EN795 – Anchor Devices

The Latest Version of EN795

The latest version of the EN795 standard is EN 795:2012, which was published in 2012. This standard is part of the European Union’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulation (EU 2016/425) and specifies requirements for anchor devices used in fall protection systems. These anchor devices are critical for securing personal fall protection systems to fixed structures.

Products Applicable to EN795

EN795 applies to anchor devices used in fall protection systems. These devices are designed to provide secure attachment points for fall protection systems, such as harnesses, lanyards, or retractable fall arresters. 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. High-risk environments: Such as offshore platforms, industrial facilities, or warehouses.

Anchor devices covered under EN795 include:

• Fixed anchor points.
• Horizontal lifelines.
• Vertical lifelines.
• Portable anchor devices.

Specific Details of EN795

The EN795:2012 standard specifies the following key requirements:

1. Design and Material Requirements:
   • Anchor devices must be made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials.
   • The design must ensure secure attachment to the structure and reliable load-bearing capacity.
   • Anchor devices must be marked with their class, load ratings, and other essential information.
2. Performance Requirements:
   • Static strength: Anchor devices must withstand a static load of 15 kN for at least 3 minutes without failure.
   • Dynamic performance: Anchor devices must arrest a fall and limit the force on the user to acceptable levels during a free-fall test.
   • Corrosion resistance: Metallic components must resist environmental corrosion, such as rust, to ensure long-term reliability.
3. Labeling and Information:
   • Products must include the manufacturer’s name, batch number, EN 795 reference with the year of issue, and CE marking with a four-digit identification number.

EN795 Testing Methods

The EN795 standard specifies the following test methods:

1. Static Strength Test:
   • Anchor devices are subjected to a static load of 15 kN for 3 minutes to verify breaking strength.
2. Dynamic Performance Test:
   • Simulates a fall by dropping a test mass of 100 kg from a height. The anchor device must arrest the fall and ensure the force on the user does not exceed the specified limit.
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:
   • Anchor devices are tested under extreme conditions, such as high temperatures (50°C), low temperatures (-30°C), and humidity (85% RH), to ensure performance reliability.
5. Compatibility Test:
   • Ensures that anchor devices can be safely used with other components of the fall protection system, such as harnesses and lanyards.

Notes on EN795

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 anchor devices must be re-inspected every 12 months to ensure continued compliance and safety.
3. User Safety: Regular inspection and proper use of EN795-compliant anchor devices are critical to ensure their effectiveness in fall protection scenarios.
4. Integration with Other Standards: Anchor devices must be used with other compliant components, such as EN 361 safety harnesses and EN 354 lanyards, to form a complete fall protection system.