The right PPE is the difference between an arrested fall and a fatal fall. Get the standards right and the kit lasts. Get them wrong and the harness fails when it matters most. Here is the Working at Heights PPE specification every Irish site should follow.
Head protection
- Standard: EN 397 (industrial helmet) or EN 12492 (mountaineering helmet for climbing trades)
- Working at Heights specific: chinstrap mandatory if there is any risk of helmet falling off during fall arrest
- Replacement: after any impact, regardless of visible damage; otherwise 5-10 years from manufacture
- Storage: not on the parcel shelf of the van in summer (UV degrades the shell)
Body protection - the harness
- Standard: EN 361 (full body harness) - the only acceptable type for fall arrest
- Connection points: dorsal D-ring and sternal D-ring (some harnesses also have side D-rings for restraint)
- Sizing: properly fitted - leg loops snug, chest strap over the sternum, dorsal at shoulder blade height
- Pre-use check: 12-point inspection (see our harness inspection guide)
- Periodic inspection: every 6-12 months by a competent person
- Lifespan: typically 10 years from first use, manufacturer specific
Lanyards
- Energy absorbing lanyard: EN 355 - for fall arrest with verified clearance
- Restraint lanyard: EN 354 - fixed length, prevents reaching the edge
- Self-retracting lifeline (SRL): EN 360 - locks within centimetres of fall
- Positioning lanyard: EN 358 - for working position, not for fall arrest
Match the lanyard to the task. EN 355 with verified clearance is the default for fall arrest. SRL is the answer where clearance is limited.
Connectors
- Standard: EN 362 - karabiners and snap hooks
- Locking action: screw-gate, twist-lock or auto-lock - manual gates not acceptable for life support
- Material: steel for the heaviest applications, aluminium for routine use, alloy specialty for ropework
- Visual check: gate closes fully, no corrosion, no impact damage
Anchors
- Standard: EN 795 (5 types - see our anchor points guide)
- Strength: 12 kN minimum static load capacity
- Inspection: visual pre-use, formal annual
Footwear
- Standard: EN ISO 20345 (safety footwear) with appropriate sole markings
- Sole: SRC (slip-resistant) for indoor work, deeper tread for outdoor / roof
- Toe protection: 200J impact rating (S1, S2, S3 specs)
- Avoid: trainers, soft-soled shoes, untied laces
Eye protection
- Standard: EN 166 - impact rating F (low energy), B (medium), A (high)
- For Working at Heights: dust, debris, falling small objects - F or B is typical
- Anti-fog coating - particularly relevant in Irish weather
Hearing protection
Working alongside chainsaws, MEWP engines, generators, percussion drills:
- EN 352-1 ear defenders, EN 352-2 ear plugs
- SNR rating matched to noise exposure
- Replace foam plugs every shift, ear defenders annually
High-vis
- Standard: EN ISO 20471 - Class 2 minimum for site work, Class 3 for traffic-management areas
- Wash: manufacturer specific - typically 25 wash cycles before retro-reflectance fades
Gloves
- Standard: EN 388 (mechanical risk) - 4-digit code for cut, abrasion, tear, puncture
- For Working at Heights: grip + cut resistance - typical spec is "4332" or higher
- Important: harness adjustment requires bare or thin-glove dexterity - never adjust harness wearing heavy gloves
The PPE issue record
Every item issued must be recorded:
- Worker name
- Item description and serial number
- Date of issue
- Worker signature
- Inspection / replacement date
The HSA reads this record at every visit.
The training piece
The Working at Heights Course online covers PPE selection, EN standards, daily inspection and replacement criteria for harness, lanyard, anchor and helmet. 45 minutes, instant Working at Heights Certificate. Pair with site-specific PPE issue procedure.
FAQs
Can the company use a single harness for the whole crew?
Not recommended. Sizing matters for fall arrest performance, and the inspection record is per-harness. One harness per worker is best practice.
Is a domestic-grade DIY harness acceptable for trade work?
No. EN 361 marking is required, with the manufacturer / serial / date on the label readable.
How often should PPE be replaced?
Helmet: 5-10 years or after impact. Harness: 10 years or after fall arrest activation. Lanyard: at lifespan or after deployment. Connectors: when wear is visible.
Get every member of the crew kit-literate. Start the Working at Heights Course online, 45 minutes, instant Working at Heights Certificate covering all PPE selection.
