A fall arrest system is a chain made up of an anchor, a connector, an energy-absorbing lanyard and a full body harness. This guide explains the standard for each link, the harness label, anchor and connector classes and the clearance needed, with diagrams.
The system is a chain: each link is certified to its own standard and the weakest link sets the limit (EN 363).
- EN 795Anchor point
- EN 362Connector (karabiner, hook)
- EN 355 · 354Lanyard with energy absorber; or an EN 360 retractable fall arrester
- EN 361Full body harness
- EN 1496 · 341Rescue: a rescue lifting or descender device and a plan made in advance
HSE expects rescue to be planned before work starts and not left to the fire service: a person hanging in a harness must be reached quickly.
- EN 361Full body harness for fall arrest
- EN 358Work positioning with a waist belt; does not arrest a fall on its own
- 150 kgMaximum user weight declared by the maker
The label also shows where the fall arrest attachment points are (letter A); the lanyard goes only to these points.
Example productDelta Plus HAR24H- AAnchor permanently fixed to the structure
- BTransportable temporary anchor (sling, tripod)
- CFlexible horizontal anchor line
- DRigid horizontal rail
- EDeadweight anchor on a flat surface
EN 795:2012 covers one user; for several users at once the anchor must be tested to CEN/TS 16415.
- BBasic connector
- MMulti-use: may be loaded on two axes
- TTermination: at the end of a lanyard, loaded in one direction
- AAnchor connector: fits directly onto an anchor
- QScrew link: load-bearing only when fully closed
Example for a 2 m lanyard with energy absorber, anchored above the feet: this much free space is needed below the anchor.
- Lanyard length2 m
- Energy absorber deployment≤ 1.75 m
- Attachment point to the feet1.5–2 m
- Safety margin1 m
Total ≈ 6.25–6.75 m below the anchor
Based on examples in manufacturers’ manuals. The clearance in the manual of the product you use is what counts.
- EN 354Lanyards; at most 2 m including the absorber
- EN 355Energy absorber: limits the arrest force on the body to at most 6 kN
- EN 360:2023Retractable fall arresters (replaces the 2002 edition)
- EN 353-1Guided fall arrester on a rigid anchor line
- EN 353-2Guided fall arrester on a flexible anchor line
- EN 358Work positioning belts and lanyards
- EN 813Sit harnesses (rope access)
- EN 1496Rescue lifting devices
- EN 341Descender devices for rescue
- EN 363Personal fall protection systems
- EN 365Use, maintenance and periodic examination: by a competent person at least every 12 months
A personal fall arrest system is not a single product but a system of connected parts. Each part is certified to its own standard, and the safety of the system depends on its weakest part. That is why the compatibility of the parts, and whether enough clear space remains below the person in a fall, have to be assessed together.
How to read the diagrams
- System chain: the standard for each link, from the anchor point to the harness, is shown in order. A retractable fall arrester can be used instead of an energy-absorbing lanyard. The last link in the chain is rescue: how to reach someone suspended in the harness quickly must be planned before work starts.
- Harness label: EN 361 is the full body harness for fall arrest. An EN 358 belt is for work positioning only and does not arrest a fall on its own. A lanyard is attached only to the attachment points marked with the letter A.
- Anchor types: EN 795 divides anchors into fixed anchors, transportable anchors, flexible horizontal lines, rigid rails and deadweight anchors. If more than one person will be attached to the same anchor, it must have been tested for multiple users.
- Connectors: the letter in EN 362 shows where and how a karabiner or hook is to be used. A screw link carries load only when it is fully closed.
- Clearance: in the example calculation with a 2 m energy-absorbing lanyard, about 6.25–6.75 m of clear space is needed below the anchor. The value in the instructions of the product used is binding.
- Other standards: vertical line systems, sit harnesses and rescue devices are certified to separate standards. Under EN 365, equipment is inspected by a competent person at least every 12 months.
For correct harness adjustment and the check before use, see our harness article.
Short selection checklist
- First check whether collective measures such as guardrails or a work platform are possible.
- Determine the location and type of the anchor point; if more than one person will be attached, choose a suitable anchor.
- Depending on the task, choose an energy-absorbing lanyard, a retractable fall arrester or a vertical line system, and check that the parts are compatible.
- Confirm that the clear space below the anchor is at least the clearance given in the product instructions.
- Prepare the rescue plan before work starts; check the equipment visually before every use and have a competent person inspect it at least every 12 months.
This guide is for general information. For exact requirements, the current text of the standard and the product's instructions for use apply.
Frequently asked questions
Can a work positioning belt be used for fall arrest?
No. An EN 358 belt is for work positioning and does not arrest a fall on its own. Fall arrest requires an EN 361 full body harness, with the lanyard attached to the harness attachment point marked A.
Why does clearance matter?
The energy absorber deploys as it arrests the fall, and this extension adds to the lanyard length. Without enough clear space below the anchor, the person may hit the ground or a structure before stopping. The example calculation gives about 6.25–6.75 m; the value in the product instructions is binding.
How often should the equipment be inspected?
Under EN 365, personal fall protection equipment must be inspected by a competent person at least every 12 months. The user also checks the harness, lanyard and connectors visually before every use.
Sources
- JSP – How to calculate the clearance needed for fall arrest equipment
- JSP – How to check if your height safety equipment is compliant
- SATRA – EN 795:2012 and CEN/TS 16415:2013 anchor devices
- HSE – Work at height FAQ
- EVS (Estonian Centre for Standardisation) – EVS-EN 360:2023
This article is compiled from these sources; for technical values and obligations, the current edition of the source applies.
