Preface:

This is the fourth edition of CSA Z259.1, Body belts and saddles for work positioning and travel restraint. It supersedes the previous edition, published in 1995 under the title Safety Belts and Lanyards. This Standard, along with the second edition of CSA Z259.11, Energy absorbers and lanyards, also supersedes CSA Z259.3-M1978, Lineman's Body Belt and Lineman's Safety Strap. CSA Z259.1 now covers body belts and saddles; CSA Z259.11 now covers lanyards, straps, and energy absorbers.

Scope:

1.1
This Standard specifies requirements for the performance, design, testing, marking, and instructions of body belts and saddles. Body belts and saddles are used as part of work positioning and travel restraint systems.

1.2
This Standard covers equipment such as
(a) lineman.s body belts;
(b) body belts;
(c) miners. belts; and
(d) arborists. saddles.

1.3
This Standard does not cover the following:
(a) boatswains. chairs;
(b) recreational equipment;
(c) firefighting equipment; and
(d) other mechanical-type devices.

1.4
Body belts and saddles are not intended for use as body support in the arrest of a worker's fall, due to the possibility of injury or death resulting from
(a) impact on the body when the fall is arrested;
(b) fallout from a body belt; or
(c) effects of extended static suspension in a body belt.

When using a work positioning system, fall protection is provided by a fall arrest system that includes a full body harness that meets the requirements of CAN/CSA-Z259.10.

1.5
This Standard does not stipulate specific designs for body belts and saddles. However, this Standard does stipulate the design limitations whose consideration is necessary for safe and durable service of body belts and saddles.

1.6
In CSA Standards, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the standard; and "can" is used to express possibility or capability. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.

1.7
The values given in SI (metric) units are the standard. The values given in parentheses are approximate and are for information only.