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EN 353-1:2014 + A1:2017
Guided type fall arresters (rigid lines)

Systems made up of a line or rail intended to be fixed (either temporarily or permanently) to a structure at top and bottom, on which a travelling device is attached. The user connects to this travelling device when climbing or descending – in the case of a fall, the travelling device should grip the line and arrest the fall.

Static Strength

The guided type fall arrester and vertical lifeline with top anchor point are loaded in a line up to a force of 15kN for 3 minutes. Any textile elements that are not designed to be removed after use need to also be tested to 22kN for 3 minutes. During the dynamic performance test, if the load on the anchorage point is recorded as being higher than 6kN, an additional static test is carried out on the top anchor to 2.5 times this recorded load. For any system where a guided type fall arrester cannot rotate freely around its rigid anchor line, a lateral static test using a force of 1kN is applied for 3 minutes.

Dynamic Performance

Guided type fall arresters are subject to a drop test using a 100kg mass, dropped over the maximum distance the device will allow – essentially by raising the mass until the travelling device begins to slide up the cable or rail. The device should arrest the mass within 1 metre from the point of release, the guided type fall arrester shall not slide more than 0.5m with a maximum arrest force of 6kN.

Cold Condition Dynamic Test

A sample of guided type fall arrester is conditioned at -30°C or lower if claimed, for a minimum of 4 hours. They are then removed and are subject to a drop test within 90 seconds using a 100kg mass, dropped over the maximum distance the device will allow. The guided type fall arrester should arrest the mass within 1 metre from the point of release and the guided type fall arrester shall not slide more than 0.5m.

Minimum Distance Dynamic Test

Guided type fall arresters are subject to two separate drop tests, one using a test mass equivalent to the maximum rated load and one using the minimum rated load. The test mass is dropped over the maximum distance the device will allow with the test mass as close as possible to the vertical lifeline. This test is to check that the locking mechanism on the guided type fall arrester can still engage if the user is very close to the system. The guided type fall arrester should arrest the mass within 1 metre from the point of release and the guided type fall arrester shall not slide more than 0.5m.

Fall Back Dynamic Test

Guided type fall arresters are subject to two separate drop tests, one using a test mass equivalent to the maximum rated load and one using the minimum rated load. The test mass is dropped with the device locking mechanism horizontal or at the point it becomes unlocked. This test is to simulate someone fall backwards and uses an additional 150kg test mass constantly applying a 150N force away from the system to the guided type fall arrester. The guided type fall arrester should arrest the mass within 1 metre from the point of release and the guided type fall arrester shall not slide more than 0.5m.

Dynamic on a Guiding Bracket

If the system can be installed with a guiding bracket, the guided type fall arrester is subject to a drop test using a mass equivalent to the maximum rated load, by placing the device on the guiding bracket. The device should arrest the mass within 1 metre from the point of release, the guided type fall arrester shall not slide more than 0.5m with a maximum arrest force of 6kN.

Sideways Fall Dynamic Test

This test is only applicable for guided type fall arresters which cannot freely rotate on the rigid anchor line. The guided type fall arrester is subject to a drop test using a mass equivalent to the maximum rated load, by dropping the test mass to the side of the system. The device should arrest the mass within 1 metre from the point of release, the guided type fall arrester shall not slide more than 0.5m with a maximum arrest force of 6kN.

Sideways Leaning Anchor Line Dynamic Test

This test is only applicable for anchor lines that can be installed at angles up to 15 degrees from the vertical. Guided type fall arresters are subject to two separate drop tests, one using a test mass equivalent to the maximum rated load and one using the minimum rated load. The device should arrest the mass within 1 metre from the point of release, the guided type fall arrester shall not slide more than 0.5m with a maximum arrest force of 6kN.

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 filled 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.