ANSI/ASSE Z359.12-2019
Connecting Components
Surface Finish of Hardware
Metallic components used in fall protection equipment are subjected to a neutral salt-spray test intended to prove a minimum resistance to environmental corrosion (specifically rust). Products are held within a sealed chamber, which is filled with a salt-water mist, which can induce rust in unprotected metals. Products are subjected to 48 hours exposure and examined for rusting and function afterward.
Major/Minor Axis Static Strength
Gate Face/Gate Side
All snaphooks and carabiners are required to be loaded on the gate face and gate side to 3,600lbs (16kN) for a minimum of 1 minute, without failure or the gate opening by more than 0.125 inches (3.1mm).
D-Rings, O-rings, Oval Rings, Buckles and Adjusters
Proof Load
All snaphooks, carabiners and rings are required to be loaded to 3,600lbs (16kN) along their major axis. The item fails if any cracking, breaking or permanent deformation occurs.
Dynamic Strength
Transverse body loading
Connectors and snaphooks which have a gate opening greater than 1 inch (25mm) are required to pass a transverse body load test, both statically and dynamically. This applies the force/load to the connector with its body pressed over a metal edge. In both these tests the connector needs to hold the load without breaking or distorting enough to allow the gate to release from the nose by 0.125in (3.1mm) or more.