The EN 12275 standard specifies the safety requirements and test methods for connectors used for mountaineering, climbing, speleology, canyoning and other related activities. The connectors, namely harnesses, anchoring devices, ropes and snap hooks are part of the safety system which protects the climber from a fall from height.
Classified as risk category III PPE (EU regulation 2016/425), the highest because these are safety components and items the malfunctioning of which could cause severe and even fatal injuries. They may only be designed and manufactured by companies with an ISO 9000 certified quality system. The connectors - snap hooks are also used in the working environment, protecting people involved in work at a height (in construction, industry, rescue, etc.). The occupational use of these devices is regulated specifically by the European Committee for Standardization with respective standard EN 362.
