ANSI/ASSE Z359.13–2013
Personal Energy Absorbers and Energy
Absorbing Lanyards
1. 6ft FF personal energy absorbers shall be designed for up to 6 foot (1.83m) free fall
2. 12ft FF personal energy absorbers shall be designed for up to 12 foot (3.66m) free fall
Activation Force
All personal energy absorbers, whether individual or integrated into a lanyard, are required to be subjected to a force of 450 pounds (2kN) for 3 minutes. Following this test, the activation or permanent elongation of the device shall not be greater than 2 inches (51mm).
Static Strength
Dynamic Performance
Energy absorbers and energy absorbing lanyards are required to have a dynamic test by dropping a 128kg test mass with a free fall height based on the classification (6ft or 12ft) as applicable. This test is done after ambient, wet, cold and hot conditioning and requires that the test mass be held, as well as meeting the appropriate requirements for peak arrest force, average arrest force and arrest distance.
There are also additional dynamic tests required for Y-lanyards which involve attaching both lanyard legs to the anchorage point during the dynamic test and a hip connection dynamic test, to ensure that when using a lanyard keeper on a harness that the device still performs.