CSA Group Safety code for suspended platforms

This is the fourth edition of CSA Z271, Safety code for suspended platforms. It supersedes the previous editions published in 1998, 1984, and 1974. Scope 1.1 This Standard specifies requirements for the design, construction, installation, inspection, testing, maintenance, alteration, and repair of suspended platforms. 1.2 This Standard applies to suspended platforms that are (a) designed for the purpose of gaining access to exterior and interior surfaces of buildings and other structures; (b) hoisted by mechanical, electrical, or manual power; and (c) suspended from one, two, or multiple points. 1.3 This Standard does not address the requirements for the safe operation of suspended platforms, which is covered in CAN/CSA-Z91. 1.4 This Standard does not apply to the following equipment: (a) portable and self-propelled elevating work platforms, which are covered in CAN/CSA-B354.1, CAN/CSA-B354.2, and CAN/CSA-B354.4; (b) mast climbing work platforms, which are covered in CAN/CSA-B354.5; (c) vehicle-mounted aerial devices, which are covered in CSA C225, ANSI/SIA A92.7, and ANSI/SIA A92.8; (d) personnel platforms that are pinned or suspended from a crane boom, which are covered in CAN/CSA-Z150; (e) access scaffold, which are covered in CAN/CSA-S269.2 and CSA Z797; (f) construction hoists, which are covered in CAN/CSA-Z185 and CAN/CSA-Z256; (g) elevators, which are covered in ASME 17.1/CSA B44; (h) manlifts, which are covered in CAN/CSA-B311; and (i) passenger ropeways, which are covered in CSA Z98. 1.5 In CSA standards, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the standard. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (nonmandatory) to define their application. 1.6 The values given in SI (metric) units are the standard. Annex A provides approximate imperial equivalents to these values, which are given for information only.