Preface
This is the first edition of CSA Standard 2259.2.3, Descent Control Devices. It is part of a series of Standards for components of personal fall-arrest systems (FAS) and rescue devices.
This Standard covers performance requirements for both manual and automatic descent control devices that are used for emergency egress or work positioning. Descent control devices are classified into four different categories: Type 1 E, automatic descent control devices for emergency evacuation only; Type 2E, manual descent control devices with automatic lockoff, for emergency evacuation; Type 2W, manual descent control devices with automatic lockoff, for work positioning; and Type 3W, manual descent control devices, without automatic lockoff, for work positioning only.
This Standard has been prepared by the Technical Committee on Fall Protection under the jurisdiction of the Strategic Steering Committee on Occupational Health and Safety, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee. It will be submitted to the Standards Council of Canada for approval as a National Standard of Canada.
Scope
1.1
This Standard outlines requirements and classifications for automatic and manual descent control devices intended for use in the workplace. These devices are not used for fall arrest. Appropriate fall protection equipment is also required in the presence of a fall hazard, except in the case of emergency egress.
1.2
This Standard applies to equipment intended to be used and operated by one person for personal descent or to lower another person from an elevation, either for egress or for work positioning. Devices that allow multiple-person egress through repeated use are also within the scope of this Standard. The intended use of each type of device is described in Appendix A. This Standard does not provide requirements for devices designed for nonhuman loads.
1.3
This Standard does not apply to fall-arrest or lifeline systems.
1.4
This Standard is not intended for firefighters, for qualified, dedicated response teams, or for recreational activities such as climbing and mountaineering.
