The ANSI/ASSP Z359 Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) met Nov. 6, 2018, to discuss ANSI/ASSP Z359 Fall Protection and Fall Restraint standards. The meeting was Randall Wingfield’s last meeting as committee chair, and he presented on the current status of the standard to more than 140 attendees. Thom Kramer, P.E., CSP, who has served as vice chair of the committee, was appointed as the new chair.

“I’m grateful for the privilege of serving as chair of the committee. Over the past years we have experienced exponential growth, both in the number of standards written and committee size," said Wingfield in announcing his retirement as chair. "There is no doubt in my mind that we have saved lives.”

Wingfield is president and founder of Gravitec Systems Inc., a specialized engineering firm for fall protection systems design and installation, education, rescue training and ISO testing. He has been involved in the development of national and international standards for fall protection equipment and training for the past 30 years. He has served on the Z359 committee for more than 20 years and 15 as its chair. He is a member of ASSP’s Puget Sound Chapter. Wingfield is a member of our Management, Consultants and Engineering practice specialties.

Kramer is a principal with LJB Inc. He chairs two subcommittees, Z359.1 and Z359.17. Kramer serves on ASSP’s Finance Committee and is a member of our Kitty Hawk and Southwestern Ohio chapters. He is also a member of our International, Engineering, and Oil, Gas, Mining and Mineral Resources practice specialties.

During the meeting, ASSP CEO Jennifer McNelly presented opening remarks and committee members discussed background information and questions that arose during the implementation of the standard in various facilities.

The committee focused on how the standard engages the changing nature of safety work, specifically:

• the importance of vigilant and educated purchasing of fall protection equipment;
• name classifications marked by color coding for end user recognition;
• anticipating end user behavior and use of equipment;
• testing factoring in corrosion, force, energy input and surface types.

On the horizon for Z359 is an anticipated update for Z359.1 in 2019. The committee is working on incorporating comments into safe practices for rope access work. Listen to our podcast on the standard.