EN 12277:2015/FprA1

Overview

EN 12277:2015/prA1 (CEN) - Mountaineering equipment - Harnesses - Safety requirements and test methods - is a European Standard that specifies safety requirements and harmonized test methods for harnesses used in mountaineering and climbing. It applies to full body harnesses, small body harnesses, sit (seat) harnesses and chest harnesses. The draft amendment A1 (2017) updates test procedures for certain harness types and supports conformity with relevant EU Directives (see informative Annex ZA).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and harness types: Defines the classes of harnesses covered (full body, small body, sit and chest harnesses) and the intended use in mountaineering and climbing.
• Safety requirements: Mandates design, construction and performance criteria to ensure user protection during normal and abnormal loading.
• Test methods: Standardized laboratory tests for verification of strength and performance. The amendment modifies a specific test for Type D harnesses (clause 5.2.6).
• Amendment A1 (excerpt): Replacement of paragraph 5.2.6.2 specifies the Type D harness test procedure:
  "In the head down position of the dummy, load the harness gradually up to (800 ± 10) N. Under this load, the rope attachment points should be placed approximately symmetrically about the plane of symmetry of the dummy. Mark the tape at the outer edge of any load bearing buckle or adjusting device and apply a force increasing gradually to (10 +0,30) kN over a period of (2 ± 0,25) min."
• Conformity & documentation: The standard supports essential requirements of EU Directives; manufacturers must follow testing and marking/instructions expectations for compliance.

Applications and users

• Manufacturers and designers of mountaineering and climbing harnesses use EN 12277 to design, test and certify products for safety and market access in Europe.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies apply the specified methods to verify conformity and report results.
• Procurement officers, retailers and safety officers reference the standard when selecting equipment for clubs, guide services, rescue teams and outdoor centers.
• Mountaineers and climbers benefit indirectly through improved product safety and clear labeling/instructions ensured by compliance.

Related standards

• EN 12277 is part of the CEN/TC 136 portfolio for sports and outdoor equipment. For regulatory context, consult the Annex ZA in EN 12277 and other European standards for personal protective equipment and rope/attachment components.

Keywords: EN 12277, mountaineering harness standard, harness safety requirements, test methods, sit harness, full body harness, chest harness, CEN standard.