Portwest - Do You Know Booklet

DO YOU KNOW 20

WHAT IS EN 355? PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TEST METHODS FOR SHOCK ABSORBING LANYARDS EN355 RELATES TO LANYARDS INTENDED FOR USE IN CONNECTING THE ATTACHMENT POINT OF A FULL BODY HARNESS TO A SUITABLE ANCHORAGE DEVICE. THE LANYARD INCLUDES A SHOCK ABSORBING ELEMENT, INTENDED TO REDUCE THE FORCE APPLIED TO THE USER BY GRADUALLY ARRESTING THE FALL.

THERE ARE 3 MAIN PERFORMANCE TESTS IN EN355

FP52

FP75

FP51

DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE Shock absorbing lanyards are subject to a drop test, intended to assess the performance of the lanyard in terms of its ability to arrest a fall within a maximum distance, whilst maintaining the force to a suitable maximum. In particular, the lanyard should not deploy (stretch, open, tear) beyond a maximum length of 1.75 metres, with a maximum force of 6 kN, following a fall using a minimum solid mass of 100 kg, dropped over a distance of twice the length of the lanyard. Where energy absorbers are intended to be sold separately to the lanyard (i.e. as a component), they are extended with chain to a length of 2 metres, with the mass dropped over a distance of 4 metres.

STATIC STRENGTH Whole products are subjected to tensile tests. Energy absorbers are subject to a 15 kN tensile force. Tensile forces are applied and held for at least 3 minutes, to ensure the breaking strength of the product is in excess of the force specified by the standard.

CORROSION RESISTANCE Metallic components used in fall protection equipment are subjected to a neutral salt-spray test intended to prove a minimum resistance to environmental corrosion (specifically rust). Products are held within a sealed chamber, which is lled with a salt-water mist, which can induce rust in unprotected metals. Products are subjected to either 24 or 48 hours exposure and examined for rusting and function afterward.

SOURCE: http://www.satrappeguide.com/EN795.php