Last year, workers who do a lot of climbing in high-voltage electrical surroundings got a lift with the release of a new standard for electric arc testing of fall arrest harnesses. The scope of ASTM F887-04, “Standard Specifications for Personal Climbing Equipment,†covers arc testing of climber straps, body belts, positioning straps and harnesses used by workers who climb poles, towers and other structures.
The standard includes minimum performance criteria for arc resistance of harnesses for workers who may be exposed to thermal hazards of momentary electric arcs or flame. The goal of the standard is to provide additional levels of protection to workers in high-voltage electrical environments.