EN 354:2010 – Lanyard

The Latest Version of EN354

The latest version of the EN354 standard is EN 354:2010, which supersedes the previous edition, EN 354:2002. This updated standard specifies the requirements, test methods, marking, and manufacturer information for lanyards used in personal fall protection systems.

Products Applicable to EN354

EN354 applies to lanyards used as connecting elements or components in personal fall protection systems. These systems include:

1. Restraint systems: Prevent workers from entering fall-risk areas.
2. Work positioning systems: Hold workers securely in place at elevated heights.
3. Rope access systems: Used for climbing or descending.
4. Fall arrest systems: Catch and reduce the force of a fall.
5. Rescue systems: Aid in the safe retrieval of individuals.

Lanyards can be made from various materials, such as:

• Textile (e.g., polyester, nylon).
• Metal (e.g., steel wire ropes, chains).
• Hybrid (e.g., textile with metal components).

Specific Contents of EN354

The EN354 standard includes the following key aspects:

1. Design Requirements:
   • Lanyards must be marked with their length (±5%).
   • The maximum length is no longer restricted to 2 meters; lanyards longer than 2 meters are now included in the scope.
   • Terminal ends must be sewn, knotted, or equipped with metal rings.
2. Environmental Conditions:
   • General conditioning: Samples must be conditioned at 23°C ± 5°C and 65% ± 5% relative humidity for at least 24 hours.
   • Wet and cold conditioning: Samples are immersed in water for 1 hour and stored at -4°C for 4 hours.
   • Extreme cold conditioning (optional): For lanyards intended for use in temperatures below -30°C.
3. Strength and Performance:
   • Static strength: Textile lanyards must withstand 22 kN, while metallic lanyards must withstand 15 kN for 3 minutes.
   • Dynamic strength: Lanyards with length adjustment devices must prevent a 100 kg mass from touching the ground after a free fall of 4 meters.
   • Slippage: Adjustable devices must not slip more than 50 mm under a 6 kN load for 3 minutes.
4. Corrosion Resistance:
   • Metallic components must undergo a 48-hour neutral salt-spray test to ensure resistance to environmental corrosion.
5. Labeling and Information:
   • Products must include the manufacturer’s name, production date, EN 354 standard reference, and CE marking with a four-digit identification number.

Test Methods for EN354

The EN354 standard specifies the following test methods:

1. Static Strength Test:
   • Textile lanyards: 22 kN load for 3 minutes.
   • Metallic lanyards: 15 kN load for 3 minutes.
2. Dynamic Strength Test:
   • A 100 kg mass is dropped from a height of 4 meters using a 2-meter reference rope. The lanyard must arrest the fall.
3. Slippage Test:
   • Adjustable devices are subjected to a 6 kN load for 3 minutes. Slippage must not exceed 50 mm.
4. Environmental Conditioning:
   • Samples are conditioned under general, wet-cold, or extreme-cold conditions before testing.
5. Corrosion Resistance Test:
   • Metallic components are exposed to a neutral salt-spray environment for 48 hours.

Notes on EN354

1. Expanded Scope: The 2010 version includes lanyards longer than 2 meters and multiple configurations, such as twin-tail models.
2. Material Considerations: Textile lanyards may weaken when exposed to moisture due to the plasticizing effect of water on nylon fibers. Waterproof coatings are recommended.
3. Compliance Challenges: Manufacturers must ensure that products meet all test requirements, including extreme environmental conditions and dynamic performance.
4. CE Certification: Compliance with EN354 is mandatory for CE marking under the PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425.

If you’d like more details on any of these points or specific examples of lanyards meeting EN354, feel free to ask SINOMOX