Every safety device shall be of such strength, design, construction and installation as to withstand the impact due to the fall of any and all persons who depend on it for safety.

All safety devices shall be approved, or shall be subject to acceptance by the commissioner. Approved safety devices shall be deemed safe for the uses and purposes for which they may be approved and shall be subject to tests by the commissioner only when they appear substantially damaged or deteriorated. Safety devices complying with subdivision (a) of this section which have been demonstrated by experience and use to be protective against substantial risk to the performer or others of serious injury from falling, and which are satisfactory to the safety supervisor and to the performer using them, shall be deemed acceptable until the commissioner shall otherwise find. Safety devices not approved may be tested as the commissioner may deem necessary for acceptance. Safety devices expressly disapproved by the board shall not be used for any use or purpose to which the disapproval relates.