What Is EN 362? Carabiner Standard, Types, and Safe Use

What Is EN 362?

Every connecting component used during work at height has a critical role in worker safety. One of the most important pieces of equipment used to provide secure connections between a safety harness, lanyard, and anchorage point is the carabiner, also known as a connector. The safety requirements for these components are defined by the EN 362 standard.

EN 362 is a European standard covering the design, manufacture, testing, and performance requirements of connectors used in personal fall protection systems. Carabiners manufactured in accordance with the applicable requirements of this standard provide reliable connections during work at height through their high-strength construction and secure locking mechanisms.

Carabiners are connecting components and should not be considered as a complete personal fall protection system on their own. To create a compatible fall protection system, they may be used with equipment such as an EN 361 full body safety harness, EN 355 energy-absorbing lanyard, EN 354 lanyard, and EN 795 anchorage system, depending on the application and manufacturer's instructions.

Purpose of the EN 362 Standard

The primary purpose of the EN 362 standard is to establish safety and performance requirements for connectors used in personal fall protection systems.

Under the applicable requirements, EN 362 connectors are designed to:

Provide secure connections.
Offer adequate mechanical strength.
Incorporate locking mechanisms designed to help prevent unintended opening.
Contribute to the reliable operation of a personal fall protection system.
Undergo specified safety and performance testing.

What Is an EN 362-Compliant Carabiner?

A carabiner is a metal connecting component used to connect different pieces of fall protection equipment.

Depending on the application, a carabiner may provide a connection between:

Safety harnesses
Energy-absorbing lanyards
Rope systems
Vertical lifelines
Horizontal lifelines
Anchorage points
Fall arrest devices

Choosing the correct carabiner is essential for maintaining the compatibility and safety of the complete fall protection system.

Types of EN 362 Carabiners

Different types of connectors are available depending on the intended application and locking mechanism.

Screw-Lock Carabiners

These connectors are manually locked by rotating the locking sleeve. They are commonly used where the connection is established and maintained for a period of time.

Automatic-Locking Carabiners

These carabiners automatically lock when the gate closes, providing convenient and secure connections when used correctly.

Two-Action Locking Carabiners

Opening the connector requires two separate actions, helping reduce the possibility of unintended opening.

Three-Action Locking Carabiners

These connectors require three separate actions to open and can provide an additional level of protection against accidental opening when appropriate for the application.

Large-Gate Carabiners

Carabiners with larger gate openings can be suitable for connecting to structural steelwork, scaffolding, and larger anchorage points, provided they are specifically designed and approved for the intended use.

Where Are EN 362 Connectors Used?

EN 362-compliant connectors are widely used in industries where personal fall protection is required.

Common applications include:

Construction
Roof work
Scaffolding
Telecommunications towers
Power transmission infrastructure
Wind turbines
Solar power plants
Industrial maintenance
Shipyards
Ports
Steel structure installation
Racking systems
Factory maintenance

The connector should always be selected according to the specific application, working environment, and manufacturer's instructions.

How to Choose the Right Carabiner?

Several factors should be considered when selecting a fall protection carabiner.

EN 362 Compliance

The connector should be verified as complying with the applicable requirements of the EN 362 standard.

Locking Mechanism

Depending on the working environment and application, screw-lock, automatic-locking, or other approved locking mechanisms may be selected.

Material

Steel or aluminum alloy connectors may be available depending on the intended application and manufacturer's specifications.

Mechanical Strength

The strength ratings specified by the manufacturer must be considered, together with the direction and manner in which the connector is intended to be loaded.

Compatibility

The carabiner must be compatible with the lanyard, safety harness, anchorage system, and other components with which it will be used.

Important Considerations When Using Carabiners

The following safety rules should be followed when using fall protection connectors:

Make sure the locking mechanism is fully closed and locked.
Avoid loading the connector in unintended directions or configurations.
Never use a carabiner with its gate open.
Do not use connectors that are cracked, deformed, excessively worn, or otherwise damaged.
Equipment exposed to chemicals or other damaging substances should be inspected according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Carry out a visual inspection before every use.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding compatible connection configurations.

Periodic Inspection of Carabiners

Carabiners should be inspected at appropriate intervals by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and applicable requirements.

During inspections, the following components should be carefully examined:

Connector body
Gate mechanism
Locking mechanism
Spring mechanism
Signs of corrosion
Cracks or deformation
Excessive wear

Damaged, defective, or improperly functioning connectors must not be used.

Importance of the EN 362 Standard

Carabiners and other connectors are critical connection components within personal fall protection systems.

Correctly selected and compliant connectors can:

Provide secure connections between compatible equipment.
Contribute to the reliability of the complete fall protection system.
Help maintain the connection during a fall when properly used.
Contribute to worker safety during work at height.

For this reason, connectors should be selected from reliable manufacturers and verified for compliance with the applicable standards and product requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the EN 362 standard cover?

The EN 362 standard specifies requirements for connectors used in personal fall protection systems, including carabiners and other types of connecting components.

Can an EN 362 carabiner be used on its own?

No. A carabiner is a connecting component rather than a complete fall protection system. It must be used with compatible equipment such as an EN 361 full body safety harness, appropriate lanyard or fall arrest device, and suitable anchorage system, according to the application and manufacturer's instructions.

Should I choose an automatic-locking or screw-lock carabiner?

The appropriate locking mechanism depends on the working environment, connection frequency, risk assessment, and manufacturer's instructions. The selected connector must be suitable for the intended application.

How often should carabiners be inspected?

Carabiners should be visually inspected before every use. They should also undergo periodic inspection at appropriate intervals by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and applicable requirements.

Can a damaged carabiner be used?

No. Carabiners showing cracks, deformation, excessive corrosion, abnormal wear, or locking-mechanism defects must be removed from service and handled according to the manufacturer's instructions.

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