DES PLAINES, Ill. - The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) recently announced the approval of the new American National Standard Institute (ANSI)/ASSE Z359.2-2007 standard. The standard, “Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program,” recognizes the need for organizations to protect workers from fall hazards in the workplace. It is the first in a series of five standards that have been sent to ANSI for approval.

ANSI/ASSE Z359.2-2007 standard is the first approved standard in a series of standards that focus on fall protection and related systems. It was approved by ANSI on April 23, 2007. The standard establishes guidelines and requirements for an employer’s managed fall protection program including policies, duties and training; fall protection procedures; eliminating and controlling fall hazards; rescue procedures; incident investigations; and evaluating program effectiveness.

The purpose of the standard is to help organizations develop and implement a comprehensive managed fall protection program that identifies, evaluates and eliminates, or controls, fall hazards through planning, proper training, proper installation and use of fall protection and rescue systems, and implementation of safe fall protection and rescue procedures.

The new standard will be available soon in both print and electronic format. For more information, contact ASSE Customer Service at 847-699-2929 or visit www.asse.org.