European Standard · Fall Protection Equipment
EN 361 – Full Body Harnesses: The Complete Guide to the European Standard for Fall Arrest Harnesses
EN 361 is the European standard specifying design, testing and marking requirements for full body harnesses used as the core connection point in a personal fall arrest system. A compliant harness distributes fall arrest forces across the thighs, pelvis, chest and shoulders to protect the wearer's body during and after a fall. This guide explains the requirements, attachment points, selection criteria and inspection routine for EN 361 harnesses.
1. Scope
EN 361 applies to full body harnesses intended to be used together with a fall arrest subsystem – typically an energy absorbing lanyard or guided type fall arrester connected to an anchor device. It defines the static and dynamic strength requirements for the harness, the position and marking of attachment points, and the information manufacturers must supply for correct fitting and use.
2. Exclusions & Related Standards
- Does not cover connectors such as karabiners – see EN 362 connectors.
- Does not cover anchor devices – see EN 795 anchor devices.
- Does not cover guided type fall arresters – see EN 353 guided type fall arresters.
- Work positioning belts without fall arrest attachment points fall under EN 358 work positioning and restraint belts instead.
- Rescue harnesses with additional lifting points may reference EN 1497 in addition to EN 361.
3. Attachment Points and Marking
| Dorsal (rear) | Primary fall arrest attachment point located between the shoulder blades, marked with an A |
| Sternal (front) | Chest-mounted fall arrest point, also marked A, used for ladder climbing systems |
| A/2 | Marking shown when two points must be used together to form a single fall arrest attachment |
4. Requirements and Testing
- Static strength testing of webbing, stitching and buckles under high load without failure
- Dynamic drop testing simulating a fall arrest event using a rigid test mass
- Verification that the harness keeps the wearer in an upright, safe position after arrest
- Buckle and adjuster testing to confirm secure fastening under load
- Clear marking of the CE mark, standard reference, size range and attachment point location
5. Selecting the Right Harness
Selecting a harness depends on the task: fall arrest work at height requires a dorsal (rear) attachment point at minimum, ladder climbing benefits from an additional sternal (front) point, and confined space or rescue work may call for a harness with shoulder lifting points as well. Padding, adjustability and compatibility with tool belts or other PPE should also be factored into the choice for all-day comfort.
6. Inspection, Care and Maintenance
- Inspect webbing for cuts, fraying, UV damage or chemical staining before each use
- Check buckles, D-rings and stitching for deformation or corrosion
- Have the harness formally inspected by a competent person at least every 12 months, or per manufacturer guidance
- Remove from service immediately after any fall arrest event
- Store away from sunlight, sharp edges and chemical exposure when not in use
7. Product Examples
- Basic dorsal-only fall arrest harnesses
- Dual dorsal and sternal attachment harnesses for ladder climbing
- Padded comfort harnesses for extended work-at-height tasks
- Harnesses with integrated tool belt attachment points
- Confined space rescue harnesses with additional shoulder lifting points
8. Standard Information
- Status: Active European standard (EN 361)
- ICS code: 13.340.60
- Committee: CEN/TC 160
- Related standards: EN 362, EN 795, EN 353, EN 358
- See the full EN Standards Library for all safety equipment standards
Frequently Asked Questions about EN 361
What does the EN 361 standard cover?
EN 361 specifies requirements, testing and marking for full body harnesses used as the wearer's connection point within a personal fall arrest system.
What is the difference between dorsal and sternal attachment points?
The dorsal point is located on the back between the shoulder blades and is the primary fall arrest point, while the sternal point is on the chest and is often used for ladder climbing systems.
Can a work positioning belt be used instead of an EN 361 harness?
No, work positioning belts meeting EN 358 are not designed for fall arrest forces; a full body harness meeting EN 361 is required whenever there is a risk of a free fall.
How often should a fall arrest harness be inspected?
Harnesses should be visually checked before each use and formally inspected by a competent person at least annually, or immediately after any fall arrest event.
What equipment connects to an EN 361 harness?
A connector meeting EN 362, combined with an energy absorbing lanyard or guided type fall arrester meeting EN 353, links the harness to an anchor device meeting EN 795.
What does A/2 mean on a harness attachment point?
A/2 indicates that two marked points must be used together to form one complete fall arrest attachment, rather than either point being used alone.
Should I replace a harness after a fall?
Yes, any harness involved in a fall arrest event must be removed from service immediately and inspected or replaced, since webbing and stitching can be weakened even without visible damage.