ANSI/ASSE Z359.3-2019
Lanyards and Positioning Lanyards

Design

The length of either type of lanyard can be as long as required for the specific application/job. This is usually through use of an adjustable element so that the length can be changed easily. There is a requirement that this adjusting element cannot be released and also requirements on the type of end terminations used.

Static Strength

All lanyards are required to hold a force of 5,000 pounds (22.2kN) for at least 1 minute. For lanyards and positioning lanyards without adjustment this is done between each termination. For lanyards with adjustment a slippage test is carried out at 1,000 pounds (4.4kN) for one minute to ensure the adjustment device does not slide more than 3 inches.

Positioning lanyards with adjustment are subjected to the same tests mentioned above but with the device configured in a 3-way pull. A positioning lanyard is also subjected to an abrasion test by running a section of the sample across a hexagonal bar before being subjected to the same static strength tests, but with a lower requirement of 3,600 pounds (16kN). In all tests the sample shall sustain the load without failure.

Dynamic Strength

All Lanyard types are required to have a dynamic test by dropping 128kg test mass to give an impact force of 3,600 pounds (16kN). The drop height is varied to achieve this, up to a maximum drop of 4 feet (1.2m). The lanyard is required to hold the test mass following the drop for 1 minute without failure.