CSA Z259.17:21

Preface

This is the second edition of CSA Z259.17, Selection and use of active fall-protection equipment and systems . This Standard supersedes the previous edition published in 2016. The purpose of this Standard is to provide criteria for the safe selection and use of fall-protection equipment and systems.

Significant changes in this edition include the following:

a) information included on selection and use of post-fall rescue equipment, plans, and procedures.;

b) enhanced the emergency and rescue plan identification requirements;

c) equations are now provided for required clearance – vertical lifeline;

d) new annex on examples of improper use and assembly of equipment, systems and components;

e) new annex on sample site-specific fall protection work plan; and

f) new annex outlining a recommended rescue flow chart.

This Standard does not supersede the authority having jurisdiction. The manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations are part of the safe use and operation of the fall-protection equipment and systems. This Standard was developed by CSA Group with funding support provided by the Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour Law – Occupational Safety and Health (CAALL-OSH), including Provincial and Territorial Governments, as well as the Government of Canada. CSA Group is solely responsible for the content of this Standard, and CSA Group and the funding bodies disclaim any liability in connection with the use of the information contained herein. This Standard has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group.

Scope

1.1 This Standard specifies requirements for the selection, use, and application of active fall-protection equipment and systems as well as information on selection and use of post-fall rescue equipment, plans, and procedures.

1.2 The purpose of this Standard is to provide criteria and considerations for the safe selection and use of active fall-protection equipment and systems.

1.3 The selection and use of fall-protection systems as part of a fall-protection program that may include such elements as hazard assessment, work methods, purchasing, practices, training, maintenance, and inspection intended to minimize the risks involved.

1.4 The clauses of this Standard are intended to reduce risks, which are inherent in all active fall-protection systems.

1.5 This Standard references personal fall-protection system (PFPS) components that conform to the requirements of the CSA Z259 Series of Standards or an equivalent.

1.6 This Standard does not cover requirements for a) design and performance of fall-protection systems or components; and Note: For design and performance requirements refer to the applicable fall protection Standard (see CSA Z259 series). b) selection and use of passive fall-protection systems such as temporary guardrails or safety net systems. This Standard is not intended to replicate or replace other Standards covered by CSA Group.

1.7 When the term “anchor” is used throughout this Standard document it means the combination of the anchorage connector and the anchorage (structure).

1.8 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.

1.9 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 (nonmandatory) to define their application.