Standards for fall protection equipment

The regulations governing working at height do not provide a clear and precise definition. It is up to the employer to assess the risks and take the collective or individual measures required to ensure the safety of all concerned.

Below is a list of standards and regulations in accordance with decree 2004-924: anchoring, harnesses, belts, connectors, lanyards, rope access, etc.

Working at heights regulations: Decree 2004-924

The general prevention principles must be applied by all employers whose staff work at a height that poses a true risk of falling.

Collective protection and PPE

"When collective protection devices cannot be implemented, workers must be protected by means of an appropriate fall arrest system that does not allow a free fall of more than one meter, or limits under the same conditions the effects of a fall from a greater height."

Working at height regulations : European standards

ANCORAGE - EN795

An anchorage point is a point where the fall arrest system is reliably attached to ensure the user's safety. There are different types of anchorage point:

Type A : Anchoring device requiring the attachment of one or more structural anchors
Type B: Anchoring device not requiring the attachment of one or more structural anchors
Type C: Anchoring device using a horizontal flexible belay support
Type D: Anchoring device using a rigid horizontal belay support
Type E : Dead-body anchoring device

FULL BODY HARNESS - EN361

A fall arrest harness is a body-gripping device designed to arrest falls and keep the user in the best possible condition while awaiting rescue.

Anchor points have static resistance > 15kN.

BELTS - EN358

The work positioning belt is a device that enables the user to be held securely in a given position with their hands free.

Anchor points have static resistance > 15kN.
Note: Belts must not be used as fall arrest devices.

A fall arrest device is a device that limits the fall to a low height (one meter) or to a low impact (less than 600 daN) according to recommendation R-431.

FALL ARRESTERS - EN353-1

Mobile fall arrester with a rigid anchor line.

A sliding fall arrester on a rigid anchor line is a device that locks automatically and comes to a halt on the vertical anchor line if the user falls. The anchor line may be a taut cable or a rail.

Breaking strength of these systems >15 kN.

FALL ARRESTERS EN353-2

Mobile fall arrester with a flexible anchor line.

A sliding fall arrester on a flexible anchor line is a device that locks automatically and comes to a stop on the vertical anchor line if the user falls. The anchor line may be a cable or rope (twisted or stranded). These flexible anchor lines need to be weighed down with a counterweight.

Breaking strength of these systems >15kN.

FALL ARRESTERS - EN360

Retractable-type fall arresters

An automatic fall arrester is a device fitted with a lanyard (cable or webbing) that is kept under constant tension, accompanying the user's movements. The system automatically locks and stops if the user falls. Available in various lengths.

Breaking strength > 12kN (cable lanyard) or > 15kN (fabric lanyard)

LANYARDS - EN355

Lanyards with energy absorber

Energy-absorbing lanyards dissipate the energy of a fall by tearing a specific webbing or seam. Maximum length is 2 meters, including connectors.

Breaking strength >15 kN
NB: A lanyard without an energy absorber must not be used as a fall arrest system.

LANYARDS - EN354

Lanyards with energy absorber

As a connecting lanyard or part of a restraint system, they can be used to limit a user's radius of movement.

Breaking strength > 22 kN.

LANYARDS - EN 358

A work positioning lanyard enables a user to hold himself under tension (or suspended) at a workstation, freeing his hands.

Breaking strength >15 kN.

CONNECTORS - EN362

Connectors are an essential part of any fall arrest system. It is vital to understand the different ways in which they are used.

CLASS A: Can be used as an anchor point
CLASS B: Detachable
CLASS T: Permanent

ROPE ACCESS - EN365

For all work at height, the contractor must draw up a risk prevention plan which must include "a rescue plan (...) to deal with any emergency that may arise during the work".