The EN 360:2023 standard for retractable fall arresters

Explaining this new harmonised standard which defines the requirements, testing methods and markings for retractable-type fall arresters.

Working at height remains one of the most hazardous tasks across a wide range of industries, including (but not limited to) construction and manufacturing. Ensuring the right fall protection equipment is available for use is vital, along with making sure that compliance is met with the relevant standards.

The applicable standard for retractable fall protection devices in Europe is EN 360. The European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) has recently released a revised version. EN 360:2023 brings important technical updates to improve safety, performance and reliability in real-world applications. This new harmonised standard defines the requirements, testing methods and markings for ‘retractable-type fall arresters’ (RTFAs).

What are RTFAs?

One of the most-used devices within fall arrest systems are retractable-type fall arresters – also known as ‘self-retracting lifelines’ (SRLs). These devices play a critical role in limiting fall distances and reducing forces exerted on the body in the event of a fall.

The devices are designed to arrest a fall by locking and stopping the decent of a falling individual. An RTFA has a spring-loaded mechanism that allows it to extend and retract as the user moves, while maintaining a contact tension on the lifeline. In the event of a fall, where there would be sudden acceleration in the extension of the lifeline. This would cause the device to instantly lock minimising the fall distance and forces. This rapid response limits the risk of high impact injuries and allows for efficient rescue plans to be implemented.

Testing requirements

The standard requires testing to be conducted on the devices before they can be marked as compliant as meeting the requirements for certification under the PPE regulation (2016/425). The standard includes two main types of tests: dynamic performance test (with environmental/conditioned test), where a shock load is exerted using the maximum rated load of the product on an extended line, and static strength test where a certain force (dependant on if it is a wire rope or made from man-made fibres) is required to be held for three minutes.

Under EN 360:2023, RTFAs are tested not only in the traditional vertical overhead position (where the device locks and arrests a fall directly beneath the anchor point) but also in more challenging situations – ‘horizontal’ and ‘foot-level’ applications. Horizontal testing simulates a worker moving across a surface with the lifeline extended sideways. Foot-level testing replicates where the anchor would be located at the worker’s feet. These additional testing requirements incorporate real-world applications, but are optional and only required if claimed by the manufacturer.

Standard requirements
Test		EN 360:2023
		Single RTFA	Twin RTFA
General	Design, materials and construction	✓	✓
	Retraction tension and function	✓	✓
	Static strength tests	✓	✓
Dynamic	Overhead tests	✓	✓
	Foot-level tests*	✓	✓
	Horizontal tests*	✓	✓
Twin specific	Dynamic with both lanyards*		✓
Conditioning (ambient, hot, cold, wet and corrosion)	Retraction tension tests	✓	✓
	Dynamic performance	✓	✓
	Near full extractions	✓	✓
Annex A	Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPS)*	✓	✓
* Optional, depending on claims of use.

Summary of changes between EN 360:2002 and the 2023 version

The updated version of the standard introduces more realistic performance testing, including multiple dynamic tests with varying user masses and full extension testing. Material and construction specifications are now more detailed and include connector integrity, along with the integration of parts under ‘stress – retraction tension’.

The ‘environmental’ conditioning has expanded to include a full dynamic performance test following conditioning, and ensures that RTFAs maintain reliability under harsh work conditions. The scope has also widened to cover horizontal and twin-lanyard systems, aligning the standard with work practices and the current PPE regulation 2016/425. Overall, these updates elevate design accountability, safety assurance and raises the reliability benchmark for fall arrest equipment.

---