BRITISH STANDARD BS EN

358:1993

Personal equipment for

work positioning and
prevention of falls from
a height —
Work positioning
systems

The European Standard EN 358:1992 has the status of a

British Standard

UDC 614.895.1:62-783.4:679.7:614.8:620.1:62-777
BS EN 358:1993

Cooperating organizations

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN), under whose supervision

this European Standard was prepared, comprises the national standards
organizations of the following countries:

Austria Oesterreichisches Normungsinstitut

Belgium Institut belge de normalisation
Denmark Dansk Standardiseringsraad
Finland Suomen Standardisoimisliito, r.y.
France Association française de normalisation
Germany Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V.
Greece Hellenic Organization for Standardization
Iceland Technological Institute of Iceland
Ireland National Standards Authority of Ireland
Italy Ente Nazionale Italiano di Unificazione
Luxembourg Inspection du Travail et des Mines
Netherlands Nederlands Normalisatie-instituut
Norway Norges Standardiseringsforbund
Portugal Instituto Portuguès da Qualidade
Spain Asociación Española de Normalización y Certificación
Sweden Standardiseringskommissionen i Sverige
Switzerland Association suisse de normalisation
United Kingdom British Standards Institution

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Personal Safety
Equipment Standards Policy
Committee, was published
under the authority of the
Standards Board and comes
into effect on Amendments issued since publication
15 February 1993

© BSI 02-1999 Amd. No. Date Comments

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference PSM/5
Draft for comment 90/42472 DC

ISBN 0 580 21299 8

 BS EN 358:1993

Contents

Page
Cooperating organizations Inside front cover
National foreword ii
Foreword 2
0 Introduction 3
1 Scope 3
2 Normative references 3
3 Definitions 3
4 Requirements 3
5 Testing 6
6 Instruction for use and maintenance, marking and packaging 8
Figure 1 — Work positioning belt with a work positioning lanyard
attached to two attachment elements — main elements 4
Figure 2 — Work positioning belt with an integral work positioning
lanyard — main elements 5
Figure 3 — Back support — Example of minimum dimensions 5
Figure 4 — Static strength test for work positioning belt 6
Figure 5 — Static strength test for work positioning belt with integral
work positioning lanyard 7
Figure 6 — Static strength test for work positioning lanyard 7
Figure 7 — Dynamic test for work positioning system 7
National annex NA (informative) Committees responsible Inside back cover
National annex NB (informative) Cross-references Inside back cover

© BSI 02-1999 i
BS EN 358:1993

National foreword

This British Standard has been prepared under the direction of the Personal
Safety Equipment Standards Policy Committee and is the English language
version of EN 358 Personal equipment for work positioning and prevention of falls
from a height — Work positioning systems published by the European Committee
for Standardization (CEN). It partially supersedes BS 1397:1979 which is
withdrawn.
EN 358 was produced as a result of international discussions in which the United
Kingdom took an active part.
BS 1397:1979, BS 5062-1:1985 and BS 5062-2:1985 are superseded by the
following BS EN standards.
BS 1397:1979 is superseded by
BS EN 354
BS EN 355
BS EN 358
BS EN 359
BS EN 361
BS EN 362
BS EN 363
BS EN 364
BS EN 365
BS 5062-1:1985 is superseded by
BS EN 353-1
BS EN 353-2
BS EN 355
BS EN 360
BS EN 362
BS EN 363
BS EN 364
BS EN 365
BS 5062-2:1985 is superseded by BS EN 365.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
the EN title page, pages 2 to 8, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This Standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.

ii © BSI 02-1999
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 358
NORME EUROPÉENNE
December 1992
EUROPÄISCHE NORM

UDC 614.895.1:62-783.4:679.7:614.8:620.1:62-777

Descriptors: Work safety, personal protective equipment, accident prevention, protection against fall, safety devices, supports, safety
belts, specifications, tests, characteristics, instructions, marking

English version

Personal equipment for work positioning and prevention of

falls from a height — Work positioning systems

..
Equipement individuel de maintien au travail Persönliche Schutzausr stung für
et de prévention contre les chutes de hauteur — Haltefunktionen und zur Verhinderung von
Systèmes de maintien au travail Abstürzen — Haltesysteme

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1992-11-30. CEN members

are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which
stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a
national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any
CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French,
German). A version in any other language made by translation under the
responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the
Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and
United Kingdom.

CEN
European Committee for Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation
Europäisches Komitee für Normung
Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 36, B-1050 Brussels

© 1992 Copyright reserved to CEN members

Ref. No. EN 358:1992 E
EN 358:1992

Foreword
This European Standard was prepared by the
Technical Committee CEN/TC 160 “Protection
against falls from a height including working belts”,
of which the secretariat is held by DIN.
This European Standard has been prepared under a
mandate given to CEN by the Commission of the
European Communities and the European Free
Trade Association, and supports essential
requirements of the EC Directive(s).
This European Standard shall be given the status of
a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by
June 1993, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by June 1993.
This Standard was approved and in accordance with
the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the
following countries are bound to implement this
European Standard:
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and United Kingdom.

2 © BSI 02-1999
 EN 358:1992

0 Introduction 3.2
component
In cases where there exists the hazard of falling and
where, for technical reasons or for work of very short “a part of a system at a point of sale by the
duration, safe access cannot be otherwise provided, manufacturer, supplied with packing, marking and
it is necessary to consider the use of personal instructions for use. Body supports and lanyards are
protective equipment. Such use should never be examples of components of systems” (EN 363)
improvised and its adoption should be specifically 3.3
provided for in the appropriate formal provisions for work positioning system
safety in the work place. Equipment complying with
a work positioning system is composed of
this standard should satisfy ergonomic
components interconnected to constitute a complete
requirements and should only be used if the work
arrangement of equipment ready for use for work
allows means of anchorage and can be carried out
positioning
safely. Personnel should be trained and instructed
NOTE 1 Fixed assemblies of two or more components can make
in the safe use of the equipment and be observant of up a bigger part of a work positioning system, e.g. a work
such training and instruction. positioning lanyard with a energy absorber or a belt with an
energy absorber.
1 Scope NOTE 2 Work positioning systems are intended for the use of
linesmen and other workers required to work at heights on poles
This standard specifies requirements, testing and or other structures in a supported position thereby enabling them
the marking, labelling and packaging of systems to have both hands free for working. They are not intended for fall
arrest.
intended for work positioning and support of the
worker at a height including the prevention of free 3.4
fall. A work positioning system is not meant to be work positioning belt
used for fall arrest. a component that encircles the body comprised of
elements, which suitably arranged and assembled
2 Normative references and with a work positioning lanyard support the
This European Standard incorporates by dated or wearer during work at a height
undated reference provisions from other NOTE 1 A work positioning belt can be incorporated within a
garment.
publications. These normative references are cited
NOTE 2 A work positioning belt can be a component in a
at the appropriate places in the text and the harness .
publications are listed hereafter. For dated
3.5
references, subsequent amendments to or revisions
work positioning lanyard
of any of these publications apply to this European
Standard only when incorporated in it by a component for connecting the work positioning
amendment or revision. For undated references the belt around a structure
latest edition of the publication referred to applies.
EN 362, Personal protective equipment against falls 4 Requirements
from a height — Connectors. 4.1 Ergonomics
EN 363:1992, Personal protective equipment against The work positioning system shall be so designed
falls from a height — Fall arrest systems. that in the use for which it is intended and for the
EN 364:1992 , Personal protective equipment foreseeable period of wear the user can perform his
against falls from a height — Test methods. work without undue discomfort whilst safely
ISO 1835, Short link chain for lifting purposes — secured against the risks that occur in connection
Grade M(4), non-calibrated, for chain slings etc. with the intended use.
4.2 Work positioning belt
3 Definitions 4.2.1 Design and construction
For the purposes of this standard, the following Webbing and thread elements shall be made from
definitions apply. synthetic fibres, having characteristics consistent
3.1 with those of polyamide and polyester.
element Sewing threads shall be physically compatible with
“a part of a component or a sub-system. Ropes and of comparable quality to that of the webbing
webbing, attachment elements, fittings and and shall be of a contrasting shade or colour from
anchorage lines are examples of elements.” (EN 363) that of the webbing in order to facilitate visual
inspection.

© BSI 02-1999 3
EN 358:1992

The work positioning belt shall have either a

minimum of two attachment elements or an integral
work positioning lanyard and one attachment
element for attaching the work positioning lanyard.
The waist strap shall be not less than 43 mm wide.
A belt including back support shall have rounded
edges and be stiff that the forces will be spread over
the whole width of the belt during use.
A work positioning belt can be equipped with
adjustable shoulder and sitting straps. These straps
must not impair the operation of the work
positioning belt in any way. Attachment elements
must not be positioned on shoulder or sitting straps.
A work positioning belt shall be so constructed that
it cannot be dismantled by hand.
The buckle of a work positioning belt shall be so
designed and constructed that when correctly
fastened an involuntary opening of the buckle is
prevented. If it can be fastened in more than one
manner, each manner of fastening shall comply
with the performance requirements.
The back support shall be designed so as to give
adequate support to the worker without preventing
normal movement. Minimum length of the back
support is dependent on the maximum distance
between the attachment elements or the fastening
of an integral work positioning lanyard and the Figure 1 — Work positioning belt with a
opposite attachment element measured round the work positioning lanyard attached to two
back. Minimum length shall be 50 mm longer than attachment elements — main elements
this distance (25 mm in both ends). Minimum
width is 100 mm on a length of 200 mm in the centre 4.2.2 Static strength
and 60 mm on other parts of the back support. Back When tested as described in 5.2.1 with a force
supports of differing arrangement but providing of 15 kN, the work positioning belt shall not release
adequate support with the equivalent area of the test cylinder described, when the test is applied
support may be used. in turn to each attachment element. Where there
It shall be possible to carry out a visual inspection of are symmetrically situated identical attachment
the whole work positioning belt even if it is elements, only one shall be tested.
incorporated within garment. NOTE Each attachment element may be tested with a new
specimen.
4.2.3 Dynamic strength
The work positioning belt shall withstand the
dynamic strength test described in 5.3 without
releasing the torso dummy, when the test is applied
in turn to each attachment element. Where there
are symmetrically situated identical attachment
elements, only one shall be tested.
NOTE Each attachment element may be tested with a new
specimen.

4 © BSI 02-1999
 EN 358:1992

4.3 Work positioning lanyard

4.3.1 Design and construction
4.3.1.1 General requirements
The work positioning lanyard shall be so designed
and constructed that an involuntary release of the
work positioning lanyard from the work positioning
belt is prevented. If the work positioning lanyard
can be assembled in more than one manner, all
methods of assembly shall comply with the
performance requirements.
The work positioning lanyard shall be equipped
with a length adjuster and shall have a maximum
length of 2 m under all normal circumstances. When
this is impracticable then the length of the lanyard
shall be kept to the minimum length which is
consistent with maintaining the protection which is
intended to be afforded to the worker by the
equipment.
It shall be possible to carry out a visual inspection of
all the components.
NOTE A work positioning lanyard made of rope, webbing or
steel cable shall be terminated in a way which prevents the
length adjuster from being released from the work positioning
lanyard involuntarily.
4.3.1.2 Ropes and webbing
Figure 2 — Work positioning belt with an
integral work positioning lanyard — main Ropes, webbing and threads shall be made from
elements synthetic fibres having characteristics consistent
with those of polyamide or polyester.
Sewing threads shall be physically compatible with
and of comparable quality to that of the webbing
and should be of a contrasting shade or colour from
that of the webbing in order to facilitate visual
inspection.
Ropes and webbing used in the manufacture of work
positioning lanyards shall have a minimum
breaking force of 22 kN.

Figure 3 — Back support — Example of minimum dimensions

© BSI 02-1999 5
EN 358:1992

4.3.1.3 Chains 5.2 Static strength test

Chains shall comply with the requirements 5.2.1 Work positioning belt
for 6,3 mm chains given in ISO 1835. 5.2.1.1 Work positioning belt as separate component
Egg-shaped or similar end links and all connecting
Install the work positioning belt and test cylinder in
links shall be compatible with the chain in all
the test apparatus and apply the specified test force
respects.
between the test cylinder and one of the attachment
4.3.2 Static strength elements, as shown in Figure 4. Maintain the force
When tested as described in 5.2 with a force for 3 minutes and observe whether the work
of 15 kN, the work positioning lanyard shall not positioning belt releases the cylinder.
break. 5.2.1.2 Work positioning belt with integral work
4.3.3 Dynamic strength positioning lanyard
When tested as described in 5.3, the work Install the work positioning belt with integral work
positioning lanyard shall not release the torso positioning lanyard and test cylinder in the test
dummy. apparatus. Ensure that the active length of the work
NOTE Where it is intended that a work positioning system
positioning lanyard is 300 mm minimum as shown
includes a work positioning lanyard made of cable or chain or in Figure 5. Apply the specified test force between
other equivalent rigid material, such a work positioning lanyard the test cylinder and the connector at the free end of
may incorporate an integral energy absorber. the work positioning lanyard. Maintain the force
4.4 Connector for 3 minutes and observe whether the work
4.4.1 General requirements positioning belt or lanyard releases the cylinder.
Connectors shall comply with EN 362. 5.2.2 Work positioning lanyard as a separate
component
4.4.2 Design of means of opening and closing
Ensure that the active length of the work
In order to reduce the probability of involuntary positioning lanyard is 300 mm minimum as shown
opening, hooks and karabiners at the free end of the in Figure 6. Apply the specified test force between
work positioning lanyard shall be self-closing and the end points of the active part of the work
self-locking and shall be capable of being opened positioning lanyard. Maintain the force for 3
only by at least two consecutive deliberate actions. minutes and observe that the lanyard does not
4.5 Corrosion resistance fracture.
All metal parts shall comply with the corrosion test 5.3 Dynamic test for work positioning system
requirements described in EN 364:1992, 5.3.1 Fit the torso dummy with the work positioning
clause 5.13. belt. Attach the work positioning lanyard to one
attachment element only of the work positioning
5 Testing belt. Adjust the length of the work positioning
5.1 Apparatus lanyard between the attachment element and the
end point connector to (1,0 ± 0,05) m. Secure the end
The apparatus is specified in EN 364:1992 clause 4.
point connector to the rigid anchorage point as
shown in Figure 7.

Figure 4 — Static strength test for work positioning belt

6 © BSI 02-1999
 EN 358:1992

Figure 5 — Static strength test for work positioning belt with integral work
positioning lanyard

Figure 6 — Static strength test for work positioning lanyard

5.3.2 Suspend the torso dummy by its upper
attachment point and raise it so that the work
positioning belt attachment element is about 1,0 m
above the work positioning lanyard end point
connector. Ensure there is sufficient horizontal
spacing to avoid impact during the fall. Hold the
torso dummy with the quick release device.
5.3.3 Release the torso dummy without initial
velocity, the feet-first free fall being about 2,0 m
before the work positioning lanyard takes up the
tension. Carry out two tests without changing the
lanyard, the minimum time between falls
being 15 min. Observe whether the torso dummy
is released.
NOTE Test specimen may be adjusted between tests.

Figure 7 — Dynamic test for work

positioning system

© BSI 02-1999 7
EN 358:1992

6 Instructions for use and k) a warning against the danger that may arise
maintenance, marking and packaging by the use of combinations of components in
which the safe function of any one component is
6.1 Instructions for use and maintenance affected by or interferes with the safe function of
Clear instructions in appropriate national another;
language, for fitting, adjustment and use shall be l) a warning against making any alterations or
supplied with each work positioning belt, work additions to the product;
positioning lanyard and separate component. Such
m) a warning that repairs to the equipment be
instructions shall also include the following
carried out only by the manufacturer or by a
information:
competent person appropriately authorized by
a) the name of the manufacturer; the manufacturer;
b) where appropriate, the name and the address n) storage instructions;
of the supplier or such other information as
o) instructions for cleaning and/or washing;
enables the supplier to be traced;
p) instructions for maintenance.
c) a statement of the purpose and limitations of
the product; 6.2 Marking
d) a warning to emphazise that the equipment is Work position belts and work positioning lanyards
not suitable to be used for fall arrest purposes; shall be clearly, indelibly and permanently marked
e) an instruction to position and/or adjust the by any suitable method not having a harmful effect
work positioning lanyard round the pole or other on materials with the following information:
anchorage from one attachment element to the a) the number of this standard;
other and so that a free fall is always limited b) the name, trade mark or other means of
to 0,5 m maximum; identification of the manufacturer or the supplier
f) a warning against the dangers which may arise who is responsible for acting on behalf of the
in looping the work positioning lanyard around manufacturer or for claiming compliance with
structures that are of small diameter or that have this standard;
small or sharp edge radii; c) manufacturer’s product identification
g) an instruction to make a visual inspection of information that shall include the
the equipment immediately before use and to manufacturer’s batch or serial number that
ensure that the equipment is in a serviceable enables the origin of the item to be traced;
condition and operates correctly; d) the year and month of manufacture;
h) an instruction that the equipment be inspected e) the identity of the fibre used as the material of
periodically, taking account of the conditions of construction;
use, and at least once a year, by a competent
f) warning to heed manufacturer’s instructions.
person according to the manufacturer’s
instructions; 6.3 Packaging
i) guidance concerning the inspection of the Each work positioning belt shall be supplied
equipment and those factors that should cause wrapped in moisture proof material.
the equipment to be discarded;
j) if the product includes any material susceptible
to attack by chemicals, a corresponding warning
in general terms together with advice that the
user should consult the manufacturer/supplier in
case of doubt;

8 © BSI 02-1999
 BS EN 358:1993

National annex NA (informative)

Committees responsible
The United Kingdom participation in the preparation of this European Standard was entrusted by the
Personal Safety Equipment Standards Policy Committee (PSM/-) to Technical Committee PSM/5 upon
which the following bodies were represented:

Amalgamated Engineering Union

Arboricultural Safety Council
British Coal Corporation
British Constructional Steelwork Association Ltd.
British Forging Industry Association
British Leather Confederation
British Narrow Fabrics Association
British Telecommunications plc
Construction Health and Safety Group
Cordage Manufacturers’ Institute
Department of Trade and Industry (National Engineering Laboratory)
Electricity Association
Gauge and Tool Makers’ Association
Health and Safety Executive
Industrial Rope Access Trade Association
Industrial Safety (Protective Equipment) Manufacturers’ Association
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
National Federation of Master Steeplejacks and Lightning Conductor Engineers
Suspended Access Equipment Manufacturers’ Association

National annex NB (informative)

Cross-references
Publication referred to Corresponding British Standard
EN 362:1992 BS EN 362:1993 Personal protective equipment against falls from a
height — Connectors
EN 364:1992 BS EN 364:1993 Personal protective equipment against falls from a height — Test
methods

© BSI 02-1999
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