CEN/TS 16415 Recommendations for Anchor Devices to be Used by More Than One Person at a Time

The standard “CEN/TS 16415 Personal fall protection equipment - Anchor devices - Recommendations for anchor devices to be used by more than one person at a time”, a technical specification developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), describes the requirements, test apparatus, test methods, marking and information provided by the manufacturer for anchor devices designed to be used by more than one person at a time.

However, this standard does not apply to:

• Anchor devices that are covered by the EN 795 standard and are designed to allow only one user to be connected at a time
• Anchor devices used in any sporting or recreational activity
• Equipment designed in accordance with EN 516 or EN 517 standards
• Structural elements or parts installed for use other than an anchor point or anchor device, e.g. beams
• Structural anchors

The requirements, test methods, marking and information provided by the manufacturer for anchor devices designed for use by a single user are covered by the standard “EN 795 Personal fall protection equipment - Anchor devices”.

For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply:

• Anchor system means a system designed to be used as part of a personal fall protection system and comprising an anchor point or points, an anchor device, a member or fixture, or a structural anchor. Anchor systems that are not intended to be removed from the structure are not within the scope of this standard.
• Anchor device refers to an assembly of elements designed to be used as part of a personal fall protection system, incorporating one or more anchor points or movable anchor points that may include fixing elements, removable from the structure and intended to be part of the anchor system.
• A Type A anchor device is an anchor device that has one or more fixed anchor points and requires structural anchors or fasteners to secure it to the structure. The anchor points may rotate or pivot in their intended location during use.
• A Type B anchor device anchor is a device with one or more fixed anchor points that does not require structural anchors or fastening elements to secure it to the structure.
• A Type C anchor device is an anchor device that uses a flexible anchor line that deviates no more than 15 degrees from the horizontal when measured between the end and intermediate anchors at any point along its length.
• A Type D anchor device is an anchor device that uses a rigid anchor line that deviates no more than 15 degrees from the horizontal when measured between the end and intermediate anchors at any point along its length.
• Type E anchor device is an anchor device used on surfaces up to 5 degrees from the horizontal where its performance is based solely on the mass and friction between itself and the surface.
• A structural anchor is an anchoring device designed to be permanently incorporated into a structure and used in conjunction with a personal fall protection system. A structural anchor is not a part of the anchoring device. An example of a structural anchor is welding or resin bonding a member to the structure.
• An anchor element is the element or elements that are used to connect or fix the anchor device to the structure and can be removed from the structure.
• The element is part of the anchor system or anchor device.
• An anchor point is the point in the anchor system to which personal fall protection equipment is intended to be attached.

The CEN/TS 16415 standard complements the EN 795 standard, which covers anchor devices for personal fall protection. While the EN 795 standard generally assumes one user per anchor, the CEN/TS 16415 standard provides additional recommendations for anchor devices designed for use by more than one person simultaneously. This standard applies to anchor devices designed for use by two or more people simultaneously. It specifies general requirements for design, testing, and use. It ensures that anchor devices remain safe and effective under combined loading conditions.

The CEN/TS 16415 standard is a technical specification, meaning it provides guidance and best practices, but like other standards, it is not a fully harmonized standard. Based on industry feedback and further development, it may serve as a precursor to a full standard in the future.

Main applications are in areas such as construction, maintenance on large structures, rope access or any environment where multiple workers may need to be secured to the same anchor point.

In short, this standard provides recommendations and test methods for anchor devices used by multiple users simultaneously in fall protection systems. It helps ensure safety when multiple people are connected to a single anchor point. This is something not covered by EN 795.

The test methods defined in this standard are designed to verify the safety and performance of anchor devices intended for simultaneous use by more than one person (typically up to three). The principal test methods are:

• Static strength test (multi-user): The purpose of this test is to verify that the anchor device can withstand static loads from multiple users. A simultaneous load is applied to the anchor device. The load is 12 kN x the number of users (e.g., 24 kN for 2 users). The load is applied gradually and held for 3 minutes. At the end of the test, there should be no failure or permanent deformation that would affect safety.
• Dynamic performance test: The purpose of this test is to simulate the forces generated in a fall. A free-fall drop test is performed using a fixed mass (100 kg per user) via a fall arrest rope. The drop is typically 2 meters and simulates the worst-case scenario. For multiple users, the test may involve simultaneous or sequential falls, depending on the anchor type. The anchor device must not separate or break at the end of the test. The energy must be absorbed safely and its integrity maintained.
• Corrosion resistance (optional): Typically tested according to EN ISO 9227 (salt spray test). Guarantees durability in outdoor or marine environments.
• Functionality check: Ensures that moving parts (if any) operate safely after testing. This applies particularly to anchor devices that allow movement, rotation or reconfiguration.

Our organization, which has been supporting businesses across all sectors for years through a wide range of testing, measurement, analysis, and evaluation activities, has a strong team of employees who closely follow global developments in science and technology and are constantly improving themselves. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the "CEN/TS 16415 Personal fall protection equipment - Anchor devices - Recommendations for anchor devices to be used by more than one person at a time" standard.