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111111"'ANSOI/0004
"111"""""11"11111'"'

.~~ff~~l::U~~1
requirements for
safety be Its, harnesse s, la nya rd s,
lir-elines, and drop lines for
construction and industrial use
 American National Standard
Requirements tor
Satety Belts, Harnesses, Lanyards,
Litelines, and Drop Lines tor
Construction and Industrial Use

Approved: April 3D, 1975

American National Standard s Institute. Inc

American An American NationaJ Standard implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its
scope and provisions. An American National Standard is iotended as a guide to aid the manu-
National facturer, the consumer, and the general public. The existence ofan American National Stan-
dard does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether he has approved the standard ae not,
Standard fram manufacturing, marketing, purchasing. Oe using products, processes. De procedures not
conforming to the standard. American National Standards are subject to periodic review and
users are cautioned to obtain the latest editions.

CAUTIüN NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised ae withdrawn al any
time. The procedures of the American National Standard s Institute require that action be
taken to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw this standard no later than five years from the date
of publication. Purchasers of American National Standards may receive currefl( information
on aU standards by calling or writing the American National Standards Institute.

American National Standards Institute

1430 Broadway, New York, New York 10018

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any formo

in an electronic relrieval system or otherwise, without
the prior written permission of the publisher.
This standard is one of a series of American National Standards on safety requirements for con-
struction and demoIition operations. Others in the series, approved by ANSI to date, cover
powder actuated tools; personne1 and material hoists; demolition; transportation, storage, han-
dling, and use of explosives; scaffolding; concrete construction and masonry; space heating
devices; safety nets; steel erection; asphalt pavernent construction; and safeguarding building
construction and demolition operations against fire. Complete titles are given in a listing on the
back cover.

This standard was prepared by American National Standards Committee 00 Safety in Construc-
!ion and Dernolition Operations, AIO. The AlO Committee believes that this standard represents
the first oationwide attempt to standardize the constructioo and use of safety belts and harnesses,
and their appurtenanees. The Standards Committee realizes that this standard will raise maoy
questions that are not at present covered and that the state of the art will advanee considerably
in the future. This standard, therefore, will be in a continuous state of review by the AIO-14 Su~~ .•
cornmittee. 'i

It shouId, perhaps, be explained that Ihe AlO Committee feels that belt and Janyard speéifica-
tions and structures should be carefully tailored to Ihe use to which they are to be pul. In all
instances the slructure must be designed to interrupt the most sevcre falI that can oceur on the
job without doing injury to the persono Additionally, the belt or harness musl be designed to
provide reasonable cornforl and freedom of movement. 11 seems essenlial to the Standards Com-
mittee lo consider eaeh generaltype of belt or harness togcther with its associated hardware
and lanyard as a system for delivering personal safety. Jt does not seem pessihle to achieve a
safe system otherwise, and this is the philosophy whích the Committee has tried to fo]]ow con-
sistently in the writing of this standard. As a single cxample, if a O ring and snap hook are de-
sigoed to mate, it will not be possibIe for the ring to bring pressure 00 the kel'per in such a way
as to be reJeased. A change in either component may make inadverlenl release possible and
negate the safety of the system although each component, considered alone, ís stíll perfeetly
satisfactory. This 'is why tests of systems as units have been speeified.

The AlO Committee solicits comment, experience, and injury or accident case histories that
may be pertinent to the revision of this standard.

Suggestions for improvement of this standard will be welcome. They should be sent to the
American National Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10018.

This standard was processed and approved for submittal to ANSI by American National Stan-
dards Committee on Safety in Construction and Demolition Operations, Al O. Committee ap-
proval of the standard does not necessarily imply that all committee members voted for its
approval. At the time it approved this standard, the AJO Committee had the follawing members:

Fred M. Livingston, Jr, Chairman

Raberl M. Farrell, Vice-Chairman
J. P. Q'Donovan, Secretary

Name o[ Representative
........... Clifford Cardan
Samuel J. Henry (Alt)
American Federatian of Labor & Congress of Industrial Organization Paul H. Connelley
Robert M. rarrell
J. Short
... (RcpJCSenlation Vacant)
J. R. Oowling (Alt)
. John O. Mullins
T. S. McKo~ky (Al!)
.. John P. Frcnch
William J. Fields (AJt)
 Name of Representative
· . Richard E. Schroeder
Charles F. Sparrell
Thomas F. Bresnahan (Alt)
..... Raymond R. Crowe
William C. M. Butler, Jr (Alt)
.••..... Edward B. Poole
Jack J. Senesy (Alt)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... Thomas W. FitzgeraJd
Leslie C. Balpotaky (Alt)
Walter L. Black (AIt)
· ... (Representation Vacant)
Frank Y. Speight (Alt)
· ... William Lowth
Frank Hoffman, Jr (Alt)
... R. L. Daley
Fred M. Livingston, Jr
Arthur _L. Schmuhl (Alt)
.••.•........ Alan H. Yorkdale
Ronald G. Nickson (AIt)
Canadian Standards Association (Liaison) . · (Representation Vacant)
Construction Industry Manufacturers Association .........•.•. · H. T. Larmore
Engineering and Grading Contractors Association. . . . · . Warren Mendel
Institute of Makers of Explosives . . .. R. Dean Boddorff
Barton W. Can (Alt)
· . Frank W. Marcaccio
Seymour Rubenstein (Alt)
· George A. MiHer
Robert Harrison (AJt)
· . William C. Abemathy
James R. Noble (AIt)
NationaI Association of Horne Builders · Arthur C. Schwotzer
National Bureau of Standard s · WilliamJ. Meese
National Constructors Associatiün · . Wayne L. Christensen
C. Russell Mattson (AIt)
· ..... CharlesJ. Hart
Milton R. Minto (AJO
... Bruce Martin
..... T. C. HiHman
James R. Milor (Alt)
· ..... John L. E. Kratzer
J. A. Hichy (A!t)
· HarryM. Herz
· Arthur C. Borgman
F. A. Peterson (Alt)
· W. B. Murphy
Wilmer NO!>er (Alt)
· ... Pau! K. Walhr
Herman Castaldo (Alt)
· Albn E. Martín
William A. Sirnms (Alt)
· ..... Jerry Crawford
D. A. Palmer (AJt)
· Dan C. Christie
W. B. Garyotis
Robert L. Jenkins
Robert L. Peterso n
Gustave J. Provenzano
A. 1. Scardino. Ir
F. A. Van Atta
lngo Zeise
Doug Brown
Frederick H. Deeg
R.G.Ervin,Jr
Jonathan E. Sharp (Alt)
Robert J. Evans
Preston George
Rolf E. Hamstron
J. W.Joy
\\'. B. Murphy
Wilmer F. Noser (AJt)
Allen H. Neustater
C. N. Sumwalt, Jr (AIt)
Arthur Spiegelman
F. A. Van Atta
Franklin H. Young
l. General .
1.1 Scope .
1.2 Purpo,e .
1.3 Variations .

2. Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7
2.1 Shall..................... . .. . .. . . .. .. ..... ... . . ... . .. 7
2.2 Should. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7
2.3 Buckle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7
2.4 Drop Une 7
2.5 Fixed Anchorage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7
2.6 Lanyard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7
2.7 Lifeline '_0' • • • • •• 7
2.8 Safety Belt or Harness 8
2.9 Strength Member 8
3. Belts and Fittings '0. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• 8
3.1 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.2 Construction 8
3.3 Classification according to Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9

4. Certification and Inspections for Belt and Lanyard Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9

4.1 Manufacturers' Certification 9
4.2 Users' Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9

Figures
Fig.l Uninstrumented Drop Test. . la
Fig.2 Instrumented Drop Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . II
American National Standard
Requirements for
Safety Belts, Harnesses, Lanyards,
Ufelines, and Drop Unes for
Construction and Industrial Use

2.3.2 Single-Pass, Fixed·Bar Friction Buckle. A

buck1e that maintains its position on the webbing by
1.1 Seope. TIris standard estabIishes performance eri- means of a single pass of the webbing over the fixed
teria for the construction and use of safety belts, har- center bar.
nesses, lanyards, lifelines, and drop lines, and their 2.3.3 Single-Pass, Sliding-Bar Friction BuckJe. A
appurtenances. It does not inc1ude linemen's body belts buckJe that maintains its position on the webbing by
and pote straps, window washers' belts, or safety ladder means of a single looping of the webbing over the slid-
belts. ing center bar.
2.3.4 DoubJe-Pass Friction BuckJe. A bucklc that
1.2 Purpose
maintains its position on the webbing by friction and
1.2.1 Th..isstandard details equipment and methods
requires a double pass of the webbing over the center
for protecting workers [rom injuries secondary to falls
bar.
and fOI plcventing falls.
2.3.5 Quick·Rdease Buckle. A mu1tiple component
1.2.2 TIlis standard is designed for use by employers
buckJe that can be relea~ed with one positive <Iction and
and employees. It has been so wrjHen that it may also
whose relcasing mechanism is positively locked in nor·
be adopted by rcgulatory agencies al serve as a guide in
mal use.
the formulation of regulations.
2.4 Drop Une. A verticalline from a fixed anchorage,
1.3 Variations. Variations from the requirements of
independent of the work surface, to which the lanyard
this standard may be granted by the authority having
is affIxed.
jurisdiction when it is clearly evident that the workers
are equally protected by the procedure or equipment 2.5 Fixed Anchorage. A secure poiot of attachment,
permitted by the variation. The authority having juris- not part of the work surface, for drop lines, hfelines, o[
diction should recognize and approve newly developed lanyards. The fixed anchorage must be capable of supo
techniques, methods, or equipment when it has been porting a minimum deadweight of 5400 pounds (2450
established that they will provide equal or greater kg) per worker.
safety.
2.6 Lanyard. A flexible line to secure a wearer of a
safety belt or harness to a drop line, lifeline, or flXed
anchorage.
2.6.1 Lanyard Connecting Toggle. A length of flexi-
ble wire rope tenninating in a positively contro1Jed,
manualIy locking T mechanism adapted for insertion
2.1 Shall. The word "shall" is to be understood as mano
in a fIxed anchorage through cither open or blind hoJes
datory.
having a maximum diameter of 1·1/4 inches (3.2 cm).
2.2 Should. The word "should" is to be understood as
2.7 Lifeline. A horizontalline between two fixed an-
advisory.
chorages, independent of the work surface, to which
2.3 Buckle. Any device for holding the belt or harness the lanyard is secured either by tying off or by means
closed around the wearer's body. of a suitable sliding connection. The lifeline must be
2.3.1 Tongue BuckJe. A buckle ihat depends upon capable of supporting a minimum deadweight of 5400
a tongue passed through holes ir. the webbing or strength pounds (2450 kg) per persan applied at the center of
member ofthe belt to maintain its position. the lifeline.
2.8 Safety BeU or Harness. A device for the specific a tensile test of 4000 pounds (1815 kg) without failure.
purpose of securing, suspending, ar retrieving a warker Failure shall be cracking or breaking of any part.
in ar from a hazardous work area. 3.1.3.3 Quick-release buckles consist of three
2.8.1 Body BeU. A simple or compound strap with parts: (1) an engaging frame, (2) a locking lever with
means Íor securing it about the waist and for securing keeper tongue assembly, and (3) a keeper tunne!. Posi-
a lanyard to it. tive dosure is obtained by engaging the locking lever
2.8.2 Chest Hamess. A design of simple or com- through the engaging frame and fulIy inserting the
pound straps with means for securing it about the rib keeper tongue into the keeper tunneL Rapid removal
cage, with shoulder straps to ensure proper chest strap of the belt is accomplished thraugh the quick relea~e
pO&itioning, and with provision ror attaching a lanyard of the buckIe by pulling the keeper tongue out of the
in the back between chest and shoulder level. keeper tunnel, which creates a lever action disengaging
2.8.3 Body Harness. A design of simple or com- the locking lever assembly from the engaging frame,
pound straps that may be secured about the wearer in allowing the belt to drop free ofthe wearer. All metal
such a manner as to distribute the stopping forces over components shall be of drop-forged or pressed steel
the thighs, buttock, chest, and shoulders, or any como with a corrosion-resistant finish.t The buckle shall with·
bination thereof, and with provision far attaching a lan· stand a tensile test of 4000 paunds (1815 kg) without
yard in the back between chest and shoulder level. failure. Failure shall be cracking or breaking of any
2.8.4 Suspension Belts. A design af simple or com- part.
potind straps that may be secured about the wearer's 3.1.4 O Rings and Snap Hooks. O rings and snap
body as an independent work support. These are com- hooks that may be subjected to impact loads shall be
monly referred to as saddle belts, bosum' chairs, or of drop·forged steel with corrosion-resistant finish.1
tree trimmers' belts. They shall withstand a 5000-pound (2300-kg) lensile
test without failure. Failure of a snap hook shall be
distortion sufficient to release the keeper. Failure of
the O ring shall be breaking or cracking.
3.1.4.1 Exception. Snap hooks uscd for position~
ing on/y may be of steel rolled stock with a corrosion-
resistant finish. t Such hooks shall be capable of with·
standing a tensile test of 1500 pounds (680 kg) with a
maximum permanent deformation of 1/64 inch (0.4 rnm).
3.1.5 Lanyards. Lanyards may be made of any fi-
3.1 Materials
brous or metal1ic material satisfactory for the appli-
3.1.1 Strength Members. Strength members ofbelts
cation and which will result in a finished lanyard
may be made ofany material, except leather, that will
capable of meeting the qualification tests índicated
result in a finished belt capable of meeting the specified
in Section 5.
minimum performance tests described in Section S.
3.1.2 Hardware. AlI hardware, except rivets, shall
3.2 Construction
be of drop-forged or pressed steel with a corrosion-resis·
3.2.1 The body stnp shall be not less than nominal
tant finish. t Surfaces shall be smooth and free of sharp
1.3/4~inch webbing.
edges.
3.2.2 O rings shall be so proportioned as to mini-
3.1.3 Buckles
mize the possibility of accidental disengagement of a
3.1.3. t Tongue buckIe frames shall be of drop·
snap hook by depression of the snap hook keeper latch
forged sted with a corrosion-resistant finish.1 Corners
by the O ring.
shall have a minimum radius of 1/4 inch (6.4 rnrn).
3.2.3 Snap hooks shall be proportioned to minimize
Buckle frames shall be capable of withstanding a tensile
the possibility of accidental disengagement. The snap
test of 4000 pounds (1815 kg) without failure. Failure
keeper shJ..!l be restrained by the snap nose to absorb
of the frame shall be breaking or cracking.
side 10ads.
3.1.3.2 Friction buckIes shall be drop forged or
3.2.3.1 Snaps with a gate opening of 1 inch or
stamped of steel with a corrosion-resistant finish.1 Cor·
more, such as ladder snaps and reinforcing bar snaps,
ners shall have a minimum radius of 1/4 inch (6.4 mm).
shall not be used over O rings.
AlI metal components shall be of drop-forged steel with
3.2.3.2 Lanyards shall not be lengthened by con-
a corrosion-resistant finish.1 The buck1e shall withstand
necting two snap hooks together.
3.2.4 Rape lanyards shall be spliced directly to the
belt through an integral rope loop, spliced to a O ring,
or spliced to a snap hook for attacJunent to the D ring. 3.3.6 Chest harnesses (Class JI) and suspension belts
SpIices to hardware shalI be over suitable thimbles. (Oass IV) shall not be used for stopping falls and are
3.2.5 Webbing lanyards used 00 belts without O not subject to impact requirements.
rings shall terminate in a sewn eye of sufficient size to 3.3.7 When subjected to a fall, body harnesses (Class
accornmodate the width of the belt, but no larger. A In) together with their associated lanyards shall produce
snap hook, as described in 3.1.4, shall be sewn to the a stopping force of not more than 35X gravity.
free end, which shall result in a finished lanyard capable 3.3.8 Belts and lanyards that have been subjected to
ofmeeting the qualification tests indicated in Section 5. impact loading shall be removed fram service and de·
3.2.6 Orop lines shall have 5400 pounds rninimum stroyed.
tensile strength (2450 kg) and at the least a 3/4-inch
(19·rnrn) nominal diameter if natural fiber rope is used
or a 3/8-inch (9.5-rnrn) nominal diarneter if wire rape Sl:~~~ f '"'::'"':", •••• ,~

is used, aod be at least equal in strength to the fixed 4. Certification and Inspeetions for Belt and .
arichorage specified in 2.5. Not more than one person Lanyard Assemblies
shall be tied off to a fiber rope drop line. If more than
one person is tied off to a wire rape drop line, the 4.1 Manufacturers' Certification. Each belt and Janyard
fixed anchorage strength shall be increased in propor- assembly shall bear identification marks, either indelibly
tion to the number ofpersons tied to the drap Hne. printed into the belt or stamped into permanently at-
3.2.7 llfelines shalJ be ofwire rope, at least 1/2 inch tached tags. which shall identify the manufacturer. The
(12.5 rnm) in diameter, attached to at least two fLxed idcntification shall also bear the date of manufacture
anchorages. The flXed anchorages shall be capable of and the number of this standard. The number of this
supporting a 5400·pound (2450·kg) deadweight load standard shall constitute a certificate that the minimum
per person applied at the center of the lifeline. requirements have been meto All of these rnarkings shall
be in easily legible characters and so applied that they
shall be indelible during the life of the belt.
3.3 Oassification according to Use
3.3.1 Safety belts, harnesses, and Janyards are classi- 4.2 Users' Inspections. Each belt and lanyard assembly
fied according to their intended use as: shall be visuaJly inspected for defects prior to each use.
Class 1: Body belts (work belts), used to retrain a The assembly shall be inspected according to the manu-
person in a hazardous work position and to reduce the facturer's recomrnendations not Iess often than twice
probability of falls. annually. The date of each such inspection shall be re-
Class 11: Chest harnesses, used where there are only corded on an inspection tag that shall be pennanently
limited fall hazards (no vertical free fall hazard) and for attached to the belt.
retrieval purposes, such as removaJ of a person from a
tank or bin.
CIass 111: Body harnesses, used to arrest the most
severe free falIs.
Class IV: Suspension belts, independent work sup-
ports used to suspend or support the worker. 5.1 AlI be1ts, harnesses, and lanyard shall be rnade of
3.3.2 Lanyards shall be kept as short as reasonably high-quality materials only and assembled in a work·
possible to minimize the possibility and length of a free manlike manner.
fallo Whatever the Jength of the lanyard, it shalI be tied
5.2 Samples of each type and c1ass of hardware, except
off as short as possible. Care shall be used to see that
rivets, shall pass without corrosion a 50-hour salt spray
the lanyard is attached to a flXed anchorage by rneans
test by the method given in American National Standard
that will not reduce its required strength. A knot will
Salt Spray (Fog) Testing, ZI18.1·1974 (ASTM BII7.73).
reduce the strengtb of a rape lanyard by at least 50%.
3.3.3 The free ends oflanyards of synthetic mate- 5.3 Samples of each type and c1ass of beJt, harness,
rials shalI be lightly seared ando in the case of round and lanyard assembled together as a unit shall withstand
rope, shall also be seized (whipped). without failure a test consisting of three successive drops
3.3.4 Wire rape or rope-covcred wire lanyards shall of a 250·pound (113.kg) rigid weight falling free through
not be used where impact 10ads are anticipated or a distance of 6 feet (I.8,m). (See Fig. 1 and 2.) The free
where there is an electrical hazard. fall distance shall be established by permitting the
3.3.5 When subjected to a fall, body belts (elass I) weight in the belt to hang free supported by L'1e lan-
together with their associated lanyards shall produce a yard. The weight shall then be lifted 6 feet (1.8 m) plus
stopping force ofnot more than ¡OX gravity. or minus 1 inch (2.5 cm) and released by a qUick-release
"\ "\

ROP
E
\.",
,.~
\ ..
ROPE \~
",
HQ¡Sr CABLE

ELECTRIC
RELEASE SNAP

\ \

ROPE
\
\ SWITCH
\ \\ SWITCH

\,~ ROPE \,~

trip. The weight shall be a rigid cylindrical or torso- shall be applied to the weight as it would be to aman.
shaped object with a girth of 38 ¡nches (97 cm) plus or Failure shall con.sist of any breakage Dr slippage suffi-
minus 2 ¡nches (5.0 cm) and shall weigh 250 pounds cient to pennit the weight to falI.
(113 kg) plus or minus 1/4 pound (0.1 kg). The lanyard
for this test shall be 6 feet (1.8 m) plus or minus 1 inch S.4 Belts, harnesses, and lanyards that have been sub-
(2.5 cm) rrom the anchorage to the attachment on the jected to drop tests shall not be used except for display
belt. The anchorage shall be rigid. The belt or harness and education.

11111111111111111111111111111111I1111
ANS01/0004
American National Standards
on Safety Requirements for
Construction and Demolition Operations

A10.3-1972 Powder Actuated Fastening Svstems, Salety Requirements lar

A10.4-1975 Personnel Hoists, Safety Requirements tar
A10.5-1975 Material Hoists, Saletv Requirements lar
A10.6-1969 Demolition, Safety Requirements far
A10.7-1970 Transportation, Storage, Handling, and Use 01 Commercial Explo-
sives and Blasting Agents in the Construction Industry, Safety
Requirements far
A10.8-1969 Scaflolding, SalelV Requirements lar
A10.9-1970 Concrete Construction and Masonry Work, Safety Requirements far
A10.10-1970 Temporarv and Portable Space Heating Oevices and Equipment
Used in the Construction Industry, Safety Requirements far
A10.11·1971 Safety Nets, Minimurn Requirements far
A10.13-1972 Steel Erection, Safety Requirernents far
A10.14-1975 Safety Belts, Harnesses, Lanyards, Lifelines, and Drop Lines ter
Construction and Industrial Use, Requirements fer
A10.15-1974 Dr~dging, Safety Requirements far
A 10.17-1975 Asphalt Pavement Construction, Safe Operating Practice far
A10.21-1973 Safeguarding Building Construction and Demolition Operations
(NFPA No. 241-1973)

For a free and complete Iist of all American National Standards, write:
American National Standards Institute, Inc
1430 Broadwav
New York, N.Y. 10018