EN 355 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.

1) 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.

2) 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.

3) 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.