EN 353-1
PERSONAL PROTECTION AGAINST FALLS – PART 1: GUIDED TYPE FALL ARRESTERS WITH RIGID ANCHOR LINES
EN 353-1:2002 specifies the requirements, test methods, marking, manufacturer information, and packaging for guided type fall arresters that include rigid anchor lines (i.e., those commonly attached to or integrated in fixed ladders or on rungs that are adequately adjusted to suitable structures). Guided type fall arresters with rigid anchor lines that conform with this European standard are sub-systems constituting one of the fall arrest systems covered by EN 363 only when combined with a full body harness that includes a front attachment point located in proper relation to the fall arrester (see EN 361). Other types of fall arresters are described in EN 353-2 and EN 360. Energy absorbers are detailed in EN 355.
This standard has been withdrawn due to the occurrence of fall protection accidents for which proper reporting concerning causes is unavailable. Even as fall arresters meet the applicable safety standard (i.e., EN 353-1), it has not been possible to prevent these accidents. The withdrawal of EN 353-1:2002 indicates that meeting the requirements specified in EN 353-1:2002 does not establish sufficient protection.
EN 353-1:2014 supersedes BS EN 353-1: 2002. Annex B (informative) lists the significant technical changes between the new and preceding versions of the standard.
EN 353-1:2014 specifies the requirements, test methods, marking, manufacturer information, and packaging for guided type fall arresters that include rigid anchor lines (i.e., those commonly attached to or integrated in fixed ladders or on rungs that are adequately adjusted to suitable structures). Guided type fall arresters with rigid anchor lines that conform with this European standard are sub-systems constituting one of the fall arrest systems covered by EN 363 only when combined with a full body harness that includes a front attachment point located in proper relation to the fall arrester (see EN 361). This European standard applies to rigid anchor lines installed vertically and/or with a combination of a forward-leaning angle and/or a lateral angle between the true vertical and the vertical +15°. Multi-user applications (i.e. rigid anchor lines that allow more than one user to be attached at any one time) are not addressed in this document.
Summary of key changes:
Angled systems:
Previously, the standard covered only systems in the vertical position. The revised standard covers systems between the vertical and the vertical +15°.
Minimum and maximum loads:
Guided type fall arresters must now be tested with both a minimum and maximum loads and should be marked accordingly. Previously, the standard required testing with a load of 100 kg.
Permanent attachment:
Connecting elements are now required to be permanently attached to the guided type fall arrester.
User intervention:
When attached to the rigid anchor, guided type fall arresters are must accompany the user upward and downward without manual intervention.
U-bolt clamps:
Top terminations to the rigid anchor lines using U-bolt clamps are no longer acceptable.
Functionality:
By outlining tests that must be undertaken, the standard now places greater emphasis on the functionality of the rigid anchor line and the guided type fall arresters. These function tests measure performance in low temperatures, at minimum distances, during fall backs, when affixed to a guiding bracket, during sideways falls, and the strength of sideways-leaning anchors.
