EN 358:2018 – Safety Belts and Lanyards Designed for Work Positioning and Restraint Systems

The Latest Version of EN358

The latest version of the EN358 standard is EN 358:2018, which replaces the previous edition, EN 358:2000. This updated standard focuses on personal protective equipment for work positioning and prevention of falls from a height, specifically safety belts and lanyards used in these applications.

Products Applicable to EN358

EN358 applies to safety belts and lanyards designed for work positioning and restraint systems. These products are used to prevent falls from height and to allow workers to move freely while working at elevated positions. Key applications include:

1. Work positioning systems: Allow workers to remain securely in place during elevated tasks.
2. Restraint systems: Prevent workers from reaching fall-risk areas.
3. Horizontal lifelines: Used in conjunction with other fall protection systems for lateral movement.

The standard does not apply to fixed-length lanyards that are not integrated into a belt, which are covered under EN 354.

Specific Contents of EN358

The EN358:2018 standard specifies the following key requirements:

1. Design and Material Requirements:
   • The waist belt width must be at least 43 mm, and the back support width must be at least 100 mm.
   • Lanyards can be adjustable, with a maximum length of 2 meters.
   • Manufacturers must provide clear installation, adjustment, and usage instructions.
2. Performance Requirements:
   • Dynamic strength: Lanyards must arrest a fall and limit the force on the user to acceptable levels during a 1-meter fall test.
   • Static strength: Lanyards must withstand a static load of 15 kN for at least 3 minutes.
   • Slippage: Adjustable devices must not slip more than 50 mm under a 4 kN load.
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 358 reference with the year of issue, and CE marking with a four-digit identification number.

Test Methods for EN358

The EN358 standard specifies the following test methods:

1. Dynamic Performance Test:
   • Simulates a fall by dropping a test weight of 100 kg from a height. The lanyard must arrest the fall and ensure the force on the user does not exceed the specified limit.
2. Static Strength Test:
   • Applies a static load of 15 kN for 3 minutes to verify the product’s breaking strength.
3. Slippage Test:
   • Adjustable devices are subjected to a 4 kN load for 3 minutes. Slippage must not exceed 50 mm.
4. Corrosion Resistance Test:
   • Metallic components are exposed to a neutral salt-spray environment for 48 hours to assess resistance to corrosion.
5. Environmental Conditioning:
   • Products may undergo testing under extreme conditions, such as high and low temperatures, to ensure performance reliability.

Notes on EN358

1. Scope Limitations: EN358 does not cover fixed-length lanyards not integrated into a belt, which are addressed under EN 354.
2. Compliance with PPE Regulation: Products must comply with the EU PPE Regulation (EU 2016/425) and undergo testing by a notified body for CE marking.
3. User Safety: Regular inspection and proper use of EN358-compliant products are critical to ensure their effectiveness in fall protection scenarios.
4. Re-Certification: Certified inspectors must re-certify EN358 products every 12 months to ensure continued compliance.

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