The Definition of ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code

Definition of ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code

A family of voluntary consensus standards, maintained by the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), that addresses nearly every part of personal fall protection — from managing a comprehensive fall protection program to the design, performance, and testing of harnesses, lanyards, connectors, anchorages, and self-retracting devices, along with training and rescue.

Example of ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code

A roofing contractor updates its equipment purchasing policy to require that all new full-body harnesses and self-retracting lifelines carry labels showing compliance with the applicable Z359 standards.

Frequently Asked Questions: ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code

Is ANSI Z359 legally required?

‍Z359 is a voluntary consensus standard rather than a regulation, but OSHA's fall protection rules set the legal minimum and Z359 is widely treated as a recognized industry best practice that often exceeds those minimums.

What does a managed fall protection program include under Z359?

‍A managed program typically includes written policies, defined roles and responsibilities, hazard surveys, procedures for fall protection and rescue, training, equipment inspection, and periodic program evaluation.

Why does Z359 address rescue planning?

‍A worker suspended in a harness after a fall can face serious health risks if not rescued promptly, so the standard emphasizes having a rescue plan and trained personnel in place before work at height begins.