Protecting workers against the risk of falls from a height is important regardless of your location in the world.
However, when it comes to terms which are used to rate fall protection equipment, these can also vary depending on the country.
Two commonly used terms include EN and ANSI.
In short, EN standards are often legally binding under European health and safety laws, such as the PPE Regulation 2016/425.
However, ANSI standards apply in the United States and are often a requirement to comply with OSHA regulations.
Metreel is based in the UK, meaning the health and safety standards which apply here are EN standards among various others. Crucially, EN standards continue to apply in the UK despite Brexit.
If you’re curious to learn how EN and ANSI standards differ, we’ve covered some of the main points you need to know in this post.
Testing And Design Criteria
First of all, the purpose of EN and ANSI testing for fall protection is the same. That’s because EN and ANSI testing helps ensure the safety, reliability and performance of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other systems used to prevent or arrest falls from height.
However, as you might expect, since EN and ANSI standards are different, this also means their testing and design criteria aren’t the same.
Let’s break down an example of the test criteria for each standard:
EN standards
Static strength test: Often 15 kn (≈3,372 lbs)
Dynamic drop tests: Shorter drop distances
Test dummy weight: 100 kg (≈220 lbs)
Safety factors: Generally lower
Temperature range: May vary (often 0–35°C)
ANSI standards
Static strength test: Typically 5,000 lbs (22.2 kn)
Dynamic drop tests: Longer drop distances, heavier test weights
Test dummy weight: 282 lbs (≈128 kg), includes tool weight
Safety factors: Generally higher (more conservative)
Temperature range: Tested in wider ranges (e.g. -40°F to 130°F)
To summarise the testing and design criteria differences, ANSI gear is often heavier duty. In contrast, EN gear can be lighter and more ergonomically focused, though it has narrower temperature and test parameters.
Product Markings And Certifications
When an EN standard is used, it requires an applicable EN standard number. For example, EN 361 is a standard used for full body harnesses.
EN products must have a CE mark and go through a notified body for approval.
ANSI also has specific numbers to denote the standard. The ANSI equivalent for a full body harness would be ANSI Z359.11.
ANSI products do not require CE marking but often include independent lab certification (e.g. from UL).
Common Equipment And Standards Mapping
As noted above, a product certified to EN standards may not meet ANSI standards and vice versa, particularly with regards to aspects such as fall clearance, arrest forces and connector compatibility.
However, it is also the case that the same criteria can be found rated in terms of EN and ANSI standards.
EN standards
Anchorage connectors: EN 795
Fall arresters: EN 353-1/-2
Full body harness: EN 361
Lanyards (shock absorbing): EN 355
Rescue systems: EN 341, EN 1496
Self-retracting lifelines: EN 360
ANSI standards
Anchorage connectors: ANSI Z359.11
Fall arresters: ANSI Z359.15
Full body harness: ANSI Z359.11
Lanyards (shock absorbing): ANSI Z359.13
Rescue systems: ANSI Z359.4
Self-retracting lifelines: ANSI Z359.14
Depending on the geographic location where the fall protection is to be used, it would then be a case of referring to the applicable EN or ANSI standard.
In some cases, manufacturers test and certify products to both standards. That said, it is unsafe to mix EN and ANSI-rated components (e.g. lanyards and harnesses) due to differing performance assumptions. Therefore, the correct standards must always be applied depending on the location of the job.
In Search Of Fall Protection Equipment For Your UK Business?
Metreel is based in Derbyshire, and we offer leading fall protection solutions for companies across the UK and beyond. Crucially, we can ensure your equipment meets the applicable safety standards to help protect personnel while they work at a height.
Contact us here at Metreel today to find out more about our solutions.
You can also give us a call on 0115 932 7010 to speak to our team, including about the EN standards which all fall protection equipment must comply with here in the UK.