EN1496 – Rescue Lifting Devices

The Latest Version of EN1496

The latest version of the EN1496 standard is EN 1496:2017, which specifies requirements for rescue lifting devices used in personal fall protection systems. This version supersedes the previous edition and is part of the European Union’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulation (EU 2016/425).

Products Applicable to EN1496

EN1496 applies to rescue lifting devices used to rescue individuals by lifting them from a lower to a higher place. These devices can also be integrated into other personal protective equipment systems, such as descender devices, retractable lanyards, or anchor devices. Key applications include:

1. Rescue operations: For lifting individuals in emergency situations, such as building evacuations or industrial accidents.
2. High-risk environments: Such as offshore platforms, construction sites, and industrial facilities.
3. Vertical lifelines: Used in conjunction with other fall protection systems for controlled rescue lifting.

The standard categorizes rescue lifting devices into two classes:

• Class A: Devices used only for lifting.
• Class B: Devices that allow both lifting and limited lowering (up to 2000 mm).

Specific Details of EN1496

The EN1496:2017 standard specifies the following key requirements:

1. Design and Material Requirements:
   • Devices must be made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials.
   • The braking system must ensure a controlled lifting speed, with an operational force not exceeding 250 N when tested with the maximum rated load.
   • Devices must be marked with their class (A or B), load ratings, and other essential information.
2. Performance Requirements:
   • Dynamic performance: Class B devices must arrest a fall and limit the force on the user to ≤6 kN during a free-fall test.
   • Static strength: Devices must withstand a static load of 12 kN or 10 times the maximum rated load, whichever is greater, for at least 3 minutes without failure.
   • Corrosion resistance: Metallic components must pass a 48-hour salt-spray test to ensure durability in harsh environments.
3. Classification System:
   • Class A: For lifting operations only.
   • Class B: For both lifting and limited lowering.

EN1496 Testing Methods

The EN1496 standard specifies the following test methods:

1. Dynamic Performance Test (Class B):
   • A test mass of 1.5 times the maximum rated load is dropped with an initial free fall of 600 mm. The device must arrest the fall and ensure the force on the user does not exceed 6 kN.
2. Static Strength Test:
   • Applies a static load of 12 kN or 10 times the maximum rated load, whichever is greater, for 3 minutes to verify the breaking strength.
3. Corrosion Resistance Test:
   • Metallic components are exposed to a neutral salt-spray environment for 48 hours to assess resistance to corrosion.
4. Environmental Resistance Test:
   • Devices are tested under extreme conditions, such as high temperatures (50°C), low temperatures (-4°C), and humidity, to ensure performance reliability.
5. Operational Force Test:
   • The force required to operate the winching mechanism must be below 250 N when tested with the maximum rated load.

Notes on EN1496

1. 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.
2. Re-Certification: Certified devices must be re-inspected every 12 months to ensure continued compliance and safety.
3. User Safety: Regular inspection and proper use of EN1496-compliant devices are critical to ensure their effectiveness in rescue scenarios.
4. Integration with Other Standards: Rescue lifting devices must be used with other compliant components, such as EN 341 descender devices and EN 795 anchor devices, to form a complete fall protection system.