EN 355

The EN 355 standard specifies the requirements, test methods, instructions for use, marking and packaging for energy absorbers used in the fall arrest systems defined in EN 363. An energy absorber, also called a dissipator, is a PPE designed to dissipate the kinetic energy developed during a fall.
It is normally placed between the anchoring point and the operator’s harness. The device can be independent or connected to the system by means of connectors. Integrated to the lanyard, see standard EN 354, or to the guided type fall arrester, see standard EN 353- 1 and EN 353-2.
These devices are triggered at the instant immediately prior to when the fall reaches the maximum speed, because when an operator falls, he starts to accelerate due to the force of gravity. They are activated by countering the force generated by the fall with an equal and opposite force, until bringing the operator to zero speed.
The function of the energy absorber is therefore that of slowing down the fall, increasing the stopping time thus preventing the stopping force from exceeding a certain limit. Value which normally cannot exceed 6 kN (approximately 611 Kg).