RECENT NEWS IMPACTING EXTERNAL LOAD OPERATORS
The FAA has issued a revised policy for the fall-protection harnesses used by utility line workers when performing human external cargo operations. This decision ensures uniformity, enhances
safety, and promotes operational
compliance with existing local, state, and federal safety rules.
Vertical Aviation International (VAI) recently urged the FAA to broaden the scope of the nationally recognized standard for HEC harnesses to address discrepancies between FAA and OSHA regulations for full-body harnesses. These discrepancies created a fragmented operational framework, posing significant compliance challenges for operators and utilities alike.
VAI’s regulatory team urged the FAA to align federal policies with the consensus ANSI standard, which is accepted by OSHA, utilities, unions, and harness manufacturers. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a private nonprofit organization, develops widely respected standards for products, services, and systems recognized by both industry and government. The FAA’s updated policy recognizes that harnesses compliant with ANSI/ ASSP Z359.11 meet or exceed performance requirements and can be safely used in HEC operations.
The FAA’s policy statement (PS-AIR 27/29.865) emphasized that these harnesses remain subject to rigorous maintenance, inspection, and retirement protocols to ensure their continued reliability and durability. “This policy change is a testament to the importance of collaboration between industry and regulators,” says James Viola, president and CEO of VAI. “By adopting the ANSI standard, the FAA has not only enhanced safety but also simplified the regulatory landscape for operators and utilities working to maintain our national power grid.”
Viola adds that in addition to enabling greater operational consistency and reducing compliance burdens, the new policy will ultimately allow for greater innovation in harness design that meets ANSI specifications and better protects utility- line workers.
rotorpro.com
59
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78
