| 1 | Applicable standard | EN 361:2002 specifies requirements, testing, marking, and information for full-body harnesses used as components of personal fall-protection systems. | Request documentation for the exact harness model and confirm that its scope and edition match the intended market and application. |
| 2 | Full-body construction | A full-body harness is designed to support the wearer across the body and distribute forces during a fall arrest; a waist belt alone is not a full-body harness. | Review the product design, intended use, and instructions; confirm the harness is not being offered as a substitute for a complete fall-protection system. |
| 3 | Fall-arrest attachment points | EN 361 fall-arrest attachment elements are identified by the letter “A.” Where two elements must be connected together to form an attachment point, they are marked “A/2.” | Check the physical markings and instructions to identify permitted attachment points and connection methods. |
| 4 | Standard-specific testing | EN 361 includes laboratory test requirements, including static-strength and dynamic-performance tests for harnesses and their attachment elements. | Ask for applicable test or conformity documentation tied to the product model; do not rely only on a generic statement that the product is “tested.” |
| 5 | Product identification and marking | Standard-compliant harnesses carry identification and information markings, including the relevant standard reference and identification of fall-arrest attachment elements. | Inspect a production sample and confirm markings are legible, durable, and consistent with the product documentation. |
| 6 | Fit and adjustment | A harness must be adjusted and worn in accordance with its instructions. Fit and adjustment affect whether the harness can function as intended. | Check the size range, adjustment method, fitting instructions, and whether the harness can be fitted correctly to the intended users. |
| 7 | Materials and components | Webbing, stitching, buckles, and attachment elements form part of the harness assembly; the complete product must meet applicable requirements. | Request component specifications and check that substitutions or design changes are controlled and supported by appropriate conformity evidence. |
| 8 | Instructions and compatibility | A harness is one component of a fall-protection system. System compatibility, use limitations, and connection instructions must be considered together. | Review instructions for compatible connectors and other system components, permitted uses, limitations, and user training information. |
| 9 | Inspection and retirement guidance | Inspection intervals, checks before use, care, storage, and retirement criteria should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable workplace procedures. | Confirm that clear user instructions cover inspection, damage or fall-event response, cleaning, storage, and when the product must be removed from service. |
| 10 | Traceability and quality controls | Traceable product identification helps buyers connect a harness to its production and conformity records; quality-system claims do not replace product-specific compliance evidence. | Check batch or serial identification, change-control procedures, inspection records, and the supplier’s process for handling nonconforming products. |