quickfix that is not acceptable.
• Is the lift level?
• Where are the holes or other
drop offs for the lift?
31. Fall Protection Best Practice
• Once a person is
fallen/bounced out of the
lift, it becomes a fall arrest
event. Body harness and
energy absorbing lanyard
must have been used.
• In A92.2 and A92.5 lifts,
the user should keep the
lanyard short as possible.
The ideal anchorage at
your feet so any fall forces
are minimized.
32. A92.2 Vehicle Mounted
• These lifts should have
outriggers deployed as
required by the
manufacturer.
33. A92.2 Vehicle Mounted
• Working near an
overhead electrical feed
is dangerous without
training and proper
equipment.
• A fiberglass bucket does
not mean you are
protected.
• Extensive electrical
training is need for the
worker.
34. A92.2 Vehicle Mounted
• The area is not roped off to
prevent someone from
getting stuck by falling
branches.
• Using a chainsaw requires a
written personal protective
equipment analysis.
• The lift should have proper
traffic devices to prevent
getting hit by a motorist.
36. Electrical
• 20 feet safe distance from
electrical in crane standard
1926.1400. (under 50,000 volts)
• Aerial Lifts is 10 feet (under
50,000 volts)
• If you must use the lift closer,
this must be preplanned and
elements of the crane standard
must be addressed in the
planning.
37. April 2014
• Two died
• Utility workers
were 150 feet up
working on lines
when the boom
collapsed.
38. The New Standard
• The long-overdue final rule updating a 40-year-old
standard will save nearly 20 lives and prevent 118
serious injuries annually.
• Electric utilities, electrical contractors, and labor
organizations have long championed these much
needed measures to better protect the men and women
who work on or near electrical power lines.
• — Dr. David Michaels Assistant Secretary of Labor for
Occupational Safety and Health
39. 11/20/2011
• Two power line workers were troubleshooting a
blown fuse on a utility pole.
• They determined that the repair would take less
than 15 minutes.
• For this period, company policy did not require
the use of work-zone signs.
• The employees activated caution strobes on both
of their trucks and completed the necessary
repairs.
• As one of the workers was moving the boom on
his aerial lift away from the pole, a tractor-trailer
struck it.
• He was ejected and killed.
40. Rescue Training
• (b)(ii) Each employee shall also
be trained in and familiar with
any other safety practices,
including applicable emergency
procedures (such as pole-top
and manhole rescue), that are
not specifically addressed by
this subpart but that are related
to his or her work and are
necessary for his or her safety.
41. First Aid
(b) First-aid training. In addition to
the requirements of §1926.50,
when employees are performing
work on, or associated with,
exposed lines or equipment
energized at 50 volts or more,
persons with first-aid training shall
be available as follows:
(1) Field work. For field work
involving two or more employees
at a work location, at least two
trained persons shall be available
NFPA 70E has also
required CPR and
AED for electricians
42. 1926.952 Job briefing
(a) Before each job. (1)
Information provided by the
employer. In assigning an
employee or a group of employees
to perform a job, the employer
shall provide the employee in
charge of the job with all available
information that relates to the
determination of existing
characteristics and conditions
required by §1926.950(d).
43. Fall Protection
• 954 (b) Fall protection. (1)
Personal fall arrest systems. (i)
Personal fall arrest systems
shall meet the requirements of
Subpart M of this part.
44. Arc Rated
• A dielectric test;
• A current leakage test;
• Tension tests
• A buckle-tear
• A flammability test in
accordance with Table V-1.
45. Positioning Belts
• (viii) The cushion part of the body
belt shall contain no exposed rivets on
the inside and shall be at least 76
millimeters (3 inches) in width.
• (x) Copper, steel, or equivalent liners
shall be used around the bars of D
rings to prevent wear between these
members and the leather or fabric
enclosing them.
46. Snap Hooks
• (xi) Snaphooks shall be of the locking type meeting the following
requirements:
• (A) The locking mechanism shall first be released, or a destructive
force shall be placed on the keeper, before the keeper will open.
• (B) A force in the range of 6.7 N (1.5 lbf) to 17.8 N (4 lbf) shall be
required to release the locking mechanism.
• (C) With the locking mechanism released and with a force applied on
the keeper against the face of the nose, the keeper may not begin to
open with a force of 11.2 N (2.5 lbf) or less and shall begin to open
with a maximum force of 17.8 N (4 lbf).
47. Belts and Positioning tests
• (A) The test mass shall be
rigidly constructed of steel or
equivalent material with a mass
of 100 kg (220.5 lbm). For
work-positioning equipment
used by employees weighing
more than 140 kg (310 lbm)
fully equipped, the test mass
shall be increased
proportionately (that is, the test
mass must equal the mass of the
equipped worker divided by
1.4).
48. Fall Protection
• (3) Care and use of personal
fall protection equipment. (i)
Work-positioning equipment
shall be inspected before use
each day to determine that the
equipment is in safe working
condition.
• Work-positioning equipment
that is not in safe working
condition may not be used.
49. Fall Protection
• (iii) The employer shall ensure
that employees use fall
protection systems as follows:
• (A) Each employee working
from an aerial lift shall use a
fall restraint system or a
personal fall arrest system.
Paragraph (b)(2)(v) of
§1926.453 does not apply.
50. Climbing School
• On and after April 1, 2015, each
qualified employee climbing or
changing location on poles,
towers, or similar structures
must use fall protection
equipment unless the employer
can demonstrate that climbing
or changing location with fall
protection is infeasible or
creates a greater hazard than
climbing or changing location
without it.
51. Work Positioning
• (iv) On and after April 1, 2015,
work-positioning systems shall
be rigged so that an employee
can free fall no more than 0.6
meters (2 feet).
• (v) Anchorages for work-
positioning equipment shall be
capable of supporting at least
twice the potential impact load
of an employee’s fall, or 13.3
kilonewtons (3,000 pounds-
force), whichever is greater.
52. Snap Hooks
• (vi) Unless the snaphook is a locking type and designed specifically for
the following connections, snaphooks on work-positioning equipment
may not be engaged:
• (A) Directly to webbing, rope, or wire rope;
• (B) To each other;
• (C) To a D ring to which another snaphook or other connector is
attached;
• (D) To a horizontal lifeline; or
• (E) To any object that is incompatibly shaped or dimensioned in
relation to the snaphook such that accidental disengagement could
occur should the connected object sufficiently depress the snaphook
keeper to allow release of the object.
