CSA Z91:26

Preface This is the seventh edition of CSA Z91, Health and safety code for suspended equipment operations . It supersedes the previous editions published in 2017, 2002, 1990, 1980, 1959, and 1949. The following are the major changes to this edition: a) updated training requirements; b) updated requirements for trolley systems; c) clarification on davit arm restricted transport; d) requirements for use of auxiliary hoisting units for façade element replacements; e) guidance on assessing existing, undocumented systems; f) updated access system drawing requirements; and g) updated figures throughout the document to enhance readability. This Code was prepared by the Technical Committee on Suspended Access Equipment, under the jurisdiction of the Strategic Steering Committee on Occupational Health and Safety, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee. This Code has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group. Scope 1.1 General This Code includes requirements for the safe operation of various types of suspended equipment (see Figure 1) used to gain access to interior or exterior, or both, sides, ceilings, and soffits of buildings or structures. Much of the equipment referred to in this Code is designed, installed, inspected, and tested in accordance with CSA Z271 and other referenced standards. This Code does not apply to crane- suspended platforms or baskets (see CSA Z150), multi-point bridge platforms, or hanging scaffolds. Note: While this Code is not intended to cover equipment design and building provisions, both CSA Z271 and this Code contain necessary information for design and operation of suspended equipment. CSA Z271 is considered a companion document. 1.2 Application This Code specifies the safety requirements for suspended equipment that is normally used for, but whose use is not limited to, window cleaning, exterior building cleaning, painting, application of sealants and insulation, brickwork, repointing, renovations, inspection, and related building/structure maintenance. 1.3 Development of new equipment or practices This Code is not intended to prevent the development of new equipment or practices or to prescribe specifically how innovations should be handled. Notes: 1) The use of practices, equipment, or safety devices that are different from those described in this Code may be deemed to meet the requirements of this Code, provided that it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the authority having jurisdiction, or the certification agency acting on its behalf, that these differences will not impair the suitability of the equipment or safety devices, or their intended use. 2) Information on the relationship between rope access and the equipment covered in this Code and CSA Z271 can be found in Annex C. 1.4 Precedence Where the requirements of this Code are at variance with the requirements of other standards or codes referred to in this Code, the requirements of this Code take precedence. Note: Refer to applicable jurisdictional building codes for information relevant to requirements for installations on buildings. 1.5 Terminology In this Code, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Code; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Code. 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. 1.6 Units of measurement The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Code. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.