What Makes a Safety Lanyard ANSI Z359.13 Compliant?

✅ Performance Standards • ⚖️ Strength Ratings • 🏷️ Labeling Rules • 🔗 Connector Requirements

When it comes to fall protection, not all lanyards are created equal. To ensure safety and compliance on the jobsite, your lanyard must meet the ANSI Z359.13 standard. But what exactly does that mean? Let’s break it down by performance specs, strength ratings, required labeling, and connector rules.

🔍 What is ANSI Z359.13?

ANSI/ASSP Z359.13 is a fall protection standard that defines the minimum performance criteria for personal energy absorbers and lanyards. If your gear doesn’t meet this standard, it may not provide sufficient fall arrest protection—or even be legal for use on certain jobsites.

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⚙️ Performance Requirements

To be Z359.13 compliant, lanyards must:

• Limit maximum arrest force (MAF) to 1,800 lbs or less
• Have an average arrest force (AAF) under 1,350 lbs
• Restrict the maximum elongation of the energy absorber to no more than 48 inches
• Limit deceleration distance to under 60 inches

These figures ensure the user’s body isn’t subjected to dangerous impact forces during a fall event.

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💪 Strength Ratings

The standard also outlines minimum static strength requirements:

• Webbing & stitching: Must withstand a minimum of 5,000 lbs of tensile strength
• Energy absorbers: Must pass dynamic drop tests without failing or tearing
• Connectors (hooks/clasps): Must meet a minimum gate strength of 3,600 lbs

This ensures the lanyard holds up under stress—both in normal use and during a fall.

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🏷️ Required Labeling

Each compliant lanyard must have a clear, permanent label that includes:

• Manufacturer name
• Model number
• Serial number
• Date of manufacture
• ANSI Z359.13 reference
• Capacity range (typically 130–310 lbs)
• Warning and inspection instructions

Without these markings, a lanyard may be rejected during a jobsite inspection—even if it’s technically safe.

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🔗 Connector Compatibility

ANSI Z359.13 requires connectors to:

• Be self-locking and self-closing
• Be compatible with anchorage and D-rings to prevent rollout
• Be ANSI Z359.12 compliant if part of the lanyard system
• Pass gate and side-load strength tests

Improper connectors—or even using the right connector incorrectly—can lead to fall arrest system failure.

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🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using expired or uninspected lanyards
• Choosing gear not rated for your worker’s weight (e.g., over 310 lbs with tools)
• Mixing and matching gear from different brands without verifying compatibility
• Not confirming ANSI Z359.13 labeling and third-party testing

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🧰 ANSI Compliance Saves Lives

ANSI Z359.13 exists for a reason—to set a safety baseline that workers can trust. Choosing a lanyard that’s been tested and labeled accordingly isn’t just about passing inspections—it’s about keeping workers alive during a fall. Always verify compliance before use.

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Need help selecting ANSI-compliant lanyards?
Here at KwikSafety, our lanyards are third-party tested to ANSI Z359.13 and clearly labeled for jobsite compliance! From energy-absorbing single-leg designs to dual-leg tie-off systems, we’ve got your fall protection needs covered.

👉 Explore our full safety lanyard collection here!

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