ASTM F1956-99(2005)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Rescue Carabiners
Standard Specification for Rescue Carabiners
ABSTRACT
This specification covers six mechanical tests, one corrosion resistance test, and the minimum performance requirements for these tests. This specification applies to carabiners designed specifically for use by rescue personnel during both training exercises and actual rescue operations. Two different types of carabiners are defined, a heavy-duty rescue carabiner and a light-duty rescue carabiner. The mechanical tests are: gate function test, gate locking mechanism function load test, major axis gate closed function load test, major axis gate closed ultimate strength test, major axis gate open ultimate strength test, and minor axis gate closed ultimate strength test. Carabiners may disengage or eject parts from the test fixture. Use a safety screen and wear safety glasses while testing.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers six mechanical tests, one corrosion resistance test, and the minimum performance requirements for these tests. This specification applies to carabiners designed specifically for use by rescue personnel during both training exercises and actual rescue operations. This specification does not apply to recreational use carabiners.
1.2 Two different types of carabiners are defined in this specification, a heavy-duty rescue carabiner and a light-duty rescue carabiner.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.4 Tests contained herein are destructive in nature. Carabiners subjected to any of these tests shall not be used in any way after testing except in evaluation the results of such testing.
1.5 This specification does not imply approval of any method of use of rescue carabiners. In addition, the tests described are laboratory tests and do not duplicate field conditions. Furthermore, the test load values contained herein are not to be interpreted as the forces which a rescue carabiner may be subjected to, or may be expected to sustain, in actual field use.
1.6 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation:F1956 −99(Reapproved 2005)
Standard Specification for
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Rescue Carabiners
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1956; 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.
1. Scope E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
1.1 This specification covers six mechanical tests, one
3. Terminology
corrosion resistance test, and the minimum performance re-
3.1 Definitions:
quirements for these tests. This specification applies to cara-
3.1.1 carabiner—a load-bearing, connective device with a
biners designed specifically for use by rescue personnel during
self-closing gate.
both training exercises and actual rescue operations. This
3.1.2 heavy-duty rescue carabiner—a carabiner that meets
specification does not apply to recreational use carabiners.
the specifications for a heavy-duty rescue carabiner as defined
1.2 Two different types of carabiners are defined in this
in Section 8.
specification, a heavy-duty rescue carabiner and a light-duty
3.1.3 light-duty rescue carabiner—a carabiner that meets
rescue carabiner.
the specifications for a light-duty rescue carabiner as defined in
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
Section 8.
standard.
3.1.4 locking carabiner—a carabiner with a locking mecha-
1.4 Tests contained herein are destructive in nature. Cara-
nism which reduces the possibility of a gate being opened
biners subjected to any of these tests shall not be used in any
inadvertently. A locking mechanism requires at least two
way after testing except in evaluation the results of such
different consecutive manual actions to open the gate (see
testing.
Appendix X2).
1.5 This specification does not imply approval of any
3.1.5 non-locking carabiner—any carabiner that does not
method of use of rescue carabiners. In addition, the tests
have a locking mechanism that reduces the possibility of a gate
described are laboratory tests and do not duplicate field
being opened inadvertently.
conditions. Furthermore, the test load values contained herein
3.1.6 rescue carabiner—a carabiner intended for life sup-
are not to be interpreted as the forces which a rescue carabiner
port in rescue systems. It may be classified as heavy-type or
may be subjected to, or may be expected to sustain, in actual
light duty.
field use.
3.1.7 ultimate strength—the maximum force sustained by a
1.6 This standard may involve hazardous materials,
carabiner during an ultimate force test, prior to failure.
operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to
3.1.7.1 failure—the point at which some part of the cara-
address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its
biner physically breaks or distorts to an extent that the test
use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
members are released.
establish appropriate safety and health practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4. Significance and Use
2. Referenced Documents 4.1 Gate Function Load Test—This test verifies that the gate
2 can be opened (with the gate locking mechanism in the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
unlocked position) and that the gate can not be opened (with
B117 Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
the gate locking mechanism in the locked position) while
loaded with Function Test Force #1 along the major axis.
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This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F32 on Search
4.2 Gate Locking Mechanism Function Load Test—This test
and Rescue and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.01 on Equipment,
Testing, and Maintenance.
verifies that the gate locking mechanism can be unlocked, after
Current edition approved April 1, 2005. Published April 2005. Originally
Function Test Force #2 has been applied along the major axis
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 1999 as F1956 - 99. DOI:
and released.
10.1520/F1956-99R05.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4.3 Major Axis Gate Closed Function Load Test—This test
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
verifies that the gate functions as originally intended, after
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. Function Test Force #3 has been applied and released.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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F1956−99 (2005)
4.4 Major Axis Gate Closed Ultimate Strength Test—This
test is intended to show the ultimate strength of the c
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