01
Purpose
EN 355 covers energy absorbers used in fall-arrest systems. An absorber may be integrated into a lanyard, anchor line or full-body harness, or used in combination with them.
Fall ProtectionTECHNICAL PPE LIBRARY
EN 355
Energy Absorber Standard
EN 355 covers energy absorbers used in fall-arrest systems. An absorber may be integrated into a lanyard, anchor line or full-body harness, or used in combination with them.
Product type
Energy absorber (may be integrated with a lanyard)
Field focus
Code + product + conditions of use
TECHNICAL PRODUCT IDENTITY
EN 355
EN 355StandardID / MODELProduct identityDATE / LOTManufacture dataLIMITSUse limitsAlways verify the actual product label, manufacturer technical documentation and conformity markings.
02
Typical use
Energy-absorbing lanyard subsystems and compatible personal fall-arrest systems.
03
What to look for?
Verify EN 355 marking, manufacturer/product identity, manufacture/traceability information and manufacturer use limits.
CLASSES & SELECTION LOGIC
Technical classes in this standard
A class code is not a selection decision by itself. Interpret it together with task-specific risk assessment and manufacturer data.
ABSORBER
Energy-absorbing element
The absorber is not simply a “lanyard”; it can be integrated in a lanyard, anchor line or full-body harness, or used with them.
SYSTEM
System compatibility
Harness, anchorage, connectors, absorber deployment distance and fall clearance are assessed together.
READ THE PRODUCT LABEL
Code & marking decoder
EN 355StandardEnergy absorber reference.ID / MODELProduct identityManufacturer, model and traceability information.DATE / LOTManufacture dataManufacture date/lot information used for service-life tracking.LIMITSUse limitsManufacturer limits for user mass, system length, clearance and other conditions.READ THE PRODUCT IN THE FIELD
Where is the standard marking found?
Location varies by manufacturer and design. These are the first places to check; final verification must use the actual product and manufacturer documentation.
1
Sewn product label on the energy-absorber pack
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
2
Product / serial label on the lanyard
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
3
User-mass, system-length and fall-clearance limits in manufacturer instructions
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
STANDARD FAMILY
Standards often reviewed together
EN 355Energy absorbers; may be integrated into a lanyard or other system components
EN 354Lanyards are a separate component standard
EN 360Retractable fall arresters are a different product family
COMMONLY CONFUSED
They are not the same thing
Energy absorber ≠ the entire lanyard
The energy absorber is the element managing fall energy; a shock-absorbing lanyard is a common subsystem combining absorber and lanyard.
WRONG-SELECTION EXAMPLE
A typical field mistake
Using an energy-absorbing lanyard without checking required fall clearance.
Why is this a problem?
The system extends when the absorber deploys; obstacles and the level below must be considered.
Better approach
Use manufacturer data to assess anchor height, lanyard, absorber deployment and safety margin together.
WHERE IN THE FIELD?
Typical applications
01
Work at height
02
Scaffolding
03
Steel erection
04
Maintenance
05
Platform work
06
Lifelines
HSE FIELD CHECK
30-second field check
Use for quick pre-checks. It does not replace certification, competent inspection or task-specific risk assessment.
CHECK FOCUS
Has the absorber deployed, deformed or been fall-loaded?
CRITICAL MISTAKE
Using an energy-absorbing lanyard without checking required fall clearance.
BETTER APPROACH
Use manufacturer data to assess anchor height, lanyard, absorber deployment and safety margin together.
1
Has the absorber deployed, deformed or been fall-loaded?
2
Any cuts, burns or abrasion on lanyard/textile components?
3
Do connectors close/lock and remain system-compatible?
4
Has required fall clearance been calculated from manufacturer data?
5
Has fall-loaded equipment been removed from service according to the manufacturer procedure?
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