Fall protection explained
A fall-arrest system has three parts: anchor, connector, harness. All must work together.
- EN 361:2002
- EN 358:2018
- EN 355:2002
- EN 360:2023
- EN 362:2004
- EN 795:2012
- EN 813:2024
Read this ifYou need a harness, lanyard or anchor
Anchor, body harness, connector
- AEN 795
Anchor
- BEN 361
Body harness
- CEN 355 / EN 360 / EN 362
Connecting device
Decode the harness
A = fall-arrest attachment point.
- A
Fall-arrest point
Letter A next to a D-ring or loop = can be used for fall arrest.
- A/2
Pair of points
A/2 = two loops that must be clipped together.
- S-L
Size
- CE 0123
CE + body number
Category III, so a body number is shown.
- Date
Manufacture date / serial
Needed for inspection records.
- Harnesses need a detailed inspection by a competent person (HSE suggests at least every 6 months) and a pre-use check every time.
The parts
Fall protection parts and their standards
A system is only as good as its weakest part. All are Category III PPE.
| Standard | Item | Key point on the label |
|---|---|---|
| EN 361 | Full body harness | "A" attachment points |
| EN 358 | Work positioning belt / lanyard | NOT for fall arrest - holds you in place |
| EN 813 | Sit harness | Rope access, tree work; low attachment point |
| EN 355 | Energy absorber (lanyard) | Total length incl. connectors max 2 m; arrest force 6 kN max |
| EN 360 | Retractable fall arrester | Max length; check if approved for horizontal or edge use |
| EN 362 | Connector (karabiner) | Class: B basic, M multi-use, T termination, A anchor, Q screw link; strength in kN; gate opening |
| EN 795 | Anchor device | Type A fixed, B portable, C flexible line, D rigid rail, E deadweight |
Connector (karabiner) marking: EN 362
Example: EN 362 B 25 kN (long axis) gate 18 mm.
- B
Class
B basic, M multi-use (can load across), T termination (fixed to a system), A anchor (to a specific anchor), Q screw link.
- 25 kN
Strength
Long-axis strength with gate closed.
- 18 mm
Gate opening
Check it fits the anchor.
Anchor device types: EN 795
The anchor must suit the harness system and the structure.
| Type | What it is | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A | Fixed anchor on a structure | Eyebolt, roof anchor |
| B | Portable, temporary anchor | Tripod, beam clamp, door-frame bar |
| C | Flexible horizontal line | Wire or webbing lifeline |
| D | Rigid horizontal rail | Overhead rail system |
| E | Deadweight anchor | Weighted anchor on flat roofs |
Which do I need?
- Stop a fall: EN 361 harness + EN 355 lanyard or EN 360 retractable + EN 795 anchor.
- Hold in position: EN 358 belt (not for falls).
- Rope access, tree work: EN 813 sit harness, trained users only.
Common mistakes
- Clipping to a non-"A" loop.
- Not checking clearance below. A lanyard needs several metres.
- No rescue plan.
- Missing the 6-monthly detailed inspection.
The law
- Work at Height Regulations 2005: avoid, prevent, then minimise falls. PPE is the last option. Inspect equipment.
- LOLER 1998 may also apply.
- Work at Height Regulations (NI) 2005. HSENI.
- EU ruleWork Equipment Directive 2009/104/EC (temporary work at height)Irish lawGA Regulations 2007 Part 4 (regs 94-119)What you doplan, use collective protection first, inspect, train.
Shop Fall protection
Frequently asked questions
What are the three parts of a fall-arrest system?
Anchor (EN 795), body harness (EN 361) and connecting device (EN 355 lanyard, EN 360 retractable, EN 362 connectors). All must work together.
Can I use a work positioning belt to stop a fall?
No. An EN 358 belt holds you in position. It is not for falls.
Where do I clip on a harness?
Only to a loop marked "A" (or two "A/2" loops clipped together).
