Height safety is crucial to preventing accidents and injuries when working at height. European standards (EN) are designed to ensure the safety and performance of fall protection equipment. This guide explains the main standards that apply to height safety products and their importance in protecting workers.
Key EN Standards for Fall Protection Equipment
EN 361 – Full Body Harnesses
Full body harnesses are tested for both static strength and dynamic performance:
Static strength test: A force of 15kN is applied for 3 minutes between the anchor and attachment points.
Dynamic performance test: The harness is subjected to a 4m drop test with a 100kg dummy, ensuring the dummy remains secure in the harness without injury.
The harness must keep the dummy upright and intact during the fall.
EN 358 – Work Positioning and Restraint Belts
This standard covers belts and lanyards used to position a worker at height, preventing falls while working in place:
Static test: The belt must withstand 15kN of force for 3 minutes without failure.
Dynamic test: A 4m fall with a 100kg dummy must be arrested without the dummy hitting the ground.
EN 813 – Sit Harnesses
Sit harnesses are designed for suspension work, providing comfort when working in a seated position:
Static test: A force equivalent to 10 times the maximum load (minimum 15kN) must be applied for 3 minutes without failure.
Dynamic test: The harness is tested with a 100kg dummy to ensure it can hold the worker during a 1m drop.
EN 354 – Lanyards
Lanyards are critical for securing workers and preventing falls. This standard applies to lanyards, including those made of synthetic fibre ropes or webbing:
Static test: Lanyards must withstand 22kN (synthetic) or 15kN (metallic) of force for 3 minutes.
Dynamic test: The lanyard must hold a 100kg test mass and withstand a force of 3kN.
EN 355 – Energy Absorbers
Energy absorbers are used with lanyards to reduce the forces on the user in case of a fall:
Static preloading test: A 2kN force is applied, and the extension after activation must not exceed 50mm.
Dynamic test: A 4m fall must be arrested with no more than 6kN of braking force and a deceleration distance of less than 2m.
EN 360 – Retractable Fall Arresters
Retractable fall arresters must lock when the user falls and withstand dynamic forces:
Static test: Must withstand 15kN (synthetic) or 12kN (metallic) for 3 minutes without damage.
Dynamic test: The braking force must not exceed 6kN, and the arrest distance must not exceed 2m.
EN 362 – Connectors
Connectors used in fall protection systems are tested for various strengths:
Static strength: Varies by connector type, but all must be tested for strength, gate function, and corrosion resistance.
Function test: Connectors must operate correctly under load, ensuring reliability in high-stress situations.
EN 795 – Anchor Devices
Anchor devices are critical points of attachment for fall protection systems. This standard defines different types of anchors:
Type A: Fixed anchor points attached to a structure.
Type B: Stationary anchors without the need for structural attachment.
Type C: Flexible anchor lines with minimal deviation.
Type D: Rigid anchor lines.
Type E: Anchors relying on mass and friction for support.
Each type is tested for strength, deformation, and corrosion resistance.
EN 1497 – Rescue Harnesses
Rescue harnesses are designed for rescue operations and vertical access:
Static test: Harnesses must withstand 12kN of force for 3 minutes without failure.
Function test: They must be functional for lifting or lowering a person as part of a rescue system.
EN 1496 – Rescue Lifting Devices
These devices are used for lifting or lowering a person during a rescue.
Static strength: Devices must withstand 10 times the rated load (minimum 12kN).
Dynamic performance: The device must hold a 100kg test mass with a braking force not exceeding 6kN.
EN 363 – Personal Fall Protection Systems
This standard covers the assembly and characteristics of complete fall protection systems:
Restraint, work positioning, rope access, fall arrest, and rescue systems are all outlined in this standard.
Conclusion
Each height safety product must meet its relevant EN standard to ensure maximum protection. The standards provide a comprehensive framework for testing equipment for strength, functionality, and safety under various conditions.
Key Points:
- EN 361: Full body harnesses for fall arrest.
- EN 358: Work positioning belts and lanyards.
- EN 813: Sit harnesses for suspension.
- EN 354: Lanyards for securing workers.
- EN 355: Energy absorbers to reduce fall forces.
- EN 360: Retractable fall arresters.
- EN 362: Connectors for fall protection.
- EN 795: Anchor devices.
- EN 1497: Rescue harnesses.
- EN 1496: Rescue lifting devices.
Ensure your height safety equipment meets the correct standards by checking for relevant EN markings.
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