The national and international regulatory framework for anchorage devices is not structured in a linear manner, leaving significant room for interpretation. Anchorage systems and their installation are governed by various institutions and documents, including national laws, European directives and regulations, regional provisions, technical standards, guidelines, and similar instruments.
Among the relevant technical standards are EN 795:2012 and UNI 11578:2015. The former regulates anchorage devices intended to be removed from the structure and is only partially harmonized. The latter, on the other hand, is a standard for permanently installed anchorage devices and is applicable exclusively in Italy.
Despite the existence of a complex regulatory framework, permanently installed anchorage devices are currently not covered by a harmonized technical standard. As a consequence, these products are not subject to mandatory CE marking, and their free circulation within the European market is limited.
To address this regulatory gap, the European Commission, through Mandate M/122, requested the development of a new draft standard (prEN 17235), which is currently in its final stages. If the standardization process proceeds as expected, the draft will be submitted for voting by the European member states.
In the event of a positive outcome, the standard will then be assessed for harmonization, leading to the mandatory application of CE marking for the relevant products.
The current timeline indicates that the draft standard will be completed by December 2019, the formal vote will take place by June 2020, and the standard is expected to be published between late 2020 and the first months of 2021.
However, the publication of EN 17235 is subject to the successful completion of the preceding phases, and three possible final scenarios may arise:
Standard published and harmonized
Standard published but not harmonized
Standard not published, with a likely start of a new standardization process
We will keep you informed of further developments, which at present cannot be predicted with certainty.
Before EN 17235, the main reference in Italy was standard UNI 11578:2015, which defined requirements and test methods for permanent anchor devices.
During the transitional period, the two standards will coexist, but with substantial differences.
From National Standard to Harmonised European Standard
UNI 11578: Italian technical standard
EN 17235: harmonised European CPR standard
Only EN 17235 allows for the full application of the CPR and CE marking.
“Kit” Approach and Complete System
EN 17235 assesses the device as a complete kit, including fixings and a representative structure.
UNI 11578, on the other hand, was more focused on the individual device, while still emphasising that conformity does not replace verification of the actual structure.
Declared Performance and User Classes
EN 17235 introduces classes of up to 4 users for lines and up to 2 users for single points, with progressive resistance values.
UNI 11578 provided for dynamic and static tests for one or more operators, without specifying a maximum number.
Regulatory Impact: Notified Body Requirement
| Aspect | UNI 11578:2015 | EN 17235:2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Harmonised CPR standard | No | Yes |
| CE marking | Not required | Mandatory |
| AVCP system | Not applicable | System 1+ |
| Notified Body | No | Yes |
Understanding this interconnection is crucial to ensuring full compliance and choosing the most suitable solution for each working context. At SPIDER, we specialise in all these related standards, offering you not only the documentation but also practical interpretation.
CONTACT USAn important technical innovation introduced by EN 17235 is the introduction of performance classes based on the number of users connected to the system at the same time.
The dynamic test is expressed in classes from 1 to 4, with the following design values for actions:
This approach harmonises performance levels at European level and allows for a clear declaration of performance.
The real turning point brought about by the harmonisation of EN 17235 is its inclusion in the CPR via Annex ZA.
This entails the application of Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP) System 1+.
Under System 1+:
Permanent anchor devices officially become CE-marked construction products.
The harmonisation of standard EN 17235:2024 introduces:
EN 17235 therefore becomes the new central reference point for the design, production, installation and documentary verification of permanent fall-arrest systems.
The actual operational application of EN 17235:2024 will necessarily be gradual and dependent on the full implementation of the AVCP System 1+ and Notified Bodies; during the transitional period, UNI 11578:2015 and EN 795:2012 will therefore continue to serve as relevant technical references, until CE-marked products compliant with the new harmonised standard become genuinely available on the market.
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