European Standards and Regulations for Arborist Climbers’ PPE

Regulation (EU) 2016/425: The European PPE Regulation

The most recent regulation, Regulation (EU) 2016/425, came into effect on April 21, 2018. It harmonizes the requirements for the design, manufacturing, and conformity assessment of PPE across the European Union, replacing Directive 89/686/EEC. Key points of this regulation include:

• PPE Classification: PPE is classified into three categories based on risk levels (I, II, and III, with Category III covering serious risks, such as fall protection devices used by arborists).

• Design and Manufacturing Requirements: PPE must ensure safety while maintaining comfort and functionality.

• Conformity Assessment: Category II and III PPE must undergo strict conformity assessments, including CE type-examination tests.

• CE Marking: All PPE must bear the CE marking, ensuring full traceability (manufacture date, batch number, etc.).

• Technical Documentation: Manufacturers must provide clear instructions for use, maintenance, and the lifespan of the equipment.

EN 1891: Low-Stretch Rope for Work at Height

The EN 1891 standard covers low-stretch ropes, essential for minimizing elasticity during rope ascents and descents.

• Type A: Ropes for high-demand applications (work at height, rescue) with increased tensile strength.

• Type B: Lighter and less resistant ropes, used with care in redundant systems or less demanding tasks.

EN 358: Work Positioning Systems

The EN 358 standard defines requirements for work positioning systems and positioning lanyards. These systems must allow safe working at height while ensuring optimal stability.

• Lanyards and belts must withstand a minimum force of 15 kN.

EN 361: Fall Arrest Harness

The EN 361 standard specifies fall arrest harnesses used to prevent falls. Harnesses must distribute the forces generated by a fall over the user’s body and include dorsal or sternal attachment points.

• Minimum required resistance: 15 kN.

EN 397: Protective Helmets

The EN 397 standard regulates helmets used in work at height, requiring protection against impacts and perforation.

• Maximum transmitted impact: ≤ 5 kN.

• Perforation resistance: tested with a 3 kg cone falling from 1 meter.

EN 362: Connectors

Connectors (carabiners, hooks) used in fall arrest systems must comply with the EN 362 standard.

• They must be tested to withstand minimum forces of 20 kN.

• Connectors must include an automatic locking mechanism to prevent accidental openings.

EN 795: Anchorage Devices for Fall Protection Systems

The EN 795 standard regulates anchorage devices that secure attachment points for fall arrest systems.

• Class A1: Fixed anchor points on rigid structures (walls, roofs).

• Class A2: Portable anchor points for inclined surfaces.

• Class B: Temporary or portable anchor devices, used for non-permanent installations.

• Minimum load-bearing capacity: 10 kN for one user.

EN 365: Requirements for PPE Instructions and Markings

The EN 365 standard specifies the requirements for PPE instructions and markings.

• PPE must be accompanied by detailed instructions for use, maintenance, and regular inspection.

• Markings must include maximum capacity, manufacture date, and other essential information for traceability.

Conclusion

Compliance with European standards and Regulation (EU) 2016/425 is critical to ensuring the safety of arborist climbers. These regulations define strict requirements in terms of design, strength, and performance of PPE. Using compliant equipment, regularly inspected and properly marked, is essential to minimize risks during work at height.