EN 355:2002 – Energy absorbers

EN 355:2002 is a European standard that specifies the requirements for energy absorbers used in personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly in fall arrest systems. These energy absorbers are designed to reduce the impact forces experienced by the user during a fall. Here’s a breakdown of what the standard entails:

Key Points of EN 355:2002:

1. Purpose: The energy absorber is meant to limit the deceleration force to a safe level in the event of a fall, thus reducing the risk of injury.
2. Components:
   • Typically part of a fall arrest system, which might also include a harness, lanyard, and other components.
   • The energy absorber works by extending, deploying, or otherwise dissipating energy when a fall occurs.
3. Performance Requirements:
   • The energy absorber must be capable of reducing the fall arrest force to below a certain threshold, typically around 6 kN (kilonewtons), which is considered a safe limit for the human body.
   • It should effectively reduce the arresting distance and the impact force to protect the worker.
4. Testing:
   • The energy absorber is tested under specific conditions to ensure it meets the safety performance standards.
   • Testing includes checking the efficiency of energy absorption, ensuring the maximum impact force is within safe limits.
5. Materials:
   • The energy absorber can be made of various materials like webbing, rope, or other durable fabrics that can withstand the forces generated in a fall.
6. Compliance:
   • Fall arrest systems, including the energy absorber, must comply with the EN 355:2002 standard to ensure they meet the legal safety requirements for workers exposed to fall hazards in Europe.

This standard is crucial in maintaining the safety and well-being of workers in industries where there’s a risk of falling, such as construction, maintenance, and working at height. Would you like more information on specific applications or testing procedures for these devices?https://baymrosafety.com/product/en-355-single-hook-energy-absorber-lanyard/