All personal fall arrest systems must have anchorages that have static load strength of at least 3,600 pounds when certification exists. If no certification exists, static load strength of 5,000 pounds is required. Anchorages must not be attached to any structure used to support or suspend work platforms.

Fall arrest systems shall be designed by a qualified person. When designing a fall arrest system, consideration must be given to but not limited to the following requirements:

● Prevent contact with any lower level, equipment, or other obstruction.
● Limit free-fall to a maximum of 6 feet (1.8 meters). Some regulations limit free fall to 4 feet (1.2
meters).
● Limit arresting force to a maximum of 1,800 pounds (8kN).
● Limit maximum deceleration distance to 3.5 feet (1.1 meters).
● Ensure that the angle at rest after a fall would be no greater than 30 degrees.
● Limit potential for pendulum swings
● Prior to use of this equipment, a rescue plan and the means to implement that plan, must be
developed.

Refer to ANSI A10.14-1991, ANSI Z359 standards, CSA Z259 standards, and other federal, state, and local regulations to ensure that your fall arrest system com plies with applicable requirements.

ANSI A10.14-1991: 1.1 Scope. This standard established performance criteria for the manufacture and use of body belts, harnesses, lanyards, lifelines, rope grabs and shock absorbers for construction and demolition. It does not include lineman's body belts and pole straps, window washer's belts or safety ladder belts.

ANSI Z359.1-1992(R1999): 1.1 Scope - This standard establishes requirements for the performance, design, marking, qualification, instruction, training, inspection, use, maintenance and removal from service of connectors, full body harnesses, lanyards, energy absorbers, anchorage connectors, fall arresters, vertical lifelines, and self-retracting lanyards comprising personal fall arrest systems for users within the capacity range of 130 to 310 pounds (59 to 140 kg).

CSA Z259.1-95 Safety Belts and Lanyards
CSA Z259.2.1-98 Fall Arresters, Vertical Lifelines, and Rails
CSA Z259.2.2-98 Self-Retracting Devices for Personal Fall-Arrest Systems
CSA Z259.2.3-99 Descent Control Devices
CSA Z259.3-M1978 Lineman's Body Belt and Lineman's Safety Strap
CSA Z259.10-M90 Full Body Harnesses
CSA Z259.12-01 Connecting Components for Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)
CSA Z259.14-01 Fall Restrict Equipment for Wood Pole Climbing