Sturges’ Energy Absorbing Webbings Meet New ANSI/ASSE Z359.13 Requirement

Utica, NY, July 29, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Sturges Manufacturing, a manufacturer of engineered webbings and custom straps, has developed energy absorbing webbings that meet a new requirement for personal energy absorbers that was recently developed by the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on June 23, 2009. The new standard, ANSI/ASSE Z359.13-2009, is intended to require all energy absorbing lanyards and personal energy absorbers to reduce the forces implied on the user to less than 10 times the normal gravitational pull of the earth. In addition, users of energy absorbing lanyards must weigh within the range of 130 to 310 lbs (59 – 140 kg).

The new fall protection standard expands on existing standards in which energy absorbers were initially addressed and continue to evolve as new research and testing have provided a better understanding of how these products are used. After altering their in-house drop test tower to accommodate the new required 12’ drop, Sturges developed various types of energy absorbing webbings to meet the new ANSI/ASSE Z359.13 requirement for personal energy absorbing lanyards. Webbing designs include tear webbing and POY webbing for both the 6’ and 12’ requirements.

“With the addition of the various environmental conditioning requirements and increased test weight, the standard has really adapted well to make the user safer on the job” reports Tyler Griffith, Vice President.

The new standard, along with two additional standards approved by ANSI, will become part of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Fall Protection Code effective November 16, 2009. For more information about ANSI/ASSE Z359.13-2009 and the ASSE Fall Protection Code, visit http://www.asse.org.

Sturges Manufacturing Company has provided the highest quality standard and engineered webbing and straps using the finest combination of materials, colors, patterns, and hardware for specific requirements in various industries ranging from Fire and Safety to Military and Automotive since 1909. Sturges Manufacturing Company is located in Utica, NY. To learn more, go to http://www.strugesstraps.com.

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