EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 1496

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM November 2006

ICS 13.340.60 Supersedes EN 1496:1996

English Version

Personal fall protection equipment - Rescue lifting devices

Equipement de protection personnel contre les chutes - Persönliche Absturzschutzausrüstungen -

Dispositifs de sauvetage par élévation Rettungshubgeräte

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 22 September 2006.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards 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 translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official
versions.

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, Romania,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels

© 2006 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 1496:2006: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
EN 1496:2006 (E)

Contents Page

Foreword......................................................................................................................................................................3
1 Scope ..............................................................................................................................................................4
2 Normative references ....................................................................................................................................4
3 Terms and definitions ...................................................................................................................................4
4 Requirements .................................................................................................................................................5
4.1 General............................................................................................................................................................5
4.2 Ergonomics ....................................................................................................................................................5
4.3 Materials and construction ...........................................................................................................................5
4.4 Function for class A rescue lifting devices ................................................................................................6
4.5 Dynamic performance and function for class B rescue lifting devices ...................................................6
4.6 Static strength................................................................................................................................................6
4.7 Corrosion resistance .....................................................................................................................................6
4.8 Marking and information ...............................................................................................................................6
5 Test methods..................................................................................................................................................6
5.1 Sampling.........................................................................................................................................................6
5.2 Test masses ...................................................................................................................................................6
5.3 Conditioning to wet .......................................................................................................................................7
5.4 Examination of design ..................................................................................................................................7
5.5 Operating force test.......................................................................................................................................7
5.6 Dynamic performance test for class B rescue lifting devices ..................................................................7
5.7 Static strength test ........................................................................................................................................8
5.8 Corrosion resistance test .............................................................................................................................9
5.9 Function test ..................................................................................................................................................9
6 Marking .........................................................................................................................................................10
7 Information supplied by the manufacturer ...............................................................................................11
Annex A (informative) Significant technical changes between this European Standard and the
previous edition EN 1496:1996...................................................................................................................12
Bibliography ..............................................................................................................................................................13

Figures

Figure 1 — Dynamic performance test procedure for class B rescue lifting devices.........................................8

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 EN 1496:2006 (E)

Foreword
This document (EN 1496:2006) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 160 “Protection against falls
from height including working belts”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text or
by endorsement, at the latest by May 2007, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by
May 2007.

Annex A provides details of significant technical changes between this European Standard and the previous
edition: EN 1496:1996.

This document supersedes EN 1496:1996.

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United
Kingdom.

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EN 1496:2006 (E)

1 Scope
This European Standard specifies requirements, test methods, marking and information supplied by the
manufacturer for rescue lifting devices. Rescue lifting devices conforming to this European Standard are used as
components or sub-systems of rescue systems.

NOTE Rescue lifting devices in accordance with this European Standard may be combined with other components or sub-
systems, e.g. descender devices for rescue (EN 341), retractable type fall arresters (EN 360).

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 362, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height — Connectors

EN 363:2002, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height — Fall arrest systems

EN 364:1992, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height — Test methods

EN 365, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height — General requirements for instructions for use,
maintenance, periodic examination, repair, marking and packaging

EN 1891:1998, Personal protective equipment for the prevention of falls from a height — Low stretch kernmantel
ropes

EN ISO 1140, Fibre ropes — Polyamide — 3-, 4- and 8-strand ropes (ISO 1140:2004)

EN ISO 1141, Fibre ropes — Polyester — 3-, 4- and 8-strand ropes (ISO 1141:2004)

ISO 2232, Round drawn wire for general purpose non-alloy steel wire ropes and for large diameter steel wire ropes
— Specifications

ISO 9227, Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres — Salt spray tests

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 363:2002 and the following apply.

3.1
rescue lifting device class A
component or sub-system of a rescue system, by which a person is lifted by a rescuer or lifts himself from a lower
to a higher place

3.2
rescue lifting device class B
rescue lifting device class A with an additional hand-operated lowering function intended for lowering a person over
a distance limited to 2 m

NOTE The limited lowering function is provided because in some circumstances it may be necessary to lower a person a
short distance during a rescue lifting operation, e.g. to avoid an obstruction. For a rescue by descent, a descender device
conforming to EN 341 should be used.

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3.3
rescue system
personal fall protection system by which a person can rescue themselves or others, in such a way that a fall is
prevented

3.4
personal fall protection system
assembly of components for protection against falls from a height at work, including at least a body holding device
connected to a reliable anchorNOTE Excludes systems for professional and private sports activities.

3.5
maximum rated load (for the rescue lifting device)
maximum mass of the person(s), including tools and equipment, as specified by the manufacturer for the rescue
lifting device

NOTE Maximum rated load is expressed in kilograms.

3.6
braking force
maximum force Fmax measured during the braking period of the dynamic performance test

NOTE Maximum force Fmax is expressed in kilo newtons.

4 Requirements

4.1 General

4.1.1 A rescue lifting device integrated into a personal fall protection system other than a rescue system shall
meet all the requirements of this European Standard when in the rescue mode.

4.1.2 If the rescue lifting device is permanently fitted or intended to be fitted to a tripod or similar anchor device
according to EN 795, the whole unit, i.e. the rescue lifting device and the anchor device combined, shall meet the
requirements of this European Standard.

4.2 Ergonomics

When tested in accordance with 5.5 with a mass equivalent to the maximum rated load, but at least 100 kg, the
operating force for lifting the test mass shall not exceed 250 N.

4.3 Materials and construction

4.3.1 General

Materials used in the rescue lifting device that may come into contact with the skin of a user shall not be known to
cause irritating or sensitization effects during intended use.

When checked in accordance with 5.4, the rescue lifting device shall have no sharp edges and burrs that may
cause injury to the user.

4.3.2 Lines

Lines shall be made from textile rope or webbing or from steel wire rope.

4.3.3 Ropes and webbings

Fibre ropes of a non-sheathed core construction shall conform to EN ISO 1140 or EN ISO 1141.

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EN 1496:2006 (E)

Fibre ropes of kernmantel construction shall conform to EN 1891:1998, type A.

Wire ropes shall conform to ISO 2232.

Webbings and yarns shall be made of filament or multifilament synthetic fibres, suitable for the use intended. The
breaking tenacity of the synthetic fibre shall be known to be at least 0,6 N/tex.

Threads used for sewing shall be physically compatible with the rope or webbing and their quality shall be
comparable to those of the rope or webbing. They shall, however, be of a contrasting shade in order to facilitate
visual inspection.

4.3.4 Connectors

Connectors shall conform to EN 362.

4.4 Function for class A rescue lifting devices

When tested in accordance with 5.9.1, the test mass shall be arrested within a vertical distance of 100 mm.

4.5 Dynamic performance and function for class B rescue lifting devices

When tested in accordance with 5.6 with a test mass equivalent to the maximum rated load, but at least 100 kg, the
test mass shall be held and the braking force Fmax shall not exceed 6 kN.

When tested in accordance with 5.9.2, the lifting and lowering feature shall still function without failure and the test
mass shall be arrested within a vertical distance of 100 mm.

4.6 Static strength

When tested in accordance with 5.7 with a test force equivalent to 10 times the maximum rated load, but at least
12 kN, the rescue lifting device shall withstand the test force applied for 3 min without tearing or rupture.

4.7 Corrosion resistance

After the test in accordance with 5.8, metal parts shall show no evidence of corrosion that would affect the function
of the rescue lifting device (white scaling or tarnishing is acceptable if the function is not impaired).

NOTE Conformity with this requirement does not imply suitability for use in a marine environment.

4.8 Marking and information

Marking of the rescue lifting device shall be in accordance with Clause 6.

Information shall be supplied with the rescue lifting device in accordance with Clause 7.

5 Test methods

5.1 Sampling

At least two test samples shall be provided for the tests.

5.2 Test masses

Three test masses are required:

⎯ test mass A: equivalent to the maximum rated load, but at least 100 kg;
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⎯ test mass B: equivalent to 1,5 times the maximum rated load, but at least 150 kg;

⎯ test mass C: 30 kg.

+2
The tolerance on the test masses is ( 0) %.

5.3 Conditioning to wet

The apparatus for conditioning shall conform to EN 364:1992, 4.8.3.

Maintain the rescue lifting device at (20 ± 2) °C for 24 h. Fully extract the line and arrange the rescue lifting device
vertically in a tank and spray water within the temperature range of (10 to 30) °C on it for 3 h at a rate of
approximately 70 l/h.

Remove the rescue lifting device and commence the test before 90 s has elapsed.

NOTE If the rescue lifting device is integrated into an anchor device, it is sufficient to condition only the rescue lifting device
and not the anchor device.

5.4 Examination of design

Confirm by reference to appropriate documentation and by visual and/or tactile examination of the rescue lifting
device that it meets the requirements of 4.3.

5.5 Operating force test

Fit the rescue lifting device to an anchor point in accordance with the information supplied by the manufacturer.

Withdraw the line by at least 1 000 mm from the rescue lifting device and attach test mass A to the end termination
in the line.

Where relevant, engage the rescue mechanism in accordance with the information supplied by the manufacturer.

Hold the test mass by means of the controlling feature.

Apply a force of a maximum of 250 N to the handle of the controlling feature in such a way that it operates as
intended.

Check whether the force lifts the test mass.

5.6 Dynamic performance test for class B rescue lifting devices

5.6.1 Apparatus

The test apparatus shall conform to EN 364:1992, 4.4, 4.5 and 4.6.

5.6.2 Procedure

Attach the rescue lifting device in the intended position of the rescue lifting device to the anchor point of the test
apparatus.

If the rescue lifting device is intended to be fitted to a tripod or similar anchor device, then test the whole unit.
+ 50
Withdraw the line by (4 000 0) mm from the rescue lifting device and attach test mass A to the end termination of
the line, incorporating a force measurement instrument to measure the braking force.

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EN 1496:2006 (E)

+ 50
Raise the test mass by (600 0) mm, with a maximum horizontal distance of 300 mm from the centre line (see
Figure 1). Hold the test mass by the quick release device. In the case of rescue lifting devices with an automatic
retraction function, prevent the line from retracting by a clamp.

Release the test mass without initial velocity.

Measure the braking force.

Repeat the test for every intended orientation and/or position of the rescue lifting device. Where the manufacturer
gives a range of orientations of use for the rescue lifting device, carry out a test at each extreme orientation and
one centrally between the two, using an appropriate anchor point.

A new test sample may be used for each test.

Dimensions in millimetres

Key

1 rescue lifting device

2 line
3 test mass
4 quick release device

Figure 1 — Dynamic performance test procedure for class B rescue lifting devices

5.7 Static strength test

5.7.1 Test apparatus

The test apparatus for the static test shall conform to EN 364:1992, 4.1.

5.7.2 Test specimen

The manufacturer shall supply a test specimen with a length of line appropriate to enable the test to be carried out
and a termination the same as that used on the rescue lifting device to be placed on the market.

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5.7.3 Test procedure

If the rescue lifting device is intended to be fitted to a tripod or similar anchor device, then test the whole unit.

Fit the rescue lifting device into the test apparatus by the attachment point of the rescue lifting device at one end
and by the attachment point of the line at the other end.

With the line fully withdrawn, apply a force equivalent to 10 times the maximum rated load with a tolerance of
+ 0,2 + 0,2 + 0,25
( 0) kN, but with a minimum of (12 0) kN, and maintain it for (3 0) min.

Check whether the test sample holds the force without tearing or rupture.

Where the manufacturer permits different positions of the rescue lifting device on the anchor device, carry out a test
at each position.

A new test sample may be used for each test.

5.8 Corrosion resistance test

5.8.1 Test apparatus

The apparatus for testing the corrosion resistance shall be capable of the neutral salt spray test procedure
described in ISO 9227.

5.8.2 Test procedure

Expose the rescue lifting device (including the line and any fittings) to the neutral salt spray test in accordance with
+ 0,5 +5
ISO 9227 for (24 0) h. Dry for (60 0) min at (20 ± 2) ºC. Then repeat the procedure, so that the rescue lifting
+ 0,5 +5 + 0,5
device is subjected in total to (24 0) h exposure and (60 0) min drying plus another (24 0) h exposure and
+5
(60 0) min drying.

Examine the specimen and check for signs of corrosion. Where necessary to gain visual access to internal parts,
dismantle the rescue lifting device.

NOTE If the rescue lifting device is integrated into an anchor device according to EN 795, it is sufficient to test only the
rescue lifting device and not the anchor device.

5.9 Function test

5.9.1 Test procedure for rescue lifting devices class A

5.9.1.1 Carry out the test at the maximum lifting distance as given in the information supplied by the
manufacturer.

Attach the rescue lifting device to an appropriate anchor point.

Fully extract the line to correspond to the working length of the rescue lifting device. Where relevant, engage the
rescue mechanism in accordance with the information supplied by the manufacturer.

Attach test mass B to the end of the extracted line.

By means of the controlling feature, lift the test mass until there is (1 000 ± 100) mm of line remaining outside the
rescue lifting device.

Release the controlling feature and measure the arrest distance.

Where the manufacturer permits different positions or orientations of the rescue lifting device, repeat the procedure at
each orientation / position, by lifting the test mass until there is (1 000 ± 100) mm of line remaining below the point at
which the line commences to hang downwards (e.g. the top pulley of a tripod). Where the manufacturer gives a range
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EN 1496:2006 (E)

of orientations of use for the rescue lifting device, carry out a test at each extreme orientation and one centrally
between the two.

A new test sample may be used for each test.

5.9.1.2 Replace test mass B with test mass C and repeat the procedure specified in 5.9.1.1.

5.9.1.3 Repeat the procedures specified in 5.9.1.1 and 5.9.1.2 with a rescue lifting device conditioned to wet in
accordance with 5.3.1.

5.9.1.4 Where a rescue lifting device has more than one controlling feature, test each one in accordance with
5.9.1.1, 5.9.1.2 and 5.9.1.3.

5.9.2 Test procedure for rescue lifting devices class B

5.9.2.1 After the dynamic performance test procedure in accordance with 5.6.2, replace test mass A with test
mass B.

Engage the rescue mechanism in accordance with the information supplied by the manufacturer. By means of the
controlling feature, lift the test mass until the line is fully retracted in the rescue lifting device. Then by means of the
controlling feature, lower the test mass by (1 000 ± 100) mm.

Release the controlling feature and measure the arrest distance.

Afterwards lower the test mass by a distance corresponding to the working length of the rescue lifting device. Then
by means of the controlling feature, lift the test mass until there is (1 000 ± 100) mm of line remaining below the
point at which the line commences to hang downwards.

Release the controlling feature and measure the arrest distance.

5.9.2.2 Replace test mass B with test mass C and repeat the test procedure specified in 5.9.2.1 (without the
dynamic performance test procedure).

5.9.2.3 Repeat the test procedures specified in 5.9.2.1 and 5.9.2.2 with a rescue lifting device conditioned to
wet in accordance with 5.3.

5.9.2.4 Where a rescue lifting device has more than one controlling feature, test each one in accordance with
5.9.2.1, 5.9.2.2 and 5.9.2.3.

6 Marking
Marking on the rescue lifting device shall conform to EN 365. In addition, the marking shall include the following:

a) the class of the rescue lifting device;

b) the maximum rated load of the rescue lifting device;

c) the maximum lifting distance;

d) if the line is not integrated into the rescue lifting device, the type, model and diameter range of the lines to be
used with the rescue lifting device.

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7 Information supplied by the manufacturer

The information supplied by the manufacturer shall conform to EN 365 and in addition shall include at least advice
or information as follows:

a) that the user should read and understand the information supplied by the manufacturer before using the
rescue lifting device;

b) the class of the rescue lifting device;

c) the maximum rated load of the rescue lifting device;

d) the recommended type of body-holding device(s) that are to be used with the rescue lifting device

e) the correct way to connect the rescue lifting device to the body holding device of the rescuee;

f) that there should be direct or indirect visual contact or some other means of communication with the rescuee
at all times during the rescue process;

g) a warning that the lifting / lowering function is for rescue purposes only and not for lifting / lowering loads;

h) the orientation(s) and position(s) in which the rescue lifting device may be used, e.g. vertically, horizontally or
inclined;

i) if the rescue lifting device can be disassembled, how to assemble or reassemble the elements to prepare the
rescue lifting device ready for use;

j) if the line is not integrated into the rescue lifting device, the model/type and diameter of the lines with which the
rescue lifting device may be used and other relevant information necessary to ensure compatibility of the
rescue lifting device;

k) for class A rescue lifting devices, that the rescue lifting device shall only be used if an unhindered lifting
process is possible and that it shall not be used if obstacles present a hazard;

l) for class B rescue lifting devices, that the lowering function is only intended to lower a person over a maximum
distance of 2 m;

m) the number and year of publication of this European Standard, i.e. EN 1496:2006.

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EN 1496:2006 (E)

Annex A
(informative)

Significant technical changes between this European Standard and the

previous edition EN 1496:1996

Table A.1 — Significant technical changes

Clause / Paragraph / Table / Figure Change

The scope has been modified: The statement that a
1 Scope rescue lifting device is not a component of personal
protective equipment has been deleted.
EN 353-1:1992, EN 353-2:1992, EN 355:1992, prEN
2 Normative references 892-1:1995, EN 918 have been deleted.
ISO 9227 has been added.
The definitions "rescue system", "personal fall
protection system", "maximum rated load (for the
3 Definitions
rescue lifting device)" and "braking force" have been
incorporated.
4 Requirements A new subclause 4.1 "General" has been added.
This subclause contains requirements regarding the
4.2 Ergonomics
operation force for a rescue lifting device.
4.3 Materials and construction This subclause has been re-structured.
Requirement especially for class B rescue lifting
4.5 Dynamic performance devices regarding their dynamic performance has
been introduced.
This new subclause pooled the test masses used in
5.2 Test masses
the several test methods.
A specific subclause describing the conditioning to
5.3.1 Conditioning to wet
wet has been introduced.
Test methods for materials and construction have
5.4 Examination of design
been incorporated.
The order of the clauses "marking" and "information
Clauses 6 and 7
supplied by the manufacturer" have been changed.

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Bibliography

[1] EN 341, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height — Descender devices

[2] EN 360, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height — Retractable type fall arresters

[3] EN 795, Protection against falls from a height — Anchor devices — Requirements and testing

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