Related Products: Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Related Standards: OSHA 1926.502, 1910.140, 1910.66
To date, the requirements outlined in the ANSI standards limit the user capacity on all fall arrest systems and components to 130-310 lbs. (59-141 kg). Capacity is defined as the combined weight of the user and includes all clothing, tools, and equipment attached. OSHA regulations do not specify a specific user weight capacity for personal fall arrest systems (PFAS), leaving this decision to the manufacturers to independently test, certify, and claim capacity on their product documentation.
OSHA outlines in 1910.140(d)(1)(V) and 1926.502 (Subpart M App C) how to properly test PFAS components to ensure they meet the mandated performance requirements. Safewaze, as a manufacturer of personal protection equipment, uses these requirements, combined with some elements of the ANSI test requirements, to determine if our products can be rated to a user capacity beyond the current ANSI regulations.
OSHA’s 1910.66 regulation states that the rigid test mass vs. the human force limit is a factor of 1:4. Safewaze has adopted the ANSI philosophy of using 1:1 test masses when determining compliance and user capacity. For example, when targeting 85 lbs. for the minimum user capacity, an 85 lb. test mass is used. When testing to the 420 lb. maximum user capacity, a 420 lb. weight is used. This is done in order to ensure our products are safe and that each product meets, or exceeds, the minimum 2:1 safety factor per the OSHA regulations.
Based on lab testing performed on our products, Safewaze can certify that our anchors, body wear, and connectors (SRLs, Lanyards, Vertical Lifelines, etc.) have a user capacity that exceeds the ANSI limits. Safewaze products are tested and certified to:
- ANSI 130-310 lbs. (59-140kg)*
- OSHA 85-420 lbs. (38-190kg)*
*including all clothing, tools, and equipment
If you have any questions regarding the information in this Technical Bulletin, please contact Customer Service at (800) 230-0319.
Additionally, refer to the Safewaze manual provided with the product, or available online, for proper use and installation information.
