Tilda Publishing
Carabiner Certification in the USA:
OSHA, ANSI, NFPA and UL
Source: kong.it
Last Update: 11.2026
Keep in mind that the relevance of information might change over time.
Keep in mind that the relevance of information might change over time.
Contents:
- Understanding Carabiner Standards and Certification
- How to Read Carabiner Standards and Markings
- EN 362 — Connectors for Work at Height and Fall Protection
- EN 12275 — Connectors for Climbing and Mountaineering
- Key Differences Between EN 362 and EN 12275
- UIAA 121 — Additional Requirements for Climbing and Mountaineering Connectors
If you gaze long into a carabiner, the carabiner also gazes into you.
Or maybe not. What is certain is that a close look at a carabiner’s markings can reveal a great deal of useful information.
In Part 1, we examined the European EN standards for connectors used in climbing, mountaineering, and work at height, along with the international UIAA 121 standard. Now let's cross the Atlantic and find out how carabiner standards and certification work in the United States.
Or maybe not. What is certain is that a close look at a carabiner’s markings can reveal a great deal of useful information.
In Part 1, we examined the European EN standards for connectors used in climbing, mountaineering, and work at height, along with the international UIAA 121 standard. Now let's cross the Atlantic and find out how carabiner standards and certification work in the United States.
Not all carabiner-shaped objects are life-safety equipment.
Source: keyring.com
Source: keyring.com
Carabiner certification in the United States is anything but straightforward.
To begin with, neither carabiners nor other climbing equipment are generally subject to mandatory product certification in the US. In other words, carabiners can be sold without any prior certification or proof of compliance with a particular equipment standard.
This doesn't mean there are no standards. Quite the opposite: there are plenty. Some requirements are legally binding, such as OSHA regulations governing workplace fall protection. Others are voluntary standards developed by private organizations, including ASSP, NFPA, and ASTM International.
But since certification is not generally required to sell a carabiner, claims of compliance with these voluntary standards sometimes rest solely on the manufacturer's word. Some manufacturers therefore turn to independent certification bodies, such as UL Solutions, to have their products certified to the relevant American standards and give buyers greater confidence in their equipment.
The result is quite a mixed bag of carabiners on the US market, with all sorts of specifications, ratings, and markings. There are uncertified no-name models on Amazon, American carabiners independently certified to ANSI or NFPA standards, European models bearing the CE mark, and American brands obtaining CE marking to enter the European market, sometimes alongside the UIAA Safety Label. And, of course, various combinations of the above.
In short, democracy.
To begin with, neither carabiners nor other climbing equipment are generally subject to mandatory product certification in the US. In other words, carabiners can be sold without any prior certification or proof of compliance with a particular equipment standard.
This doesn't mean there are no standards. Quite the opposite: there are plenty. Some requirements are legally binding, such as OSHA regulations governing workplace fall protection. Others are voluntary standards developed by private organizations, including ASSP, NFPA, and ASTM International.
But since certification is not generally required to sell a carabiner, claims of compliance with these voluntary standards sometimes rest solely on the manufacturer's word. Some manufacturers therefore turn to independent certification bodies, such as UL Solutions, to have their products certified to the relevant American standards and give buyers greater confidence in their equipment.
The result is quite a mixed bag of carabiners on the US market, with all sorts of specifications, ratings, and markings. There are uncertified no-name models on Amazon, American carabiners independently certified to ANSI or NFPA standards, European models bearing the CE mark, and American brands obtaining CE marking to enter the European market, sometimes alongside the UIAA Safety Label. And, of course, various combinations of the above.
In short, democracy.
Ultimately, it's up to buyers to make sense of all these options. And while a climber buying unsuitable equipment puts their own life and health at risk, an employer who fails to ensure that workers use carabiners meeting applicable safety requirements may face substantial fines and other legal consequences.
So let's start with those legally binding workplace requirements. Enter OSHA.
So let's start with those legally binding workplace requirements. Enter OSHA.
OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is an agency of the US Department of Labor responsible for workplace safety and health. It develops and enforces safety regulations that employers within its jurisdiction are legally required to follow.
The carabiner requirements we're interested in can be found in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). And since navigating US regulations can be a bit of a maze, let's work our way from the top down:
The carabiner requirements we're interested in can be found in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). And since navigating US regulations can be a bit of a maze, let's work our way from the top down:
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
↓
Title 29 — Labor
↓
Chapter XVII — Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor
↓
Part 1910 — Occupational Safety and Health Standards
↓
Subpart I — Personal Protective Equipment
↓
§1910.140 — Personal Fall Protection Systems
29 CFR 1910.140 — Personal Fall Protection Systems
Section 1910.140 sets out the basic safety requirements for personal fall protection systems. When it comes to carabiners, the rules are fairly brief:
- Automatic locking. Carabiners must have an automatic-locking gate that requires at least two separate, consecutive movements to open.
- Surface finish. Connectors must have a corrosion-resistant finish and smooth surfaces and edges to prevent damage to other system components.
- Tensile strength. Carabiners must withstand a minimum tensile load of 5,000 lbf (22.2 kN).
- Proof load. Carabiners must also withstand a 3,600 lbf (16 kN) proof test without cracking, breaking, or permanent deformation.
- Gate strength. The gate must withstand a load of at least 3,600 lbf (16 kN) without separating from the carabiner's nose by more than 0.125 inches (3.175 mm).
It's worth noting that these requirements apply to general industry, including manufacturing and routine building maintenance. Construction work falls under a separate set of OSHA regulations, including 29 CFR 1926.502. The requirements for carabiners are largely similar, although some details differ, particularly those concerning gate strength.
You won't find an OSHA certification mark or an OSHA-issued carabiner certificate. Instead, employers are responsible for choosing equipment that meets the applicable requirements. Manufacturers sometimes indicate this in their product descriptions with the phrase OSHA compliant.
Source: americansafetydist.com
Source: americansafetydist.com
OSHA regulations establish the minimum safety requirements employers must meet. They are not intended to be a comprehensive guide to work at height or industrial rope access, nor do they cover every detail of modern equipment design and best practices.
That's where the more detailed, voluntary ANSI/ASSP standards come in. Regularly revised to reflect developments in equipment and industry practices, they complement OSHA's legal requirements.
That's where the more detailed, voluntary ANSI/ASSP standards come in. Regularly revised to reflect developments in equipment and industry practices, they complement OSHA's legal requirements.
ANSI
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private, nonprofit organization that coordinates the US system of voluntary standards and conformity assessment.
ANSI doesn't develop standards itself. Instead, it accredits standards developing organizations (SDOs) and oversees the procedures they follow.
Unlike OSHA regulations, the standards developed under this system are generally voluntary. They are known as voluntary consensus standards because they are developed through discussions involving interested parties, including manufacturers, consumers, industry associations, and government representatives.
The process involves public review, consideration of comments and objections, and a consensus vote. Once the developer has completed the process, the standard can be submitted to ANSI for approval. If approved, it becomes an American National Standard (ANS).
ANSI doesn't develop standards itself. Instead, it accredits standards developing organizations (SDOs) and oversees the procedures they follow.
Unlike OSHA regulations, the standards developed under this system are generally voluntary. They are known as voluntary consensus standards because they are developed through discussions involving interested parties, including manufacturers, consumers, industry associations, and government representatives.
The process involves public review, consideration of comments and objections, and a consensus vote. Once the developer has completed the process, the standard can be submitted to ANSI for approval. If approved, it becomes an American National Standard (ANS).
Some of the organizations and representatives involved in developing ANSI/ASSP Z359.12-2019
Source: ansi.org
Source: ansi.org
One such ANSI-accredited standards developer is the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), formerly known as the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE). This nonprofit professional association specializes in occupational safety and health and serves as the secretariat for the Z359 committee, which develops standards for fall protection.
Among these standards is one particularly relevant to our discussion: ANSI/ASSP Z359.12-2019.
Among these standards is one particularly relevant to our discussion: ANSI/ASSP Z359.12-2019.
ANSI/ASSP Z359.12-2019
Source: assp.org
ANSI/ASSP Z359.12-2019 — Connecting Components for Personal Fall Arrest Systems establishes requirements for connecting hardware used in occupational fall protection. It forms part of the larger ANSI/ASSP Z359 Fall Protection Code.
The latest edition of Z359.12 was published in 2019 and sets out the following requirements for carabiners:
The latest edition of Z359.12 was published in 2019 and sets out the following requirements for carabiners:
- Surface finish. Carabiners must be free of burrs, sharp edges, rough surfaces, and other defects that could damage adjacent equipment.
- Corrosion resistance. Hardware must withstand a 48-hour salt-spray test without unacceptable corrosion of the base metal.
- Gate operation. Carabiners must have self-closing, self-locking gates that require at least two consecutive deliberate actions to open.
- Proof load. Every carabiner must undergo a 16 kN (3,600 lbf) proof-load test without cracking, breaking, or permanent deformation visible to the naked eye. The load must be reached in more than one second and maintained for at least two seconds. Unlike the qualification tests performed on selected specimens, this verification test applies to every individual connector.
- Major-axis strength. Carabiners must withstand at least 22.2 kN (5,000 lbf) along their major axis without breaking or separating from the nose by more than 3.1 mm (0.125 in). The load must be applied over more than one minute and maintained for at least one minute to avoid dynamic effects.
- Minor-axis loading. Carabiners must withstand a 16 kN (3,600 lbf) load applied along their minor axis in the specified test configuration, without breaking or deforming enough to release the gate. The load is applied at a rate not exceeding 76 mm/min (3 in/min). Certain captive-eye connectors are exempt from this test, except those with pin-type captive eyes.
- Gate-face and gate-side strength. The gate must withstand 16 kN (3,600 lbf) applied to its face and side in separate tests. The load is applied at no more than 76 mm/min and maintained for at least one minute. The gate must not break or separate from the carabiner's nose by more than 3.1 mm (0.125 in).
Minor-axis, gate-side, and gate-face strength tests under ANSI/ASSP Z359.12-2019.
Source: dmmprofessional.com
Source: dmmprofessional.com
Carabiners with particularly wide gate openings face additional testing:
- Transverse body loading. Carabiners with gate openings greater than 1 inch (25.4 mm) must pass both static and dynamic transverse-loading tests. In the static test, the connector must withstand 16 kN for at least one minute without breaking or allowing excessive gate separation. In the dynamic test, a 100 kg (220 lb) weight is dropped using a steel-cable test lanyard and a special fixture, producing an arrest force of 16–17 kN. Permanent deformation is permitted, provided the gate remains sufficiently engaged with the nose.
- Dynamic strength. Carabiners must also withstand a drop test producing an arrest force of 22.2–24 kN (5,000–5,405 lbf). Permanent deformation is permitted, but the gate must remain secured to the nose within the standard's limits. Before testing, specimens undergo abrasion conditioning and cold conditioning at approximately −35°C (−31°F).
Dynamic strength testing of carabiners under ANSI/ASSP Z359.12-2019.
Source: ansi.org
Source: ansi.org
- Marking. Carabiners must be marked with the year of manufacture, manufacturer identification, and sufficient information for traceability. Required markings also include major-axis and gate load ratings and, for applicable non-integral connectors, the ANSI Z359.12 designation.
Of course, these are only the main requirements. The standard also specifies numerous details about test equipment, procedures, and acceptance criteria.
Still, the sheer extent of the testing makes ANSI/ASSP Z359.12 one of the most demanding carabiner standards we've discussed so far. For anyone choosing hardware for professional fall protection, it's certainly worth considering.
And yes, like the OSHA regulations discussed earlier, ANSI/ASSP Z359.12 does not apply to recreational climbing or mountaineering.
ANSI/ASSP Z359.7-2026
Now that we know what ANSI/ASSP Z359.12 requires of carabiners, there's another question: who checks whether those requirements have actually been met?
That's where ANSI/ASSP Z359.7-2026 — Qualification and Verification Testing of Fall Protection Products comes in.
While Z359.12 establishes the requirements for connectors, Z359.7 sets out requirements for the testing process itself, including laboratory facilities, equipment, test specimens, and documentation.
Manufacturers can have their products tested in laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, including their own, and use the results to support a Declaration of Conformity (DoC). Alternatively, they can seek independent third-party certification, in which a certification body assesses the product's conformity and issues a certificate.
But who accredits these laboratories and certification bodies? One such organization is the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), an ANSI affiliate that evaluates their competence and impartiality. ANAB accredits the organizations that perform testing and certification, but does not certify carabiners itself.
Naturally, independent certification provides an additional level of assurance for buyers. However, it's important to remember that neither ANSI nor ASSP certifies carabiners. A reference to ANSI/ASSP Z359.12 on a carabiner indicates claimed compliance with that standard, not necessarily independent certification.
That's where ANSI/ASSP Z359.7-2026 — Qualification and Verification Testing of Fall Protection Products comes in.
While Z359.12 establishes the requirements for connectors, Z359.7 sets out requirements for the testing process itself, including laboratory facilities, equipment, test specimens, and documentation.
Manufacturers can have their products tested in laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, including their own, and use the results to support a Declaration of Conformity (DoC). Alternatively, they can seek independent third-party certification, in which a certification body assesses the product's conformity and issues a certificate.
But who accredits these laboratories and certification bodies? One such organization is the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), an ANSI affiliate that evaluates their competence and impartiality. ANAB accredits the organizations that perform testing and certification, but does not certify carabiners itself.
Naturally, independent certification provides an additional level of assurance for buyers. However, it's important to remember that neither ANSI nor ASSP certifies carabiners. A reference to ANSI/ASSP Z359.12 on a carabiner indicates claimed compliance with that standard, not necessarily independent certification.
The CMC ProSteel Auto-Lock D ANSI carabiner, designed to meet ANSI/ASSP Z359.12-2019. Its reinforced automatic-locking gate, rated to withstand a 16 kN load, is quite reassuring — both to the eye and to one's sense of safety.
Source: cmcpro.com.
Source: cmcpro.com.
NFPA
Another ANSI-accredited standards developer is the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a nonprofit organization that develops safety standards covering fire protection, emergency response, rescue operations, and other areas of life safety.
Unlike OSHA regulations, NFPA standards are generally voluntary, although they may become mandatory when adopted into law or required by the relevant authorities.
Unlike OSHA regulations, NFPA standards are generally voluntary, although they may become mandatory when adopted into law or required by the relevant authorities.
A nice bonus: NFPA provides free online, read-only access to its standards. Quite generous compared with many other American voluntary standards, which can easily cost $50–200 a copy.
NFPA 2500:2027
NFPA 2500:2027 — Standard on Organizational Capabilities for Technical Search and Rescue and Life Safety Rope and Equipment for Emergency Services establishes requirements for technical rescue operations and the life-safety equipment used by fire departments, rescue teams, and other emergency services.
The standard brings together three previously separate documents: NFPA 1983, covering life-safety rope and equipment; NFPA 1858, dealing with equipment selection, care, and maintenance; and NFPA 1670, addressing rescue operations and training. They were first consolidated into NFPA 2500 in 2022, and the current edition is dated 2027.
The standard brings together three previously separate documents: NFPA 1983, covering life-safety rope and equipment; NFPA 1858, dealing with equipment selection, care, and maintenance; and NFPA 1670, addressing rescue operations and training. They were first consolidated into NFPA 2500 in 2022, and the current edition is dated 2027.
Source: nfpa.org
When it comes to carabiners, NFPA distinguishes between two performance categories:
The two categories have different minimum breaking strength (MBS) requirements:
- General Use (G) — higher-strength equipment designed for greater loads and safety margins.
- Technical Use (T) — equipment intended for operations where the loads and required safety margins are carefully calculated and understood.
The two categories have different minimum breaking strength (MBS) requirements:
Loading configuration | General Use (G) | Technical Use (T) |
Major axis, gate closed | 40 kN | 22 kN |
Major axis, gate open | 11 kN | 7 kN |
Minor axis, gate closed | 11 kN | 7 kN |
NFPA's minimum breaking strength (MBS) is calculated statistically from five test specimens by subtracting three standard deviations from the mean breaking strength.
Which category should rescuers choose? That depends on the expected loads, acceptable safety margins, and the organization's training and capabilities.
For example, rescue teams performing a broad range of operations may prefer the greater strength margins offered by General Use equipment. Highly trained specialists working in more demanding environments, such as caves, may benefit from lighter Technical Use equipment while maintaining an acceptable level of safety through appropriate system design and training.
For example, rescue teams performing a broad range of operations may prefer the greater strength margins offered by General Use equipment. Highly trained specialists working in more demanding environments, such as caves, may benefit from lighter Technical Use equipment while maintaining an acceptable level of safety through appropriate system design and training.
Unlike the OSHA and ANSI/ASSP requirements discussed earlier, NFPA allows manually locking carabiners, including screw-gate models. Non-locking carabiners, however, do not qualify.
Source: cmcpro.com
Source: cmcpro.com
Which category should rescuers choose? That depends on the expected loads, acceptable safety margins, and the organization's training and capabilities.
For example, rescue teams performing a broad range of operations may prefer the greater strength margins offered by General Use equipment. Highly trained specialists working in more demanding environments, such as caves, may benefit from lighter Technical Use equipment while maintaining an acceptable level of safety through appropriate system design and training.
The standard also includes requirements for:
For example, rescue teams performing a broad range of operations may prefer the greater strength margins offered by General Use equipment. Highly trained specialists working in more demanding environments, such as caves, may benefit from lighter Technical Use equipment while maintaining an acceptable level of safety through appropriate system design and training.
The standard also includes requirements for:
- Corrosion resistance. Metal hardware must pass a 50-hour salt-spray test using a 5% saline solution, in accordance with ASTM B117. The hardware must remain functional and show no unacceptable corrosion.
- Marking. Carabiners must be permanently marked with their G or T designation, manufacturer identification, certification organization's mark, standard edition, and minimum breaking strength in all three loading configurations. Additional information, including the country of manufacture and product identification, must appear on the product label.
- Third-party certification. Products claiming conformity with NFPA 2500 must be certified by an independent certification organization and carry the appropriate certification markings.
The CMC ProSeries Aluminum Manual-Lock is a fine example of an NFPA General Use carabiner. Despite its lightweight aluminum construction, it boasts an impressive 40 kN minimum breaking strength along the major axis, earning it the coveted G rating. Not bad for an aluminum carabiner.
Source: cmcpro.com
Source: cmcpro.com
It's worth emphasizing that third-party certification is required to claim conformity with NFPA 2500, not a legal prerequisite for selling every rescue carabiner in the United States.
UL Solutions
UL Solutions, formerly known as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), is one of the world's best-known testing, inspection, and certification bodies that manufacturers can turn to when they want to demonstrate that their carabiners meet American safety standards, including ANSI/ASSP Z359.12 and NFPA 2500.
As we've already discussed, manufacturers may declare conformity with ANSI/ASSP standards themselves, while NFPA requires independent third-party certification. The familiar UL certification mark on a carabiner confirms that the product has been independently certified to the standards covered by that certification.
As we've already discussed, manufacturers may declare conformity with ANSI/ASSP standards themselves, while NFPA requires independent third-party certification. The familiar UL certification mark on a carabiner confirms that the product has been independently certified to the standards covered by that certification.
The Petzl Bm'D TLU is a fine example of a carabiner carrying several international conformity and certification markings, including CE, EAC, and UL. According to the manufacturer's documentation, UL certification covers ANSI/ASSP Z359.12-2019, NFPA 2500 Technical Use (2022 edition), and the Canadian standard CSA Z259.12-2016.
Source: petzl.com
Source: petzl.com
You can verify UL certifications through the official Product iQ database, using the manufacturer's name, product model, or certification file number.
As for recreational climbing and mountaineering, American climbers generally rely on the European EN 12275 and international UIAA 121 standards discussed in Part 1. The US once had its own standard for climbing carabiners, ASTM F1774, but it was withdrawn in 2025 without replacement.
Epilogue
After two rather tedious articles on carabiner certification, I hope most of these symbols, numbers, and abbreviations now make a little more sense.
Excerpt from the Petzl Bm'D TLU instructions showing conformity and certification information for standards discussed in Part 1 (EN 362 and EN 12275) and Part 2 (ANSI/ASSP Z359.12 and NFPA 2500).
Source: petzl.com
Source: petzl.com
But, of course, that's not everything!
We haven't even covered all the American standards. There's still ASTM F1956-20, for example. And who knows how many standards and certification schemes from other countries are still waiting for their turn? There's the international ISO 10333-5, Canada's CSA Z259.12, the Australian and New Zealand AS/NZS 1891 series, China's GB 23469-2025, and plenty more.
Will we ever get around to them? Only time will tell.
So, until next time — stay safe and certified!
We haven't even covered all the American standards. There's still ASTM F1956-20, for example. And who knows how many standards and certification schemes from other countries are still waiting for their turn? There's the international ISO 10333-5, Canada's CSA Z259.12, the Australian and New Zealand AS/NZS 1891 series, China's GB 23469-2025, and plenty more.
Will we ever get around to them? Only time will tell.
So, until next time — stay safe and certified!
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