scope:

The Fall Protection Code is a set of standards that covers program management; system design; training; qualification and testing; equipment, component and system specifications for the processes used to protect workers at height in a managed fall protection program. This standard identifies those requirements and establishes their role in the Code and their interdependence.

The Fall Protection Code encompasses standards for personal fall protection systems that incorporate a full body harness intended to protect the user against falls from a height either by preventing or arresting free falls. In general, systems that prevent a free fall are preferable to systems that arrest a free fall. The types of systems that shall be addressed by this Fall Protection Code include:

a. Fall restraint systems

b. Work positioning systems

c. Rope access systems

d. Fall arrest systems

e. Rescue systems

Note: Rope access will be addressed as a Z359 project in Z459.1 and as of the publication date, Z459.1 has not been finalized.

Purpose and Application

This standard specifies minimum requirements for the processes, systems, sub-systems and components used in a managed fall protection program that meets all of the requirements of the ANSI/ASSP Z359 Fall Protection Code.

Before any product shall bear an ANSI/ASSP Z359 marking or be represented in any way as being in compliance with any ANSI/ASSP Z359 standard, the requirements of the associated product standard shall be met.

No product, component or system shall be labeled as meeting ANSI/ASSP Z359.1.

NOTE: ANSI/ASSP Z359.1 ceased being a product standard with the 2016 publication.