DIN EN 360 E 2020-06 PDF

Full title and description

STB DIN EN 360 E 2020-06 — Personal fall protection equipment — Retractable type fall arresters. German and English version specifying design, performance, testing, marking and manufacturer information for retractable type fall arresters (self‑retracting lifelines / retractable lanyards).

Abstract

This document sets out requirements and test methods for retractable type fall arresters (RTFAs) used as components of fall arrest systems. It covers device classification (Type A for predominantly vertical use and Type B for devices that may be used horizontally), design and construction, performance criteria, marking, user information and conformity assessment considerations for single‑lanyard retractable arresters. The standard positions RTFAs as components within the scope of the system standard EN 363.

General information

• Status: Superseded (replaced by a later edition).
• Publication date: June 1, 2020 (DIN designation 2020-06).
• Publisher: Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) — German/English bilingual version available.
• ICS / categories: 13.340.60 (Protection against falling and slipping / personal fall protection equipment).
• Edition / version: Edition identified as DIN EN 360:2020-06 (E).
• Number of pages: 127 pages (approx.).

Scope

The standard applies to retractable type fall arresters intended to be used as components of fall arrest systems covered by EN 363. It addresses RTFAs with a single retractable lanyard (and in draft forms clarifies Type A vertical and Type B for some horizontal use). Sport and recreational equipment are excluded. The standard defines required tests, labeling and manufacturer information to demonstrate safe use and conformity.

Key topics and requirements

• Classification of device types (Type A — vertical/overhead use up to specified angles; Type B — permitted horizontal use and additional tests where applicable).
• Design and construction requirements: housings, attachment points, swivels, lanyard materials (webbing or cable) and corrosion/strength criteria.
• Performance and dynamic testing: arrest force limits, activation / locking behaviour, retraction function, endurance and environmental conditioning.
• Energy absorption and maximum arrest forces (limits to protect the user and harness), and provisions for edge and horizontal‑use testing where applicable.
• Marking, user instructions, inspection/maintenance information and packaging requirements to support safe use and traceability.
• Conformity and relationship to system standard EN 363 — RTFAs are treated as system components and must be used with compatible harnesses and connectors.

Typical use and users

Intended users include PPE manufacturers and designers, conformity assessment bodies, test laboratories, safety engineers, facility maintenance teams, procurement officers for industries working at height (construction, utilities, telecoms, wind, shipyards) and occupational safety regulators. The standard is used to specify product design, acceptance testing and instructions for safe selection and use of retractable fall arresters.

Related standards

EN 360 is referenced alongside EN 363 (fall arrest systems), and other personal fall protection standards such as EN 353 (guided type fall arresters), EN 354 (lanyards), EN 355 (energy absorbers), EN 358 (work positioning) and EN 365 (general PPE — instructions for use, maintenance, periodic examination). Where applicable, national adoptions or translations (DIN EN, BDS, SSH, etc.) follow the European text.

Keywords

retractable fall arrester, self‑retracting lifeline, RTFA, SRL, fall arrest, personal fall protection, lanyard, energy absorber, EN 360, DIN EN 360, work at height

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is the European/DIN specification for retractable type fall arresters — devices that automatically retract a lanyard and lock to arrest a fall (self‑retracting lifelines). The DIN EN 360:2020-06 edition is the 2020 publication of that European text.

Q: What does it cover?

A: Design, materials, performance and testing requirements; marking and user information; and how RTFAs integrate as components within fall arrest systems (EN 363). It specifies tests for locking performance, maximum arrest forces, environmental conditioning and labelling.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, test labs, conformity assessment bodies, safety engineers, purchasers of PPE for work at height, and occupational safety professionals who need to ensure devices meet harmonized performance and marking requirements.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The DIN EN 360:2020-06 edition is superseded by a later DIN/EN edition (the EN/DIN update published in 2024). Users should check for the most recent EN/DIN edition when specifying or purchasing equipment.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — EN 360 forms part of the family of personal fall protection standards and is intended to be used alongside EN 363 (fall arrest systems) and related EN standards for lanyards, energy absorbers, guided arresters and general PPE requirements (EN 353, EN 354, EN 355, EN 365, etc.).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Retractable fall arrester, self‑retracting lifeline (SRL), RTFA, fall arrest, lanyard, energy absorber, EN 360, DIN EN 360, work at height.