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BRITISH STAi~DARD
- IBSEN
I 355:2002

Personal protective
equipl1lent against falls . .

frolTI a heigh.t - Ellergy

absorbers

The European Standard EN 355:2002 has the status of a

British Standard

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BS EN 355:2002
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National forew'ord {

This British Standard is the official Engiish iang1\age version of EN 355:2002. (

It supersede;:; BS EN 355:1993 which i:; withdrpwn.
The UK participat.io'1 ill its preparation was ~ntrusted tc Technical Committee (
PH/5, Industrial safety belts and harnesses, which has the responsibility to:

aid enquirers to understand the text;

present to the responsible international/Eurcpean committee any

enquiries on the inte!"pretation, or proposalE: for change, and keep the
UK interests i;tforrned;
monitar related inter national and European developm~nts and
promulgate them in the UK.
,\ list of organizations rep;-~5~nr.ed on this committee can be obtained on
request to its secretary.
Cross-references
The British Star,dE-rds which imlJlement intemational or European
publications referred to in this document may be found in the DSI Catalogu<!
under the section entitled "International Standards Correspondence Index", or
by using the "Search" facility of the BSI Electronic Catalogue or of British
Standards Online. .

This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for their correct application.
Complirtnce with a British Stnndard does not ofitselfconfer immunity
from legal obligations.

This British Standard. having

bei!n prepared tmder the
direction of the Health and
Envi:onment Sector Policy and
Strategy Committee, was
published under the authority
of the Standards Policy and
Strategy Committee on
4 July 2002
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front caver, an inside front cover, the EN title page,
pages 2 to 10, an insicle back cO~Terand a back cover. 'f
The B~I ccpyright date displayed in this oocument indicates when the
document was last issued. .\

Amendments issued since publication (

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Amd. No. Comments
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\:) BSI 4 July 2002
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ISBN 0 580 39968 0 -
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EUROPEAN STANDARD EN355
NORME EUROPEENNE
EUROPAISCHENORM May 2002
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ICS 13.340.99 Supersedes EN 355:1992

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rti.-SOti211 prUleClIVe equlptilei It agcilll~l 10115 lroll i a Ilcil8d~ :.
Energy absorbers

Equipemerlt de protection individuelle contre les chutes de Personhche Schutzausrustung gegen At-sloln: -
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hauteur Absorbeurs d'energi9 Falldampter

This European Standard wa<;approved by CEN on 12 March 2002.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate l~e conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists ::lnd bibliographical referencos concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member. -

This Euror>eal1Standard exists in three offici2! versions (English, French. German). A version in ani other language made by translation
under the responsibi!ity of a ;:EN member into its own language and notified to lhe f\.:anagement Centre has the sama status as the offidal
versions.

CEN mer.lbers are the natiunal standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Oenmar1<,Finland, Fraflce. Germaiiy, Greece,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Ne!herlar.::Js, Norway. Portugal, Spain. Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

. EUROPEAN COMMmEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

CO~IITE EUROPEEN DE NORMALlSATlON
EURO!'AISCHES KOMITEE FOR NORMUNG
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Manauemef1t Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B.~050 Brussels

( @ 2002 CEN All rights of exploitation in Clny form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 355:2()02 E 1
worldwide tor CEN national Members. t:.,.

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EN 355:2002 (E)
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Contents

Foreword page3
1 S.:o pe ... 4
2 Norma iive rete rence 5 4
3 Te:rms and deftnitior.s ..4
4 Req uIremen ts 5
4.1 Design and srgoncm ics 5
4.2 Mater!a!s and constructi0n ; 5
4.3 Statl c pre Ioa din9 5
4.4 Dynamic performance 5
4.5 Statl c stre ngth 5
4.6 Marklng and Informatl0n 5
5 Test methods .;. 5
5.1 Static preloadlng test. .. "...5
5.1.1 Apparatus: 5
5.1.2 Method .;.. 5
5.2 Dyr.amIc pe rformance te st 6
5.2.1 Appa ratu s 6
5.2.2 Method {\
5.3 Statl c stre n9th <esot 7
5.3.1 Appa ratu s 7
5.3.2 Method 7
6 Ma rkin9 7
7 Information supplied by the man IIfacturer - 7
8 Pa ckag Ing ...~ 8
Annex ZA (informative) Clauses of this European Standard addressing essential requirements or othe:-
provisions of EU Directives - 9
Bib iiog ra p h Y - 1(j

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EN 355:20(;2 (E)
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Foreword

This document EN 355:2002 has been pref.}ared by Technical Committee CENfTC .60 "ProtecUon against fall$
irom a height including working belts", the secretariat of which is held by DIN.

ThiS European Standard sha!l be given the status of a national standard, either b}1publir;ation of an identical text or
by endorsE::ment, at the latest by November 2002, 2nd conflicting national siandards shall be withdrawn at the latest
by November 2002.

This dccument supersedes EN 355: 1992. This new edition contains the old text of the standard and inccrporatcs
wme urgent amendments thc:t are irotended to give additional infonnation and clarify inconsistencies. A
comprehensive revision of the standard will follow at a later stage.

This document has been prepar~d under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the European
Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).

For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative annex ZA, which is an intogral part of this document.

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national stal"\dards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, DE::nm8rX,Finl::md.
France, Germany, Greece, Icelano, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland aild the United Kingdom.

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EN 355:2002 (E) .(
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1 Scope f
This European Standard spAcifies the requirements. test mE:thods, marking, information supplied by the manufacturer
and packaging for energy absorbers. Energy absorhers confomling to this European Standard are used as elements
or compo!1~mts either integiated in a lanyard, an anchor line or a full body hamess or in combination with one of them.

Combinations of an energy absorber and d lanyard are s~b-systems constituting one o~ the fall arrest systems
covered by EN 363. when combined with a full body harness specified in EN 361.

Fall alTesters are specitied in EN 353-1, EN 353-2 and EN 36Q.

2 Normative ieferences

This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text, and the publications are listed hereafter. For
dated tefersr.ces, subsequent amendments to or rev:sions of any of these publications apply to this F.uropean
Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated.references, the latest edition of the
publicationreferredto applies(includingamendments). .

EN 354:2002, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height - Lanyards.

EN 362, Personal protp,ctive equipment against falls from a height - Connectors.

EN 363:2002, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height - Fall arrest systems.

EN 364:1992. Personal protectIve equipment against falls from a height - Test methods.
EN 365: 1992. Personal protective equipment against falls frum a height - General requirements for instructions for
use and for marking.

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this European Standard. the following terms and defii1itioi1s apply.

3.1
energy absorber
element or a component of a fall arrest system. which is designed to dissipate the kinetic energy developed during a
fall from a height [EN 363]

3.2
lanyard
connecting element or component of a fall arrest sys~em.A lanyard may be of synthetic fibre rope. wire rope, webbing
or chain [EN 363] . \.

3.3 \
length of energy absorber including a lanyard
totai length 4 in metres from one load bearing point to the other load bearing point. measured in an unloaded but taut (
condition of the energy absorber including lanyard [EN 363]
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3.4 -
braking force
maximum force Fmax in kilonewtons, measured at the anchor point or the anchor line during the braking period of the
dynamic performance test fEN 363] f'
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EN 355:2D02 (E)

3.5
( arrest distance
vertical distance H in metr~s, meJsured at the nlobi:e 10nd bearing point of the connscting sub-~ystem from the initial
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position (onset of the free fall) to the final position (equilibrium after the arrest), exciuding the displacements of the full
body harness and its attachment element [EN 363]

4 Requirements

4.1 Design and crgonomir.s

The general requirements for the design and ergonomics are specified in 4.1 of EN 363:2002.

4.2 Mat~rials and construction

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If an energy absorber is incorporated in a lanyard (Le. the energy absorber cannot be removedwithout mutilating the
lanyc::rd,or without the use of a special dedicated tool),the lanyard shall conform to 4.2 and 4.3 of EN 354:2002.

Connectors for energy absorbers shall conform to EN 362.

4.3 Static preloading

When tested as describad in 5.1 the pe:manent extension caused by 3ctivation of the ellergy abs,:xber after
preloading with 2 kN shall nqt be greater than 50 mm.

4.4 Dynamic performance

vVhe!1tested as described in 5.2 with a rigid steel mass of 100 kg or a torso dummy of 100 kg mass, the braking force
Fmz:xshall not exceed 6 kN and the arrest distance H shall be H < 2 4 + 1,7f>m, dependingon the total length 4 of the
energy absorber inciuding lanyard. '

4.5 Static strength

When tested as described in 5.3 with a force of 15 kN, the .fully developed eneigy absorber shall withstand the static
strength test without tearing or rupture.

4.6 Marking and informatiol'!

Marking of the energy absorber shall be in accordance with clause 6.

Information shall be supplied with the energy absorber in accordance with clause 7.

5 Test methods

5.1 Static pre!oading test

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5.1.; Apparatus

The static preloading test apparatus shall conform to 5.3.1 of EN 354: 1992.

5.1.2 Method
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The static preloading test shall be conducted 8S described in 5.3.2 of EN 364:1992. The permanent extension shall be
<. measured at the point of activation of the energy absorber.
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EN 355:2002 (E:)
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5.2 Dynamic performance t~st
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5.2.1 Apparatus (

The dynamic performance test apparatus shall conform to 4.2,4.4,4.5 and 4.6 <?fE.N364:1992.

5.2.2 Method (

5.2.2.1 Energy absorber as a component

If the energy absorber is a component, the dynamic rerformanc'3 test shall be conducted as specified in 5.3.4.1 of
EN 364:1992 with a rigid steel mass of 100 kg.

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Figure 1 Example of ar. energy absorher as a component

5.2.2.2 Energy absorber integral with a lanyard

If the energy absorber is incorporated in c:lanyard, the dynamic performancetest shall be conducted as specified in
5.3.4.2 of EN 364:1992 with a rigid steel mass of 100 kg, raising the mass to its maximum height and without using an
additional chain lanyard.

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Figure 2 - Example of an energy absorber integral with a lanyard

5.2.2.3 Energy absorber integral with a full body harness

If L'1eenergy absorber is incorporated in a full body harness. the dynamic performanGetest shan be conducted.as l '
5J)ecitiedin 5.3.4.3 of EN 364:1992 with a torso dummyof 100 kg mass.
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5.3 Static strength test

5.3.1 Apparatus
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The static strength test apparatus shall conform to 4.1 of EN 364:1992.

5.3.2 Method

The static strength test shall be conducted as described in 5.3.6 of EN 36

6 Marking

Marking on the energy absorber shali ~cnform to 2.2 of EN :;$65:1992al

country of destination. In addition to conforming to 2.2 of EtJ 365:1992 the

a) en the energy absorber. a pictogram to indicate that users ~

manufacturer (see figure);

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b) the maximum length allowed of the energy <Jbsorber including I~n~

c) the model/type identification mark of the energy absorber;

d) the number of this Europ'3an Standard. Le. EN 355.

7 Information supplied by the manufacture~'

The information supplied by the manufacturer shall be provided in the lan~
conform to 2.1 of EN 365:1992 and in addition shall include at least advice
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a) th2t the total length of a sub-system with an energy absorber incll
shall not exceed 2 m (e.g. connector plus lanyard plus energy abs(
t . b) the characteristics required for a reliable anchor point;
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c) on how to connect to a reliable anchor point. to a full body harne~
system;

d) on how to ensure the compatibilityof any components to be use(

e.g. by reference to other European Standards;

e) the necessary minimum clearance below the feet of the user. in 0

ground in a fall froni the height. With a mass of 100 kg and a
clearance is the arrest distance H (see 3.5) plus an extra distance (

f) the material from which the el1ergy absorber is made;

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EN 355:2002 (E) . (,
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g) on limitations of the materials in the product or hazardswhich may affect its performance, e.g. temperature,
the effect of sharp edges, chemical reagents, electrical conductivity, cutting, abrasion, UV degradat!on.other
climatic conditions; (

h) that before and during use, consideration should be given a::; to how any rescue couid be safely and (
efficiently carried out;

i) that the product should on!y De used by a trained and/or otherwise competent peison or the user should be
under the direct supe:vision of such a person;

j) on how to clean th~ product, including disinfection, without ad'/erse effect;

k) if information exists, the expected Iifespa:1 of the product (obso!e:;cencej or how this may be determined;

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I on how to pretect the product during trdnsportation;

m) on the meaning of any markings on the product;

n) the model/type identification mark of the e:1ergy absorber;

0) .the number of this European StandC'lrd,Le. EN 355.

8 Packaging

Energy absorbers shall be supplied wrapped, but not necessarily sealed. in a materizl that provides some resistance
agdinst the penetration of moisture.

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EN 355:2002 (E)

Annex ZA
(informative)

Clauses of this European Standard addressing essential requirements or

other provisions of EU Directives

This European Siandard has been prepared under d mandate given to CEN by thl'! European Co:r.mission and the
European Frae Trade Associationand supports essentialreqLJircmentsof EIJ Directive 89/686/EEC.

W ARNrNG : Other requirements and other EU Directives may be applicabie to'the product(s) failing within the scope
of this EuropeanStandard. .

The following clauses of this European Standard are likely to suppoot requirem~nts of Directive 89/686/EEC, Annex II:

EU-Directive89/686/EEC,Annex II Clauses of this standard I

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1.1 Designprinciples 4.1 and 4.2
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1.3.2 Lightness and design strength 4.5

1.4 Infonnation supplied by the manufacturer 7

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2.10 PPE for coilnectiori to another. external complelnentary device 7

2.12 . PPE bearing one or mQre identification or remgnition marks directly or 6 and 7
indirectly re!ating to health and safety

3.1.2.2 Prvention of falls from height 4 to 8

Compliance with the clauses of this European Standard provides one means of conforming to the specific essential
requirements of the Directiveconcerned and as~ociatedEFTA regulations.

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