Legal Framework
Legal Background of Fall Protection and the Use of Fall Arrest Systems in Hungary and the European Union
Applicable Regulations:
- EN 795:2012
European Standard on Anchor Devices and Fall Arrest Systems
This standard specifies the requirements, testing, and marking for anchor points used as part of personal fall protection systems. It has been in effect since January 31, 2013. - Act XCIII of 1993 on Occupational Safety and Health (Munkavédelmi Törvény)
Chapter III, Section 28 (1)
This Hungarian law requires employers to assess and eliminate or minimize risks to workers, including risks of falling from height. Appropriate protective equipment and systems must be provided where needed. - Joint Decree No. 4/2002. (II.20.) of the Ministry of Social and Family Affairs and the Ministry of Health (SzCsM-EüM)
Annex 4, Section III, Subsection 5
This decree outlines the minimum health and safety requirements for the use of personal protective equipment at work, including fall arrest systems. - ÖNORM B 3417
Austrian Standard
This standard provides additional specifications for anchor devices and fall arrest systems and is often referenced in regional projects and cross-border construction compliance.
Key Provisions:
- Fall and Falling Object Protection Requirement (Occupational Safety Act – Section 28 (1))
In workplaces where there is a risk of falling or where workers or others in the vicinity may be endangered by falling objects, appropriate protective measures must be implemented. This includes the use of barriers, coverings, or other suitable means of protection. - Mandatory Fall Protection Measures (Joint Decree No. 4/2002, Annex 4, Section III, Subsection 5)
Falls from height must be prevented by providing the worker with protective equipment specifically designed to prevent falling. Fall protection must be provided in the following cases:- When the working height exceeds 2 meters;
- During the opening or construction of floor slabs, roofs, ceilings, skylights, or shafts;
- During work on roofs that exceed 2 meters in height and on access routes leading to them;
- On flat or low-slope roofs (under 20° inclination) if the work is being carried out within 2 meters of the edge of a height difference.
The ÖNORM Standard
In Austria, fall protection requirements have been elevated to standard level through ÖNORM, which uses risk analysisto determine the most suitable fall arrest solution for each specific site. The approach takes into account cost-efficiency, site characteristics, intensity of use, and the skill level of users.
Recommended Fall Protection Solutions by Category
Category I
Recommended system: Solitary anchor points
- On roof surfaces above 5 meters, a permanent external or internal access is mandatory.
- On lower roof heights, temporary access (e.g., ladder) may be permitted.
- For simple and quick tasks, mobile anchor points can be used.
Category II
Recommended system: Continuous anchor line systems with additional solitary anchor points
- As with Category I, fixed access must be provided on roofs above 5 meters.
- Temporary access is allowed only under certain conditions for lower heights.
Category III
Recommended system: Guardrail systems, sometimes in combination with continuous and solitary anchor systems
- Entry and access routes must be safe even when carrying tools.
- The roof must be equipped with lighting.
- There must be power outlets available on the rooftop.
Category IV
Recommended system: Guardrail system only
- Entry and access routes must allow safe movement with tools.
- Roof lighting must be installed.
