CSA Group Z259.10-18 (reaffirmed 2023) Full body harnesses

Preface

This is the fourth edition of CSA Z259.10, Full body harnesses. It supersedes the previous editions published in 2012, 2006, and 1990.

The purpose of this Standard is to specify requirements for the design, testing, performance, marking, and instructions for use of full body harnesses.

Major changes to this edition include the following:

a) the addition of a new Class of full body harnesses, Class R: Arc resistant;

b) the addition of a new requirement to ensure all full body harnesses permanently incorporate a waist belt or back strap or other means of controlling the separation of the shoulder strap on the back of the full body harness (Clause 4.5);

c) the addition of a new informative annex (Annex A) providing guidance on the sample requirements for full body harnesses;

d) the dynamic drop test procedure for Classes A, D, E, L and P have been updated allowing for flexibility in free-fall height while maintaining the 16 kN (3600 lbf) maximum arrest force to allow for more rigid materials and constructions; and

e) the references (Clause 2) and definitions (Clause 3) have been updated.This Standard is considered suitable for use for conformity assessment within the stated scope of the Standard.

This Standard was prepared by the Subcommittee on Full Body Harnesses, under the jurisdiction of the Technical Committee on Fall Protection and the Strategic Steering Committee on Occupational Health and Safety, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee.

Notes:

1) Use of the singular does not exclude the plural (and vice versa) when the sense allows.

2) Although the intended primary application of this Standard is stated in its Scope, it is important to note that it remains the responsibility of the users of the Standard to judge its suitability for their particular purpose.

3) This Standard was developed by consensus, which is defined by CSA Policy governing standardization — Code of good practice for standardization as “substantial agreement. Consensus implies much more than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity”. It is consistent with this definition that a member may be included in the Technical Committee list and yet not be in full agreement with all clauses of this Standard.

4) To submit a request for interpretation of this Standard, please send the following information to [email protected] and include “Request for interpretation” in the subject line:

a) define the problem, making reference to the specific clause, and, where appropriate, include an illustrative sketch;

b) provide an explanation of circumstances surrounding the actual field condition; and

c) where possible, phrase the request in such a way that a specific “yes” or “no” answer will address the issue.

Committee interpretations are processed in accordance with the CSA Directives and guidelines governing standardization and are available on the Current Standards Activities page at standardsactivities.csagroup.org.

5) This Standard is subject to review within five years from the date of publication. Suggestions for its improvement will be referred to the appropriate committee. To submit a proposal for change, please send the following information to [email protected] and include “Proposal for change” in the subject line:

a) Standard designation (number);

b) relevant clause, table, and/or figure number;

c) wording of the proposed change; and

d) rationale for the change.

1 Scope

1.1 General

This Standard specifies requirements for the design, testing, performance, marking, and instructions for use of full body harnesses. Full body harnesses are intended for use as body supports in personal fall[1]arrest systems and in other work situations that involve the risk of falling.

1.2 Exclusions

This Standard does not cover

a) full body harnesses for use in recreational situations such as mountaineering; or

b) full body harness accessories sold as attachments or aftermarket additional items for users such as tool holders, etc.

1.3 Stipulation of design

This Standard does not stipulate designs for full body harnesses, except insofar as design limitations are necessary to ensure safe and durable service.

1.4 Tolerances

Unless otherwise stated within this Standard, all units have an acceptable tolerance range of ± 2%.

1.5 Terminology

In this Standard, “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 (non-mandatory) to define their application.

1.6 Units of measurement

The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.