Free ANSI/ASSP Z359 Fall Protection Program Audit
A program-level audit checklist for US fall protection programs — aligned with ANSI/ASSP Z359.1-2024 (Fall Protection Code) and Z359.2 (Managed Fall Protection Program). Use it for an annual program review or a Competent Person sign-off.
Download Free Fall Protection Program Audit (ANSI Z359)
Enter your details below to get instant access.
What's in the audit
Seven sections of audit points spanning the program, plus summary and sign-off. Designed to be completed annually or after any incident.
- Section 1 — Written program (existence, scope, references)
- Section 2 — Roles and competency (Authorized / Competent / Qualified Persons)
- Section 3 — Hazard identification and risk assessment
- Section 4 — Equipment (register, specs, inspections, retirement)
- Section 5 — Anchor systems (engineering records, certification)
- Section 6 — Rescue (procedures, equipment, training, drills)
- Section 7 — Records and audit trail
- Audit summary (strengths, non-conformances, corrective actions, re-audit date)
- Auditor sign-off with role / certification
Who uses this audit
Anyone running or auditing a managed fall protection program in the US — under ANSI/ASSP Z359 + OSHA.
Safety managers / EHS leads
Owners of the fall protection program in their organisation.
Multi-site contractors
Construction and industrial contractors maintaining program-level compliance.
Competent / Qualified Persons
Z359.2-designated CP/QP performing program reviews.
Third-party auditors
Independent auditors providing assurance to clients and insurers.
Standards this audit is informed by
ANSI/ASSP Z359 is the US fall protection code. It works in tandem with OSHA's federal regulations.
ANSI/ASSP Z359.1-2024 — The Fall Protection Code
Z359.1-2024 is the umbrella standard. It specifies minimum guidelines for the processes, systems, and components used in a managed fall protection program, and establishes the role of the Competent Person. It's a 'how to run a program' standard rather than an equipment spec — Z359.11/.13/.14 cover specific equipment.
- Establishes Authorized / Competent / Qualified Person roles
- Sets minimum requirements for managed program
- References equipment-specific Z359 standards
ANSI/ASSP Z359.2 — Managed Program Requirements
Z359.2 specifies the minimum requirements for a comprehensive managed fall protection program. Detailed program structure: written program, hazard survey, training, equipment management, rescue, audit. The audit checklist's section structure mirrors Z359.2's program elements.
- Written program required
- Hazard survey and risk-based controls
- Training and competency program
- Equipment management
- Rescue planning
- Annual audit and corrective action
Equipment specifications
Beyond the program, Z359 has equipment-specific standards. Z359.11-2021 covers full body harnesses; Z359.13 covers personal energy absorbers and lanyards; Z359.14-2021 covers self-retracting devices (SRDs) — the 2021 revision took effect August 2023 and tightened SRD requirements.
- Z359.11-2021 — Full body harnesses
- Z359.13 — Energy absorbers, lanyards
- Z359.14-2021 — Self-retracting devices (SRDs)
- Z359.18 — Anchorage connectors
OSHA federal regulation
OSHA 1910.140 (general industry) and 1926.502 (construction) are the federal regulations. They sit on top of Z359 and give it the force of law. The audit's program section explicitly references both — many findings could trigger OSHA citation if the program lacks them.
- OSHA 1910.140 — general industry
- OSHA 1926.502 — construction
- OSHA 1926.500 — duty to provide fall protection
Frequently asked questions
No. OSHA inspections are conducted by federal compliance officers (CSHOs) under federal authority. This audit is an internal or third-party program review. It helps you find gaps before OSHA does — but a passing audit doesn't immunise against OSHA citation if a violation occurs.
Related resources
More free templates and resources for inspection professionals.
Still managing inspections on paper?
Core Inspection software helps lifting equipment companies reduce admin time by 40-60%. Generate professional certificates, manage equipment registers, and automate scheduling — all in one platform.
Trusted by inspection companies serving 150,000+ organisations worldwide