Recently, the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Division became aware that some fall protection equipment that is NOT in compliance with the OHS Regulations is available for sale to workers and self employed persons.
Section 60 of the OHS Regulations stipulates that all fall protection equipment shall meet the appropriate and current CSA standard.
There are ten CSA Fall Protection Standards, one of which pertains to Fall Arresters, Z259.2.1-98 ” Fall Arresters, Vertical Lifelines and Rails”. An update to this standard in August 2002 required manufacturers to change the design of the fall arrester to prevent its use in the wrong orientation. Section 4.2.1 of the update reads:
4.2.1
Fall arresters shall be designed and marked so that the device can be correctly installed on a compatible lifeline or rail. Effective January 1, 2004, fall arresters when used on a vertical lifeline or rail shall prevent installation or operation in the wrong orientation unless the device is designed to operate in any orientation.
It has been identified that fall arresters in some Roofer’s Kits do NOT meet this requirement.
Misuse of these non compliant fall arresters or any fall protection equipment can cause fatalities. Please ensure all fall protection equipment meets the applicable CSA standard and is used in the correct manner, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
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