CSA Z259.13-16 (R2020)

This is the second edition of CSA Z259.13, Manufactured horizontal lifeline systems. It supersedes the previous edition published in 2004 under the title of Flexible horizontal lifeline systems.

This Standard provides performance requirements for manufactured horizontal lifeline systems designed to arrest the accidental fall of an individual working from height.

Changes to this edition include the following:

a) consistent use of the term horizontal lifeline system (HLL system);

b) limiting the scope to include only those HLL systems where the energy absorber deploys to 80% or less (i.e., the energy absorber does not bottom-out);

c) applicability of the Standard to single span HLL system only;

d) updating of the reference publications;

e) updating of the definitions; and

f) revisions to the test procedures.

CSA Group acknowledges that the development of this Standard was made possible, in part, by the financial support of the Canadian government departments responsible for occupational health and safety.

Scope:

1.1

This Standard specifies requirements related to the performance, design, testing, labelling, and provision of instructions for manufactured single-span horizontal lifeline systems (HLL systems) (see Figure 1). These HLL systems are a component of a complete system for fall arrest.

1.2

This Standard does not apply to

a) HLL systems

i) with span lengths greater than 18.3 m (60 ft);

ii) with more than one span (see Annex A);

iii) that support more than two workers;

iv) that are custom designed for limited or site-specific applications as designed in accordance with CSA Z259.16;

v) with slopes greater than 5° from the horizontal;

vi) with no horizontal lifeline energy absorber (HLLEA);

vii) used for travel restraint;

viii) used for work positioning; or

ix) that incorporate HLLEA that deploy more than 80% when tested as specified in Clause 8.3.2.2;

b) guardrail or hand line systems that are made of flexible materials such as cables, chains, or ropes; or

c) rigid horizontal lifeline systems such as rigid rail and beam systems.

1.3

This Standard does not cover the design of HLL system anchorages covered by CSA Z259.16.

1.4

This Standard does not address any fall-protection equipment attached to the HLL system.

1.5

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

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.