ASTM F2436-14(2019)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Measuring the Performance of Synthetic Rope Rescue Belay Systems Using a Drop Test
Standard Test Method for Measuring the Performance of Synthetic Rope Rescue Belay Systems Using a Drop Test
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The types of rope rescue systems to which this test method apply use a tensioned mainline and untensioned belay line. If a fall occurs because of a mainline system failure or misuse, considerable energy must be absorbed by the belay for a successful arrest. This drop test method simulates a “worst case” condition when systems are operated as designed, and is designed to help evaluate and compare the performance of various rope rescue belay systems under such conditions. (See Note 1.) The successful catching of a load does not imply that the tested system is suitable for any and all belaying. See X1.2.
Note 1: Higher forces may be encountered under some circumstances, such as the belay being operated with excessive slack.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers drop test procedures to measure rope rescue belay system performance. It applies only to belay systems consisting of an untensioned rope connecting the load to an anchored belay device. This test method does not address other types of belays, such as self-belays or belays for lead climbing, nor does it test the rescuer's belaying ability.
1.2 This test method may be used to help measure a rescue belay system's performance under controlled drop test conditions, but it will not necessarily provide guidance as to which belay method is most suited to a particular application. Other considerations, such as ease of handling, performance on different types and diameters of rope, portability, versatility, system safety factor, cost, and automatic operation that do not require the positive action of the belayer may influence the selection of a belay system and are not dealt with in this test method. See X1.1.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns associated with its use. It is the responsibility of whoever uses this standard to consult and establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Additional precautions for this test method are given in 8.1 and 8.2.
1.5 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.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
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.
Designation: F2436 − 14 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Measuring the Performance of Synthetic Rope Rescue Belay
1
Systems Using a Drop Test
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2436; 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 2. Referenced Documents
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2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method covers drop test procedures to measure
D1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
rope rescue belay system performance. It applies only to belay
F2266 Specification for Masses Used in Testing Rescue
systems consisting of an untensioned rope connecting the load
Systems and Components
to an anchored belay device.This test method does not address
2.2 Other Document:
other types of belays, such as self-belays or belays for lead
CI 1801-98 Low Stretch and Static Kernmantle Life Safety
climbing, nor does it test the rescuer’s belaying ability.
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Rope
1.2 This test method may be used to help measure a rescue
3. Terminology
belay system’s performance under controlled drop test
conditions, but it will not necessarily provide guidance as to
3.1 Definitions:
which belay method is most suited to a particular application.
3.1.1 belay, n—a secondary system, or the system
Otherconsiderations,suchaseaseofhandling,performanceon
components, used to arrest the load in the event of a failure in
different types and diameters of rope, portability, versatility,
the system.
system safety factor, cost, and automatic operation that do not
3.1.2 belay, v—in rope rescue systems, to operate an unten-
require the positive action of the belayer may influence the
sioned secondary rope (belay line) so that it may be taken in or
selection of a belay system and are not dealt with in this test
let out as the load is raised or lowered, and then hold the load
method. See X1.1.
in case of failure of the lifting line (working line) system.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as 3.1.3 belay assembly, n—all elements of the belay system,
standard. but not including the belay line and the belay anchor.
3.1.4 belay assembly extension, L, (cm),n—the increase in
1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials,
length of the belay assembly, due to stretch or other extension,
operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to
measured from the anchorage to the farthest gripping point of
address all of the safety concerns associated with its use. It is
the belay assembly while statically tensioned, post-drop, ex-
the responsibility of whoever uses this standard to consult and
pressed in centimetres (cm).
establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental prac-
3.1.5 belay device, n—that element of the belay system
tices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations
prior to use. Additional precautions for this test method are providingamoveableconnectionpointtothebelayline,which
can secure the belay line when necessary.
given in 8.1 and 8.2.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- 3.1.6 belay line, n—in rope rescue systems, a secondary
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- line, generally untensioned, acting as a back-up to the lifting
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the line as distinguished from the lifting line (working line) that
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- actually raises, lowers, or transports the load.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.7 belay system, n—the belay assembly and the belay
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
line, but for the purposes of this test method, not including the
belay anchor.
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This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on Search For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
and Rescue and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.01 on Equipment, contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Testing, and Maintenance. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published April 2019. Originally the ASTM website.
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approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as F2436 – 14. DOI: AvailablefromCordageInstitute,994OldEagleSchoolRd.,Wayne,PA19087,
10.1520/F2436-14R19. http://www.ropecord.com.
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