How to Comply with ANSI Z359.14-2021 Self-Retracting Device Standards
New American National Standard Institute (ANSI) safety requirements for self-retracting devices (SRD) went into effect August 1, 2023. Are you compliant with the new regulations? Falls are the leading cause of death among construction workers, and from 2011 to 2021, the number of fatal injuries and falls in the U.S. construction industry actually increased. To improve fall protection safety and simplify selecting the correct SRD, ANSI has changed the way SRDs are tested and classified. Here’s what is changing and what you need to do to comply with the new ANSI Z359.14-2021 standard.
HOW ANSI'S SRD STANDARDS ARE CHANGING
Before ANSI Z359.14-2021, self-retracting lifelines were categorized by type depending on what they were being used for and were grouped as Class A or Class B based on their overhead performance capabilities. Now, all self-retracting devices are categorized Class 1 or Class 2 based on the anchor point of the device, and both classes have the same overhead capabilities.
Class 1 SRD: Must be used when anchored from the dorsal D-ring and above.
Class 2 SRD: Can be used when anchored at, above or below the dorsal D-ring.
Class 2 devices are also leading edge rated. If you are working on a high-rise or somewhere with an exposed edge with an anchor point below dorsal levels (floor), you must use a Class 2 device, with the suggested five-foot tie back to help reduce fall distance and arrest force when the device deploys. If you previously used a SRL-LE (leading edge) device, you will now use a Class 2 SRD.
HOW ANSI Z359.14-2021 WILL AFFECT END USERS
As of August 1, 2023, all SRDs must be marked Class 1 or 2 to be ANSI compliant. Devices marked Class A or B are no longer valid. The new ANSI labels will look like this:
Without one of those labels, your SRD is not ANSI compliant. That’s not to say you can never use Class A and B SRDs anymore—they will still work for jobs that are not ANSI specific. But if your jobsite has to be compliant with ANSI standards, you must use the updated Class 1 or 2 devices.
The new labeling system will make it easier to determine which SRD you should use though. Instead of needing to verify overhead capabilities before selecting an SRD, you can simply consider the anchor point and whether you are working on an exposed edge.
HOW YOU CAN UPDATE YOUR SELF RETRACTING DEVICES TO MEET ANSI STANDARDS
At this point, your existing Class A and B SRDs are not compliant with ANSI Z359.14-2021. However, you can implement FallTech’s repair program to certify units to the 2021 compliant specifications. Any 2014 compliant product qualified for 2021 can be updated through FallTech’s repair process. This recertification will require new labels and, depending on the model, may require some modifications to comply with the 2021 standard.
The other option is to buy new SRDs with the new ANSI Class 1 or 2 label. Any FallTech SRDs you purchase from this point forward will be compliant with ANSI Z359.14-2021 and labeled Class 1 or 2.
How do you know which SRD is right for your jobsite or application? Finding the right fall protection equipment can be overwhelming. Do you need a Class 1 or Class 2 device? Is it a single or twin unit? How much freedom of movement do you need? What kind of harness will work best? Van Meter’s safety experts can help you determine which equipment will work best for your job. Plus, if you fill out the form below, we can more quickly and accurately determine which equipment you need. Complete the form to connect with a safety expert and receive a quote.
