What Is EN 354? Lanyard Standard, Requirements, Features and Safe Use Guide

What Is EN 354? Lanyard Standard, Requirements, Features and Safe Use Guide

What Is EN 354?

Personal fall protection systems used for work at height consist of several pieces of equipment that work together. One of the important components of these systems is the lanyard, which provides a connection between the worker and other components of the fall protection system. The safety requirements for lanyards are defined by the EN 354 standard.

EN 354 is a European standard that specifies requirements for the design, manufacturing, testing, and performance of lanyards used in personal fall protection systems. The purpose of the standard is to ensure that lanyards provide reliable connections and are suitable for use with compatible fall protection equipment.

A lanyard is a connecting component used to connect a worker to an anchor point or another component of a fall protection system. However, an important point should be emphasized: an EN 354 lanyard without an energy absorber is not, by itself, a complete fall arrest system. Where there is a risk of falling from height, an appropriate system may include an EN 355 energy-absorbing lanyard, EN 361 full body safety harness, EN 362 connectors, and a suitable EN 795 anchor device, depending on the application and manufacturer's instructions.

What Is the Purpose of the EN 354 Standard?

The purpose of the EN 354 lanyard standard is to establish technical requirements that enable lanyards to function as reliable connecting components within personal fall protection systems.

Products conforming to the applicable requirements are designed to:

• Provide a secure connection.
• Function as part of a personal fall protection system.
• Undergo specified strength and performance testing.
• Be used with compatible fall protection equipment.
• Meet the applicable performance requirements of the standard.

What Is a Lanyard?

A lanyard is a flexible connecting component, typically made from webbing, rope, or another suitable material, that connects a safety harness to an anchor point or another component of a fall protection system.

Different types of lanyards are available depending on the intended application, including:

• Single-leg lanyards
• Twin-leg lanyards
• Rope lanyards
• Webbing lanyards
• Adjustable lanyards

The appropriate lanyard should always be selected according to the specific work activity, fall protection system, working environment, and manufacturer's instructions.

Where Are EN 354 Lanyards Used?

Lanyards manufactured in accordance with EN 354 are used across many industries where personal fall protection is required.

Common applications include:

• Construction projects
• Roof maintenance
• Power transmission lines
• Telecommunications infrastructure
• Steel construction and installation
• Solar power plants
• Wind power plants
• Industrial maintenance
• Shipyards
• Ports
• Warehouses
• Factories

Lanyards should be selected based on the specific work environment, connection method, and overall fall protection system.

What Is the Difference Between EN 354 and EN 355?

EN 354 and EN 355 are often confused because both standards relate to lanyards and fall protection. However, they serve different purposes.

EN 354 specifies requirements for lanyards used as connecting components in personal fall protection systems.

EN 355 specifies requirements for energy absorbers, which are designed to help limit the forces transmitted to the user during a fall when incorporated into an appropriate fall arrest system.

For applications where a fall must be arrested, an energy-absorbing lanyard may be used as part of a compatible personal fall arrest system, according to the equipment manufacturer's instructions and the specific work conditions.

What Should You Consider When Choosing a Lanyard?

Selecting the correct lanyard is an important part of fall protection and working at height safety. The following factors should be considered:

• Compliance with the applicable EN 354 requirements
• Appropriate length for the work activity
• Material suitable for the working environment
• Compatibility with connectors and other fall protection equipment
• Manufacturer's instructions and limitations
• Regular inspection and maintenance
• The overall fall protection system and rescue requirements

The lanyard should never be selected independently from the rest of the fall protection system.

Pre-Use Lanyard Inspection

A lanyard should be visually inspected before every use. The following points should be checked:

• The webbing or rope should not have cuts, tears, fraying, or other visible damage.
• Stitching should be intact and secure.
• Connection points and connectors should be checked.
• Product labels and identification markings should be readable.
• There should be no signs of chemical, thermal, or mechanical damage.
• Any equipment that shows damage or has been involved in a fall should be removed from service and handled according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Regular periodic inspections should also be carried out by a competent person in accordance with applicable requirements and the manufacturer's instructions.

Conclusion

The EN 354 standard is an important standard defining requirements for lanyards used as connecting components in personal fall protection systems. Properly selected and correctly used lanyards can make an important contribution to safe working at height.

However, a lanyard should not be considered as an isolated piece of equipment. An effective fall protection system requires the correct combination of compatible equipment, such as a full body safety harness, connectors, anchor devices, and, where required, an energy absorber.

Proper equipment selection, pre-use inspection, regular maintenance, worker training, and a suitable rescue plan are essential elements of an effective working-at-height safety program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the EN 354 standard cover?

The EN 354 standard specifies requirements for lanyards used as connecting components in personal fall protection systems.

Are EN 354 and EN 355 the same?

No. EN 354 covers lanyards, while EN 355 covers energy absorbers used in personal fall protection systems.

Can an EN 354 lanyard be used on its own?

This depends on the application and the complete fall protection system. A lanyard without an energy absorber should not automatically be considered sufficient for arresting a fall. Where there is a fall hazard, the appropriate fall arrest system must be selected according to the risk assessment, equipment specifications, and manufacturer's instructions.

How should a lanyard be inspected?

A lanyard should be visually inspected before every use for cuts, tears, abrasion, damaged stitching, chemical or mechanical damage, and other signs of deterioration. Periodic inspections should be performed according to the manufacturer's instructions and applicable requirements.

Why is lanyard selection important for working at height?

Choosing the correct lanyard helps ensure compatibility between the worker, safety harness, connectors, anchor system, and other fall protection equipment. The correct selection is therefore an important part of working at height safety and fall protection.