EN 361 is the standard applied to Full Body Harnesses designed to hold the user in place and spread the load in the case of a fall arrest scenario (i.e. being brought to a stop following a period of free-fall).

Source: https://www.satra.com/ppe/EN361.php

1) Dynamic Performance

This test aims to simulate the behaviour of the harness in a real- life scenario by subjecting it to a shock test for a load greater than what it would experience in use. Particular focus is given to the angle at which the user is held in the event of a fall. The harness is fitted with a 100kg solid torso dummy attached to a 2 metre length of 11mm mountaineering rope connected to a solid anchorage point and dropped in free fall for 4 metres. The test is carried out twice on each harness, once from a heads-up position, once from a heads-down position (i.e. with the dummy upside down on release). In order to pass the test the harness must hold the dummy after both drops in a position not exceeding 50 degrees from the upright position.

2) Strength Tests

Strength tests known as tensile tests are used to gauge the breaking strength of whole products including harnesses and lanyards. Tensile forces are usually applied for at least 3 minutes to ensure that the breaking strength of the product is in excess of the force specified by the standard. These are based on a safety factor of 6kN, where KN equals Kilonewtons a measure of force.

• Harnesses are subject to 15kN when applied in an upward direction and 10kN when applied in a downward direction.
• Lanyards are either subjected to 22kN or 15 kN applied between the attachment points depending on the materials used.

3) Corrosion Resistance

The aim of this test is to prove that metallic components used in fall protection equipment can withstand a minimal resistance to environmental corrosion (specifically rust). In order to prove this, metal components are placed in a sealed chamber for 24 to 48 hours and subjected to salt water mist designed to induce rust in unprotected metals. They are then examined for rust and function afterwards.