EN 365:2004
(Main)Personal protective equipment against falls from a height - General requirements for instructions for use, maintenance, periodic examination, repair, marking and packaging
General Information
- Abstract
This document specifies the minimum general requirements for instructions for use, maintenance, periodic examination, repair, marking and packaging of PPE, which includes body holding devices, and other equipment used in conjunction with a body holding device, to prevent falls, for access, egress and work positioning, to arrest falls and for rescue.
This document is not intended to cover:
1) specific requirements that are only relevant to the particular PPE or other equipment for protection against falls from a height and its use, which should be specified in the relevant document;
2) PPE or other equipment for protection against falls from a height used in any sports or recreational activity.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 21-Sep-2004
- Withdrawal Date
- 30-Mar-2005
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 160 - Protection against falls from height including working belts
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 160/WG 1 - General requirements
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 13-Sep-2022
- Completion Date
- 23-Sep-2026
- Directive
- Harmonized Standard2016/425 - Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on personal protective equipment and repealing Council Directive 89/686/EECOJ Ref: C, C 113 OJ Date: 27-Mar-2018
Not Harmonized89/686/EEC - Personal protective equipment (PPE)OJ Ref: C 247, C 3, C 306, C 91 OJ Date: 06-Oct-2005
Overview
EN 365:2004 is a CEN European standard that sets general requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) against falls from a height. It defines the minimum content and format for instructions for use, maintenance, periodic examination, repair, marking and packaging of fall-protection equipment - including body-holding devices (e.g., harnesses) and associated components used for access, work positioning, fall arrest and rescue. The standard clarifies manufacturer responsibilities and user information needs while excluding sport/recreational equipment and device-specific performance requirements.
Key topics and technical requirements
EN 365:2004 focuses on information, safety management and lifecycle controls rather than performance test criteria. Major requirements include:
Instructions for use
- Clear, legible, unambiguous written instructions in the destination country’s official language(s).
- Description of intended purpose, limitations, model/identification and conformity references.
- Safety warnings: medical limitations, need for competent/trained users, rescue planning, prohibition of unauthorized alterations/repairs.
- Pre-use check requirements and criteria for withdrawal after a fall.
- Guidance on anchor point strength, correct harness attachment, compatibility of system components and required free-fall clearance.
Maintenance
- Cleaning, disinfection and drying procedures that avoid material damage.
- Storage recommendations to prevent degradation (UV, moisture, sharp edges).
- Other routine care (e.g., lubrication where relevant).
Periodic examination
- Requirement for regular in-depth inspections by a competent person.
- Recommendation that periodic examination be at least every 12 months (or more often depending on use and environment).
- Procedures for recordkeeping of inspections and repairs.
Repair, marking and packaging
- Repairs only by manufacturer-authorized competent persons following documented procedures.
- Meaning and legibility of product markings explained in instructions.
- Packaging guidance to protect equipment during transport and storage.
Documentation & traceability
- Records for each item: model, serial/batch identification, purchase and service history, inspection/repair logs.
Practical applications
EN 365 is used to ensure safety information and lifecycle control for fall-protection equipment across workplaces. Typical applications:
- Creating user manuals and maintenance procedures for harnesses, lanyards, fall arresters and rescue devices
- Establishing company inspection and recordkeeping policies
- Supplying language-appropriate documentation for international shipments
- Defining competence requirements for periodic examiners and repair technicians
Who should use this standard
- PPE manufacturers and authorised representatives
- Safety managers, procurement and compliance officers
- Training providers and competent persons performing inspections
- Notified bodies and regulators verifying documentation and conformity
- Facilities with working-at-height activities (construction, utilities, industrial maintenance)
Related standards
- EN 361 (Full body harnesses) - normative reference in EN 365
- Annex ZA of EN 365 links to EU Directive 89/686/EEC requirements (conformity/market requirements)
Keywords: EN 365:2004, fall protection, personal protective equipment, instructions for use, periodic examination, maintenance, marking, packaging, body holding device, competent person.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 22-Dec-2008
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Referred By
EN 12841:2024 - Personal fall protection equipment - Rope access systems - Rope adjustment devices - Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Referred By
EN 14396:2004 - Fixed ladders for manholes - Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard
CIS Institut d.o.o.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) certification body. Notified Body NB-2890 for EU Regulation 2016/425 PPE.

Kiwa BDA Testing
Building and construction product certification.
Kmetijski inštitut Slovenije
Agricultural Institute of Slovenia. Soil testing, plant health, agricultural product analysis.
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 365:2004 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Personal protective equipment against falls from a height - General requirements for instructions for use, maintenance, periodic examination, repair, marking and packaging". This standard covers: This document specifies the minimum general requirements for instructions for use, maintenance, periodic examination, repair, marking and packaging of PPE, which includes body holding devices, and other equipment used in conjunction with a body holding device, to prevent falls, for access, egress and work positioning, to arrest falls and for rescue. This document is not intended to cover: 1) specific requirements that are only relevant to the particular PPE or other equipment for protection against falls from a height and its use, which should be specified in the relevant document; 2) PPE or other equipment for protection against falls from a height used in any sports or recreational activity.
This document specifies the minimum general requirements for instructions for use, maintenance, periodic examination, repair, marking and packaging of PPE, which includes body holding devices, and other equipment used in conjunction with a body holding device, to prevent falls, for access, egress and work positioning, to arrest falls and for rescue. This document is not intended to cover: 1) specific requirements that are only relevant to the particular PPE or other equipment for protection against falls from a height and its use, which should be specified in the relevant document; 2) PPE or other equipment for protection against falls from a height used in any sports or recreational activity.
EN 365:2004 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.340.99 - Other protective equipment. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 365:2004 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 365:1992, EN 361:2002, EN 13084-9:2022, EN 354:2010, EN 341:2011, EN 12841:2024, EN 1498:2006, EN 14396:2004, EN 353-1:2014, EN 358:2018, EN 360:2023, EN 1993-3-1:2006, EN 795:2012, EN 813:2024, EN 362:2004. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 365:2004 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2016/425, 89/686/EEC, 93/68/EEC, 93/95/EEC, 96/58/EC; Standardization Mandates: M/BC/CEN/88/11. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
EN 365:2004 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.SDNLUDQMHPersönliche Schutzausrüstung zum Schutz gegen Absturz - Allgemeine Anforderungen an Gebrauchsanleitungen, Wartung, regelmäßige Überprüfung, Instandsetzung, Kennzeichnung und VerpackungEquipements de protection individuelle contre les chutes de hauteur - Exigences générales pour le mode d'emploi, l'entretien, l'examen périodique, la réparation, le marquage et l'emballagePersonal protective equipment against falls from a height - General requirements for instructions for use, maintenance, periodic examination, repair, marking and packaging13.340.60Protection against falling and slippingICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 365:2004SIST EN 365:2005en01-marec-2005SIST EN 365:2005SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 365:19961DGRPHãþD
EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 365September 2004ICS 13.340.99Supersedes EN 365:1992
English versionPersonal protective equipment against falls from a height -General requirements for instructions for use, maintenance,periodic examination, repair, marking and packagingEquipements de protection individuelle contre les chutes dehauteur - Exigences générales pour le mode d'emploi,l'entretien, l'examen périodique, la réparation, le marquageet l'emballagePersönliche Schutzausrüstung zum Schutz gegen Absturz -Allgemeine Anforderungen an Gebrauchsanleitungen,Wartung, regelmäßige Überprüfung, Instandsetzung,Kennzeichnung und VerpackungThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 9 July 2004.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the officialversions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2004 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 365:2004: ESIST EN 365:2005
Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential Requirements of EU Directive 89/686/EEC.11
1 Scope This document specifies the minimum general requirements for instructions for use, maintenance, periodic examination, repair, marking and packaging of PPE, which includes body holding devices, and other equipment used in conjunction with a body holding device, to prevent falls, for access, egress and work positioning, to arrest falls and for rescue. This document is not intended to cover: 1) specific requirements that are only relevant to the particular PPE or other equipment for protection against falls from a height and its use, which should be specified in the relevant document; 2) PPE or other equipment for protection against falls from a height used in any sports or recreational activity. 2 Normative references The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. EN 361, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height — Full body harnesses. 3 Terms and definitions For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply. 3.1 maintenance act of keeping PPE or other equipment in a safe working condition by preventative actions such as cleaning and providing suitable storage 3.2 periodic examination act of periodically carrying out an in-depth examination of the PPE or other equipment for defects, e.g. damage or wear 3.3 competent person for periodic examination person who is knowledgeable of the current periodic examination requirements, recommendations and instructions issued by the manufacturer applicable to the relevant component, subsystem or system NOTE 1 This person should be capable of identifying and assessing the significance of defects, should initiate the corrective action to be taken and should have the necessary skills and resources to do so. NOTE 2 A competent person may need to be trained by the manufacturer or his authorised representative on specific PPE or other equipment, e.g. due to its complexity or innovation, or where safety critical knowledge is needed in the dismantling, reassembly, or assessment of the PPE or other equipment, and may need to have that training updated due to modifications and upgrades. NOTE 3 A person may be competent to carry out periodic examinations on one particular model of PPE or other equipment or may be competent to examine several models. SIST EN 365:2005
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