Table of Contents

Section Title

Section/Paragraph

 Scope

1

 Referenced Documents

2

 Terminology

3

 Significance and Use

4

Pole and Tree Climbers

 Classification

5

 Ordering Information

6

 Pole and Tree Climbers

7

 Climber Gaffs

8

 Climber Straps

9

 Climber Pads

10

 Climber Footplates

11

Body Belts, Work Positioning Devices and Wood Pole Fall Restrict Devices (WPFRD)

 Classification

12

 Ordering Information

13

 Two Dee Body Belts, Auxiliary Positioning Belts, and Four Dee Body Belts

14

 Two Dee Body Belts

14.1

 Auxiliary Positioning Belts and Four Dee Body Belts

14.2

 Positioning Devices

15

 Wood Pole Fall Restriction Device (WPFRD)

16

Arborist Saddle

 Arborist Saddle 

17

Harnesses

 Classification

18

 Ordering Information

18.2

 Sizing

18.3

 Marking

18.4

Energy Absorbing Lanyards

 Classification

19

 Ordering Information

20

 Energy Absorbing Lanyards

21

Qualification Testing

 Electric Arc Performance

22

 Hardware Requirements

23

 Test Equipment

24

 Qualification Testing

25

 Body Belts, Four Dee Body Belts, and Auxiliary Positioning Belts

25.1

 Positioning Devices

25.2

 WPFRD

25.3

 Arborist Saddle

25.4

 Harness

25.5

 Energy Absorbers

25.6

 Instructions

26

 Guarantee and Rejection

27

 Keywords

28

1.1 This standard covers the specifications and qualification testing of the following:

Climbers,

Climber straps,

Climber Pads,

Climber Footplates,

Body Belts,

Work Positioning Devices with Locking Snaphooks/Carabiners,

Wood Pole Fall Restriction Devices (WPFRD),

Arborist Saddle,

Harnesses,

Energy Absorbing Lanyards.

These devices are used by workers in the climbing of poles, trees, towers, and other structures. Minimum performance criteria for arc resistance of harnesses and energy absorbing lanyards are included for workers who may be exposed to thermal hazards of momentary electric arcs or flame.

1.2 Equipment may fall within one of the following categories:

1.2.1 Fall (Travel) Restraint—Prevents a user from reaching a fall hazard (allow 0 fall distance).

1.2.2 Work Positioning—Allows a 2 ft maximum free fall distance.

1.2.3 Fall Arrest—Allows a 6 ft maximum free fall distance with a maximum arrest force of 1800 lb.

Note 1: Under certain conditions and with the use of equipment designed for such conditions, a 12-ft free-fall distance with a maximum arrest force of 1800 lb is allowed.

1.2.4 Suspension—Allows 0 free-fall distance while supporting the user’s weight.

1.2.5 Fall Restriction—to prevent or limit free fall from a work position or while ascending/descending a wood pole.

1.3 Three types of climbers, (Types A, B, and C) and two types of climber straps, Types (A and B) are covered.

1.4 Two types of body belts, (Types A and B) are covered.

1.5 Eight types of work positioning devices: three positioning straps, (Types A, B, and C), three adjustable-positioning lanyards, (Types A, B and C) and two nonadjustable positioning lanyards, (Types A and B) are covered.

1.6 Two types of WPFRD, (Types A and AB) are covered.

1.7 Arborist saddle, (Type A) Work Positioning and Suspension are covered.

1.8 Two types of harnesses, (Types A and B) are covered.

1.9 Two types of energy absorbing lanyards, (Types A and B) are covered.

1.10 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.11 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method portions, 9.2, 10.3, 11.2, 14.1.4, 15.3, 15.4, 16.2, 17.2, 18.4, 21.2, 22, 23, and 25 of this standard: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.