What Is EN 358? Work Positioning Belts and Safe Use Guide
What Is EN 358?
Ensuring safety during work at height depends on using the right personal protective equipment (PPE). Work positioning systems, which allow workers to maintain a secure working position while keeping their hands free, are covered by the EN 358 standard.
EN 358 is a European standard that specifies requirements for the design, manufacture, testing, and performance of work positioning belts and work positioning lanyards. Equipment compliant with this standard is designed to help workers maintain a stable and controlled position at a specific work location.
However, one important point must always be remembered: EN 358 equipment is not designed to provide fall arrest protection on its own. Where there is a risk of falling from a height, it must be used together with an EN 361 full body safety harness and an appropriate fall protection system.
Purpose of the EN 358 Standard
The primary purpose of the EN 358 standard is to help keep workers in a secure working position while allowing them to use their hands freely during work.
Equipment covered by this standard can:
- Support the worker at a specific working position.
- Improve balance and stability.
- Allow the worker to use both hands freely.
- Help establish a controlled working position.
- Improve working efficiency and comfort.
Work positioning equipment is particularly useful when a worker needs to remain in a controlled position for an extended period while performing tasks at height.
What Equipment Does EN 358 Cover?
The main types of equipment associated with the EN 358 standard include:
- Work positioning belts
- Belts with integrated back support
- Adjustable work positioning lanyards
- Rope-based positioning systems
- Side attachment points and D-rings
These components are commonly used to help workers maintain a controlled position when working on poles, vertical structures, industrial installations, and other work areas where positioning support is required.
The exact configuration and intended use of each product should always be checked against the manufacturer's instructions.
Where Is EN 358 Used?
Equipment designed in accordance with EN 358 is used across a wide range of industries and professional applications.
Common applications include:
- Electrical pole work
- Telecommunications infrastructure
- Power transmission line maintenance
- Tree pruning and arborist work
- Pole installation
- Steel construction
- Industrial maintenance
- Shipyard and marine operations
- Racking system installation
- Roof maintenance
- Crane maintenance operations
- Industrial facilities
In these applications, work positioning equipment can provide additional support and stability when the worker needs to maintain a controlled position while carrying out a task.
What Is the Difference Between EN 358 and EN 361?
These two standards are often confused, but they serve different purposes.
EN 358
- Provides work positioning.
- Helps support the worker in a stable working position.
- Is not intended to function as a fall arrest system on its own.
EN 361
- Covers full body safety harnesses used in personal fall protection systems.
- Provides the body support required for fall arrest applications.
- Is designed to help retain the user safely during a fall when used as part of a suitable fall arrest system.
Therefore, where a fall hazard exists, an EN 358 work positioning system should not be relied upon as the sole means of fall protection. It should be used together with an EN 361-compliant full body safety harness and an appropriate fall protection system.
Features of EN 358 Work Positioning Belts
A well-designed work positioning belt may include features such as:
- Adjustable waist support
- Side attachment points
- Durable polyester webbing
- Reinforced stitching
- Ergonomic design
- Lightweight construction
- Improved comfort during extended use
- Corrosion-resistant metal components
The actual features vary according to the product design and manufacturer. Users should always verify the product's technical specifications and intended application before use.
What Should Be Considered When Using EN 358 Equipment?
The following safety practices should be followed when using work positioning equipment:
- It should not be used on its own for fall arrest.
- Equipment should be inspected before every use.
- Damaged webbing, stitching, buckles, or attachment points must not be used.
- A suitable and compatible anchorage point should be selected.
- A risk assessment should be carried out before starting work.
- The manufacturer's instructions must always be followed.
- The positioning system must be used only for its intended purpose.
- Compatibility with the other components of the fall protection system should be verified.
Correct installation and adjustment are essential for maintaining the intended performance of the equipment.
Importance of Periodic Inspection
Work positioning equipment should be inspected regularly to help ensure that it remains suitable for continued use.
During inspections, particular attention should be paid to:
- Webbing
- Stitching
- Metal components
- Side D-rings
- Adjustment buckles
- Product labels and markings
The equipment should be removed from service if signs of damage, excessive wear, deformation, corrosion, or other conditions that could affect its safety are identified.
Periodic inspection intervals and procedures should be determined in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and applicable workplace safety requirements.
What Should You Consider When Choosing EN 358 Equipment?
Choosing the right work positioning equipment is important for both safety and working comfort.
The following criteria should be considered:
- Compliance with the applicable EN 358 requirements
- Suitability for the intended work activity
- User comfort and ergonomic design
- Adjustability
- Durable and appropriate attachment components
- Manufacturer documentation and technical information
- Compatibility with other fall protection equipment
- Suitability for the working environment
The equipment should be selected according to the actual work activity, potential hazards, required positioning method, and manufacturer's specified limitations.
EN 358 and Other Fall Protection Standards
Work positioning equipment is generally used as part of a broader personal fall protection system. Depending on the application, other standards may also be relevant.
For example:
- EN 358: Work positioning belts and lanyards
- EN 361: Full body safety harnesses
- EN 355: Energy absorbers
- EN 362: Connectors
- EN 795: Anchor devices
These components should not be selected independently without considering the overall system. Equipment must be compatible with one another and used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Most importantly, EN 358 should not be confused with a fall arrest standard. Work positioning and fall arrest are different functions and require appropriate equipment for each application.
Why Is EN 358 Important?
EN 358 plays an important role in applications where workers need additional support to maintain a stable working position.
A correctly selected and properly used work positioning system can help:
- Improve working stability.
- Keep the worker in a controlled position.
- Allow both hands to remain available for work.
- Improve working comfort during prolonged tasks.
- Support safer work positioning at height.
However, work positioning equipment should always be considered within the overall risk assessment and fall protection strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the EN 358 standard cover?
EN 358 specifies requirements for work positioning belts and work positioning lanyards used to support a worker and maintain a working position during work activities.
Can EN 358 equipment be used on its own?
No. EN 358 equipment is not intended to provide fall arrest protection on its own. Where a fall hazard exists, an appropriate fall arrest system, including an EN 361 full body safety harness where applicable, should be used.
In which industries is EN 358 used?
EN 358 equipment can be used in electrical work, telecommunications, energy, construction, steel structures, industrial maintenance, shipyards, arborist applications, and other activities involving work at height.
Why do work positioning belts provide waist support?
Work positioning belts are designed to help support the worker in a controlled working position and can improve stability and comfort during tasks where positioning support is required.
How should EN 358 equipment be inspected?
The equipment should be visually and functionally checked before use. Webbing, stitching, attachment points, buckles, metal components, and product markings should be examined. Regular periodic inspections should also be carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions and applicable requirements.
Conclusion
The EN 358 standard is an important European standard for work positioning belts and lanyards used to support workers during work activities, particularly where maintaining a stable and controlled working position is required.
However, EN 358 is not a stand-alone fall arrest system. Where there is a risk of falling, work positioning equipment must be incorporated into an appropriate personal fall protection system. Depending on the application, this may include an EN 361 full body safety harness, EN 355 energy absorber, EN 362 connectors, and suitable anchorage equipment.
Selecting the right equipment, ensuring compatibility between system components, following manufacturer instructions, and carrying out regular inspections are essential elements of safe work at height.
By choosing equipment according to the specific work activity and risk conditions, employers and workers can improve workplace safety while maintaining effective and comfortable working positions.
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