European Standard · Fall Protection Equipment

EN 353 – Guided Type Fall Arresters: The Complete Guide to the European Standard for Anchor Line Fall Arrest Systems

EN 353 is the European standard specifying requirements, testing and marking for guided type fall arresters that travel along a rigid rail or flexible anchor line, automatically following the worker's movement and locking instantly in the event of a fall. These systems are widely used for ladder climbing and vertical or near-vertical work at height. This guide explains the two parts of EN 353, how the systems work, and how to select and maintain them safely.

1. Scope

EN 353 applies to guided type fall arresters that move freely along a rigid anchor rail (Part 1) or flexible anchor line (Part 2) as the user ascends or descends, locking automatically to arrest a fall. It specifies the strength, locking performance and marking requirements for both the traveling device and the anchor line or rail system it runs on.

2. Exclusions & Related Standards

• Does not cover the harness itself – see EN 361 full body harnesses.
• Does not cover connectors – see EN 362 connectors.
• Does not cover the anchor point the rail or line is fixed to – see EN 795 anchor devices.
• Retractable type fall arresters (self-retracting lifelines) are covered by EN 360, not EN 353.
• Does not cover work positioning belts – see EN 358 work positioning and restraint belts.

3. EN 353 Parts

EN 353-1	Guided type fall arrester on a rigid anchor rail, typically fixed to ladders or towers
EN 353-2	Guided type fall arrester on a flexible anchor line (steel cable or rope), used on masts, towers and sloped structures

4. Requirements and Testing

• Locking response time and distance testing to confirm rapid arrest after a fall begins
• Static and dynamic strength testing of the traveling device, rail or line, and end fittings
• Compatibility testing confirming the traveler is only usable with the manufacturer's specified rail or line diameter/profile
• Corrosion resistance testing for outdoor rail and cable systems
• Clear marking of correct orientation, since most travelers only lock correctly when installed the right way up

5. Selecting the Right System

Choosing between Part 1 and Part 2 depends on the structure: fixed vertical ladders on towers, silos and masts commonly use a rigid rail system (Part 1) for durability, while flexible cable systems (Part 2) suit longer runs, curved structures or where a rigid rail is impractical to install. Always use the traveler and anchor line/rail from the same manufacturer, since compatibility between components is certified as a complete system, not interchangeable parts.

6. Inspection, Care and Maintenance

• Check the traveling device slides freely and locks immediately when tested by hand before use
• Inspect the rail or cable for corrosion, kinks, fraying or deformation along its full length
• Have the complete system formally inspected by a competent person at least annually
• Remove from service immediately after any fall arrest event
• Keep the traveler mechanism free of dirt, grease or debris that could impede locking

7. Product Examples

• Rigid rail fall arrest systems for fixed ladders (EN 353-1)
• Flexible cable fall arrest systems for masts and towers (EN 353-2)
• Detachable traveler devices for shared ladder access systems
• Stainless steel rail systems for corrosive or marine environments
• Portable temporary cable systems for construction access towers

8. Standard Information

• Status: Active European standard (EN 353-1 & EN 353-2)
• ICS code: 13.340.60
• Committee: CEN/TC 160
• Related standards: EN 361, EN 362, EN 795, EN 358
• See the full EN Standards Library for all safety equipment standards

Frequently Asked Questions about EN 353

What does the EN 353 standard cover?
EN 353 specifies requirements, testing and marking for guided type fall arresters that travel along a rigid rail (Part 1) or flexible anchor line (Part 2) and lock automatically to arrest a fall.

What is the difference between EN 353-1 and EN 353-2?
EN 353-1 covers systems using a rigid anchor rail, typically fixed to ladders, while EN 353-2 covers systems using a flexible anchor line such as steel cable, often used on masts and towers.

Can I use a different manufacturer's traveler on my rail system?
No, the traveling device and rail or line are certified together as a matched system; using mismatched components can prevent the locking mechanism from working correctly.

How does a guided type fall arrester differ from a retractable lifeline?
A guided type fall arrester (EN 353) travels along a fixed rail or line and requires the user to move it manually, while a retractable lifeline (EN 360) uses a self-retracting cable reel with automatic tensioning.

How often should the rail or cable system be inspected?
The full length of the rail or cable should be inspected by a competent person at least annually, alongside a functional check of the traveler's locking mechanism before each use.

What happens if the traveler is installed upside down?
Most guided type fall arresters only lock correctly in one orientation, so incorrect installation can prevent the device from arresting a fall; always follow the manufacturer's orientation markings.

What should I connect to the traveler on an EN 353 system?
The traveler connects to a harness attachment point meeting EN 361, usually via a connector meeting EN 362.