Products Covered by EN353-1 and EN353-2 Standards
The EN353 standards apply specifically to personal fall protection equipment designed for use with rigid and flexible anchor lines. These European norms classify and regulate two distinct types of fall arrest systems:
EN353-1 applies to:
- Guided type fall arresters on rigid anchor lines
- Vertical rail systems (rigid anchor lines)
- Track-based fall arrest systems
- Rigid rail fall protection systems
- Fixed ladder safety systems with rigid guides
EN353-2 applies to:
- Guided type fall arresters on flexible anchor lines
- Cable-based fall arrest systems
- Flexible lifeline systems
- Vertical cable lifelines
- Retractable lifelines on flexible cables
Both standards cover complete systems including the fall arrester device, anchor line, and all necessary connectors. The Lad-Saf™ Flexible Cable Ladder Safety System mentioned in the search results would fall under EN353-2 as it utilizes flexible cable systems for fall protection.
Detailed Meanings of EN353-1 and EN353-2
EN353-1: Guided Type Fall Arresters on Rigid Anchor Lines
This standard specifies requirements for fall arrest systems that move along a rigid anchor line. Key characteristics include:
- Rigid guidance systems: Typically metal rails or tracks that provide a fixed, unyielding path
- Limited flexibility: The anchor line does not significantly deform under load
- Applications: Commonly used in industrial settings, construction sites, and maintenance platforms where straight vertical or inclined protection is needed
- System components: Includes the rigid rail, fall arrester carriages, and attachment points
- Performance requirements: Must withstand dynamic forces during fall arrest while maintaining system integrity
EN353-2: Guided Type Fall Arresters on Flexible Anchor Lines
This standard governs fall arrest systems that move along a flexible anchor line, with distinct features:
- Flexible guidance systems: Typically steel cables or webbing that can bend and flex
- Dynamic response: The anchor line may stretch or deform during fall arrest
- Applications: Used in situations requiring more versatile protection paths or where rigid systems are impractical
- System components: Includes the flexible lifeline, fall arrester device, end terminations, and energy absorbers
- Performance requirements: Must account for cable stretch and dynamic forces during fall arrest
The key difference between the two standards lies in the anchor line’s rigidity – EN353-1 for rigid systems and EN353-2 for flexible systems. Both standards ensure the equipment will safely arrest a fall while minimizing forces on the user.
Test Methods for EN353-1 and EN353-2 Compliance
Both standards require rigorous testing to verify system performance and safety. While the specific test methods differ slightly to account for the anchor line characteristics, they share common evaluation criteria.
Common Test Requirements:
- Static Strength Test:
- Verifies the system can withstand maximum anticipated loads without failure
- Typically applies 15kN force for at least 3 minutes
- Dynamic Performance Test:
- Simulates fall arrest scenarios using a 100kg test mass
- Measures arrest forces, deceleration distances, and system integrity
- Must limit maximum arrest force to 6kN
- Durability Tests:
- Cyclic movement tests to simulate long-term use
- Corrosion resistance testing (salt spray, humidity exposure)
- Abrasion resistance for moving parts
- Material Verification:
- Chemical composition analysis
- Mechanical property testing (tensile strength, hardness)
EN353-1 Specific Tests:
- Rigid rail deformation test: Ensures the rail maintains proper shape and function after impact
- Carriage movement test: Verifies smooth operation along the entire rail length
- Anchor point strength: Confirms secure attachment to supporting structure
EN353-2 Specific Tests:
- Cable elongation test: Measures stretch characteristics under load
- Flexibility test: Verifies proper operation through curves and bends
- Termination strength: Tests end fittings and connections
- Shock absorber verification: For systems incorporating energy absorbers
The test methods are designed to simulate real-world conditions while maintaining standardized evaluation criteria. Manufacturers must conduct these tests through certified laboratories and provide documentation of compliance.
Certification and Markings
Products meeting these standards will display:
- CE marking
- EN353-1 or EN353-2 designation
- Manufacturer identification
- Serial or batch number
- Year of manufacture
- Maximum number of users
- Relevant standards (e.g., ANSI, CSA for North American markets)
The search results reference the Lad-Saf™ system’s compliance with multiple standards including EN353-1, demonstrating how manufacturers often certify products to meet various international standards for different markets.
