ASTM E2505-07(2014)e1
(Practice)Standard Practice for Industrial Rope Access (Withdrawn 2023)
Standard Practice for Industrial Rope Access (Withdrawn 2023)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Access to the exterior and interior of structures is often required as part of maintenance or inspection work. Depending on the characteristics of the structure and site constraints, access can often be achieved using a number of methods other than industrial rope access, including ladders, stationary or removable suspended scaffolding, mechanical self-propelled aerial lifts, and other suitable means. There are instances where use of such means of access is not feasible or economical.
4.2 This standard provides guidance on the use of rope access as an alternative to other methods of access.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides a framework of practical and technical information within which the specifying authority and the operators using rope access techniques can develop effective arrangements to help ensure the safety and health of personnel involved in these projects.
1.2 This practice applies to the use of techniques whereby access is gained to structures, man-made or natural, by means of ropes suspended from the structure. It applies to all cases where ropes are used as the primary means of support and where persons descend or ascend a rope, or traverse along a tensioned horizontal or inclined rope.
1.3 This practice applies to all industrial uses of rope access techniques except use by the fire department and other emergency services for rescue work and training in connection therewith. Fire and rescue authorities have special procedures applicable to their circumstances. This standard does not apply to other methods of working at heights, such as suspended scaffolds.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
WITHDRAWN RATIONALE
This practice provided a framework of practical and technical information within which the specifying authority and the operators using rope access techniques could develop effective arrangements to help ensure the safety and health of personnel involved in these projects.
Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings, this practice was withdrawn in July 2023 in accordance with section 10.6.3 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
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Designation: E2505 − 07 (Reapproved 2014)
Standard Practice for
Industrial Rope Access
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2505; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—ANSI references in 2.1, 6.1, and 6.2 were corrected editorially in June 2018.
INTRODUCTION
This standard applies where access is gained to structures, man-made or natural, by means of ropes
suspended from the structure or the features concerned. It applies to cases where ropes are used (1)
as the primary means of support, (2) as the means of primary protection or positioning, and (3) where
operatives descend or ascend on a rope, or traverse along a tensioned horizontal rope where the use
of hands and feet can no longer be used to fully support the body.
This standard is not intended to apply where rope access techniques are used by the fire department,
other emergency services, and the armed forces. The authorities concerned with these activities have
their own standards for such work.
This standard does not apply to other methods of working at height such as steeple jacking,
suspended scaffolds, steelwork erection, or boatswain’s chairs.
1. Scope conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
1.1 This practice provides a framework of practical and
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
technical information within which the specifying authority
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
and the operators using rope access techniques can develop
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
effective arrangements to help ensure the safety and health of
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
personnel involved in these projects.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.2 This practice applies to the use of techniques whereby
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
access is gained to structures, man-made or natural, by means
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
of ropes suspended from the structure. It applies to all cases
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
where ropes are used as the primary means of support and
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
where persons descend or ascend a rope, or traverse along a
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
tensioned horizontal or inclined rope.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.3 This practice applies to all industrial uses of rope access
techniques except use by the fire department and other emer- 2. Referenced Documents
gency services for rescue work and training in connection 2
2.1 ANSI Standards:
therewith. Fire and rescue authorities have special procedures
ANSI Z89.1 2003 Helmets
applicable to their circumstances. This standard does not apply
ANSI Z359.1 1992 Harnesses
to other methods of working at heights, such as suspended 3
2.2 OSHA Regulations (Standards–29 CFR):
scaffolds.
1910.66 App C Fall Protection System
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
1926.450 Scope, applications applicable to this subpart
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
1926.500 Scope, application, and definitions applicable to
this subpart
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Perfor-
mance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.55 on
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
Performance of Building Enclosures.
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Current edition approved April 1, 2014. Published May 2014. Originally
Available from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 200
approved in 2007. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as E2505–07. DOI:
Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210, http://www.osha.gov.
10.1520/E2505-07R14E01.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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E2505 − 07 (2014)
1926.502 Fall Protection Systems Criteria and Practices 3.1.10 connector, n—a device used to couple (connect)
1926.503 Training Requirements together parts of a fall protection system or suspension system.
2.3 Other Standards:
3.1.10.1 Discussion—A connector may be an independent
CE EN361 & EN358 Harnesses
component of the system, such as a carabineer, or it may be an
Cordage Institute C11801 Low Stretch and Static Life Safety
integral component of part of the system, such as a buckle or
Rope
D-ring sewn into a seat harness, or a snap hook sewn into a
NFPA 1983 Fire Service Life Safety Rope
lanyard [OSHA 1926.500(b)].
UIAA 101 & EN892 Standard/Testing for Dynamic Ropes
3.1.11 deceleration device, n—any mechanism, such as a
back-up rope grab, energy-absorbing lanyard, or other device
3. Terminology
that dissipates a substantial amount of energy during a fall
3.1 Definitions:
arrest [OSHA 1926.500(b)].
3.1.1 anchor, n—a secure point of attachment having suffi-
3.1.12 deceleration distance, n—the additional vertical dis-
cient capacity to support elements of a suspension system or
tance a falling worker travels, excluding safety rope elongation
fall protection system (see primary anchor and directional
and free fall distance, before stopping, from the point at which
anchor).
the deceleration device begins to operate.
3.1.2 ascender, n—a type of rope grab designed to grip a
3.1.12.1 Discussion—Deceleration distance is measured as
rope firmly when loaded in one direction and which can slide
the distance between the location of a worker’s harness
freely along the rope in the opposite direction.
attachment point at the moment of activation (at the onset of
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Ascenders are used in pairs to ascend a
fall arrest forces) of the deceleration device during a fall, and
working rope.
the location of that attachment point after the worker comes to
3.1.3 ascent system, n—a type of suspension system that
a full stop [OSHA 1926.500(b)].
allows a worker to ascend a working rope.
3.1.13 descender, n—a device that acts as a friction brake on
3.1.4 basic rescue, v—the unassisted controlled rescue of a
a working rope.
coworker in an emergency using a combination of fall arrest
3.1.13.1 Discussion—It is attached directly to a harness
ropes and working ropes.
with or without a swing seat to enable a worker to descend the
3.1.5 belay, v—the active use of a rope, anchor, and friction
rope in a controlled manner.
system by a worker to arrest the fall of another worker.
3.1.14 descent system, n—a type of suspension system that
3.1.6 boatswain’s chair, n—a small sitting platform that is
allows a worker to slide down a working rope in a controlled
suspended on a multipart tackle, allowing the worker using the
manner by means of a descender.
boatswain’s chair to raise or lower the chair.
3.1.15 directional anchor point, n—a secure point used to
3.1.6.1 Discussion—A worker typically sits in a boatswain’s
redirect the path of a working rope and safety rope from a
chair without being directly attached to it (compare with swing
primary anchor attachment point to the edge of a structure.
seat).
3.1.15.1 Discussion—The redirected ropes are reeved
3.1.7 carabineer, n—a type of connector formed as a com-
through a pulley or carabineer, which is attached to the
plete loop and incorporating a spring-loaded entry gate. A
directional anchor. A directional anchor is necessary when no
locking carabineer includes a mechanism that prevents the
suitable anchor is available at a location directly above the
entry gate from opening when the mechanism is engaged.
intended worksite (compare with primary anchor) or to redi-
3.1.8 chest harness, n—an interconnected system of web-
rect ropes away from a potential hazard.
bing straps, buckles and padding that is secured around the
3.1.16 dynamic rope, n—a rope that is designed with energy
chest and shoulders and which should only be used in
absorbing characteristics which minimum criteria as defined by
conjunction with a seat harness.
UIAA 101, Cordage Institute C11801 and conforms to OSHA
3.1.9 competent person, n—a person who has, through a
minimum standards.
combination of training, education, and experience, acquired
3.1.17 energy-absorbing lanyard, n—a lanyard that deforms
knowledge and skills enabling that person to correctly perform
in a controlled manner to absorb energy during a fall arrest
a specified task or oversee a specified operation.
while maintaining its ultimate tensile strength.
3.1.9.1 Discussion—A competent person is capable of iden-
tifying existing and predictable hazards related to specified 3.1.18 failure, n—breakage or separation of component
tasks and operations and has authorization to take prompt
parts [OSHA 1926.450(b)].
corrective actions to eliminate those hazards [OSHA 1910.66
3.1.19 fall factor, n—the maximum distance a worker falls,
App. C Section I(b)].
divided by the length of the rope attaching the worker to the
anchor.
Available from the International Federation for Climbing and Mountaineering
3.1.20 fall protection system, n—a system used to arrest the
(UIAA), UIAA Office, Monbijoustrasse 61, Postfach CH-3000, Bern 14,
Switzerland, http://www.theuiaa.org. descent of a worker in the event of a failure of the suspension
Available from Cordage Institute, 994 Old Eagle School Road, Suite 1019,
system.
Wayne, PA 19087, http://www.ropecord.com.
6 3.1.20.1 Discussion—A fall protection system consists of an
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org. anchor, connectors, and harness, as well as a safety rope,
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E2505 − 07 (2014)
lanyard, and backup rope grab or an active belay provided by 3.1.34 rope grab, back-up type, n—a device that can be
another worker [OSHA 1926.500(b)]. made to slide along a safety rope and whose purpose is to arrest
the fall of a worker in case of any failure in the suspension
3.1.21 free fall, n—the act of falling before the fall protec-
system.
tion system begins to apply force to arrest the fall [OSHA
1926.500(b)].
3.1.35 safety factor, n—a multiple applied to a maximum
intended load that provides for additional capacity in a rigging
3.1.22 free fall distance, n—the vertical displacement of the
system.
fall arrest attachment point on the worker’s harness between
the onset of the fall and just before the system begins to apply
3.1.36 safety rope, n—a rope connected to an anchor used to
force to arrest the fall.
arrest a fall in case of the failure of a suspension system.
3.1.36.1 Discussion—A safety rope is a primary component
3.1.23 full-body harness, n—an interconnected system of
of a fall protection system. Also known as a lifeline, back-up
webbing straps, buckles, and padding that is secured around the
rope, or secondary rope.
body of a worker to distribute fall arrest forces over the thighs,
pelvis, waist, chest, and shoulders. A seat harness combined
3.1.37 seat harness, n—an interconnected system of web-
with a connected chest harness is considered a full-body
bing straps, buckles, and padding that is secured around the
harness.
body of a worker to distribute fall arrest forces over the thighs,
pelvis, and waist.
3.1.24 harness, n—an assembly of webbing straps that
encircle a worker’s body and bears directly the weight of a
3.1.38 static rope, n—a rope exhibiting relatively low
worker who is using a suspension system, or which bears the
stretch under load and having only a limited ability to absorb
weight of a worker during fall arrest or while working if a
energy during fall arrest as defined by the Cordage Institute
swing seat is not used (also see: full-body harness, seat harness
C11801.
and chest harness).
3.1.38.1 Discussion—Also known as low-stretch rope (com-
3.1.25 impact load, n—the dynamic forces applied to a fall
pare with dynamic rope).
protection or suspension system during the arrest of a free fall.
3.1.39 suspension system, n—the rigging system intended to
3.1.26 industrial rope access, n—the techniques by which
bear the weight of a worker during the course of normal
rope systems are used to gain access to structures, man-made
operations.
or natural. This definition includes all cases where ropes are
3.1.39.1 Discussion—A suspension system typically con-
used as both the primary means of support and as fall
sists of a working rope and a descender or two ascenders,
protection.
lanyards, and a full-body harness or seat harness. Ascent
3.1.27 kernmantle rope, n—a rope consisting of an internal,
systems and descent systems are two types of suspension
load-bearing core covered by a separately woven sheath systems.
designed to protect the core from abrasion.
3.1.40 swing seat, n—a small sitting platform provided for
3.1.28 lanyard, n—a length of rope or webbing used to
the comfort of a worker.
connect a worker’s harness to an anchor or rope grab [OSHA
3.1.40.1 Discussion—While using a swing seat, a worker
1926.500(b)].
also uses a harness that is attached directly to the suspension
system (compare with boatswain’s chair).
3.1.29 locking carabineer, n—a type of carabineer that
includes a mechanism that prevents the entry gate from
3.1.41 working rope, n—a rope connected to an anchor and
opening when the mechanism is engaged.
used for the primary support during the descent and ascent of
3.1.30 lowering system, n—a system that enables a worker the worker.
to use an anchor, rope, and friction brake to lower another
3.1.41.1 Discussion—A working rope is the principle com-
worker in a controlled manner. Lowering systems are typically
ponent of a suspension system. Also known as a main rope or
used during rescue operations.
suspension rope and is always used in conjunction with a safety
rope.
3.1.31 maximum intended load, n—the total load of the
worker, tools, equipment, materials, transmitted loads, and
4. Significance and Use
other loads reasonably anticipated to be applied to the suspen-
sion system [OSHA 1926.450(b)].
4.1 Access to the exterior and interior of structures is often
3.1.32 primary anchor point, n—a secure attachment point required as part of maintenance or inspection work. Depending
on the characteristics of the structure and site constraints,
having sufficient capacity to support a suspension system or fall
protection system (compare with directional anchor point). access can often be a
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