EN 355:2023 – Energy Absorbers

The Latest Version of EN355

The latest version of the EN355 standard is EN 355:2023, which replaces the previous edition, EN 355:2002. This updated standard is part of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulation (EU 2016/425) and focuses on energy absorbers used in fall protection systems.

Products Applicable to EN355

EN355 applies to energy absorbers used in fall protection systems. These products are typically used in conjunction with other components, such as safety harnesses and connectors, to form a complete fall protection system. Key applications include:

1. Fall arrest systems: Reduce the impact force during a fall.
2. Work positioning systems: Provide stability during elevated work.
3. Restraint systems: Prevent workers from entering fall-risk areas.

Specific Contents of EN355

The EN355:2023 standard specifies the following key aspects:

1. Design and Material Requirements:
   • Energy absorbers must be made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant, and anti-aging materials.
   • Design must avoid sharp edges or protrusions to prevent injury to users.
2. Performance Requirements:
   • Energy absorption: Must effectively absorb impact energy to limit force on the user to ≤6 kN.
   • Stretch limit: The maximum elongation during dynamic testing must not exceed 1.75 meters.
   • Static strength: Must withstand a static load of 15 kN for at least 3 minutes without failure.
3. Environmental Resistance:
   • Products must perform reliably under extreme conditions, such as high and low temperatures, humidity, and UV exposure.
4. Labeling and Information:
   • Products must include the manufacturer’s name, batch number, EN 355 reference with the year of issue, and CE marking with a four-digit identification number.

Testing Methods for EN355

The EN355 standard specifies the following test methods:

1. Dynamic Performance Test:
   • Simulates a fall by dropping a 100 kg mass from a height. The energy absorber must arrest the fall within the specified elongation limit (≤1.75 meters) and ensure the force on the user does not exceed 6 kN.
2. Static Strength Test:
   • Applies a static load of 15 kN for 3 minutes to verify the product’s breaking strength.
3. Environmental Testing:
   • Tests performance under extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, low temperatures, and humidity.
4. Durability Test:
   • Evaluates performance after repeated use, ensuring no significant degradation in function.

Notes on EN355

1. Standard Update: EN 355:2023 is the latest version and supersedes EN 355:2002. It includes updated requirements for environmental resistance and dynamic performance.
2. Compliance with Other Standards: Energy absorbers must be used with other compliant components, such as EN 361 safety harnesses and EN 362 connectors, to form a complete fall protection system.
3. CE Certification: Compliance with EN355 is mandatory for CE marking under the PPE Regulation (EU 2016/425). Products must undergo testing by a notified body.
4. User Safety: Proper use and regular inspection of energy absorbers are critical to ensure their effectiveness in fall protection scenarios.

If you need further details on specific test procedures or compliance requirements, feel free to ask SINOMOX.