EN361 – Full Body Harnesses

The Latest Version of EN361

The latest version of the EN361 standard is EN 361:2002, which was approved in July 2002 and supersedes the previous edition, EN 361:1992. This standard is part of the European Union’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulation (EU 2016/425) and specifies requirements for full-body harnesses used in fall arrest systems.

Products Applicable to EN361

EN361 applies to full-body harnesses used in fall arrest systems. These harnesses are designed to distribute fall forces across the body, minimizing injury during a fall arrest. Key applications include:

1. Construction: For working at heights on buildings or scaffolding.
2. Maintenance: For tasks requiring access to elevated areas.
3. Rescue operations: For safe retrieval of individuals.
4. Other industries: Such as utilities, wind turbine, and mountain climbing.

The standard does not apply to harnesses used for sports or recreational activities.

Specific Details of EN361

The EN361:2002 standard specifies the following key requirements:

1. Design and Material Requirements:
   • The primary straps must be at least 40 mm wide, and auxiliary straps must be at least 20 mm wide to ensure proper force distribution.
   • Materials must be made of high-strength synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester, nylon) with resistance to UV, abrasion, and environmental aging.
   • All metal components must be corrosion-resistant.
2. Performance Requirements:
   • Static strength: Each attachment point must withstand a static load of 15 kN for at least 3 minutes without failure.
   • Dynamic performance: Harnesses must undergo two consecutive fall tests from a height of 4 meters. The harness must arrest the fall and absorb the impact force without tearing or releasing the wearer.
   • Comfort and adjustability: Harnesses must be ergonomically designed to ensure comfort and adaptability to different body types.
3. Labeling and Information:
   • Products must include the manufacturer’s name, batch number, EN 361 reference with the year of issue, and CE marking with a four-digit identification number.

EN361 Testing Methods

The EN361 standard specifies the following test methods:

1. Static Strength Test:
   • Each attachment point is subjected to a static load of 15 kN for 3 minutes to verify breaking strength.
2. Dynamic Fall Arrest Test:
   • A standard test dummy is dropped from a height of 4 meters. The harness must arrest the fall, absorb impact energy, and ensure the wearer’s safety.
3. Environmental Resistance Test:
   • Harnesses are exposed to extreme conditions, such as high temperatures (70°C), low temperatures (-30°C), and UV radiation, to assess performance reliability.
4. Abrasion Resistance Test:
   • Tests the harness’s ability to withstand friction and wear in harsh environments.
5. Comfort and Fit Test:
   • Evaluates the ergonomic design and adjustability for different body types.

Notes on EN361

1. Compliance with PPE Regulation: EN361-compliant harnesses must undergo testing by a notified body and bear the CE marking to be sold in the EU market.
2. Re-Certification: Certified harnesses must be re-inspected every 12 months to ensure continued compliance and safety.
3. User Safety: Regular inspection and proper use of EN361-compliant harnesses are critical to ensure their effectiveness in fall protection scenarios.
4. Integration with Other Standards: Harnesses must be used with other compliant components, such as EN 354 lanyards and EN 362 connectors, to form a complete fall protection system.