ASTM F1956-13
(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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Gate Function Load Test—This test verifies that the gate can be opened (with the gate locking mechanism in the unlocked position) and that the gate can not be opened (with the gate locking mechanism in the locked position) while loaded with Function Test Force #1 along the major axis.
5.2 Gate Locking Mechanism Function Load Test—This test verifies that the gate locking mechanism can be unlocked, after Function Test Force #2 has been applied along the major axis and released.
5.3 Major Axis Gate Closed Function Load Test—This test verifies that the gate functions as originally intended, after Function Test Force #3 has been applied and released.
5.4 Major Axis Gate Closed Ultimate Strength Test—This test is intended to show the ultimate strength of the carabiner in the major axis with the gate closed.
5.5 Major Axis Gate Open Ultimate Strength Test—This test is intended to show the ultimate strength of the carabiner in the major axis with the gate open.
5.6 Minor Axis Gate Closed Ultimate Strength Test—This test is intended to show the ultimate strength of the carabiner in the minor axis with the gate closed.
5.7 Corrosion Test—This test is intended to verify that the carabiner is produced from a corrosion-resistant material, or adequately covered with a protective coating.
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.
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Designation:F1956 −13
Standard Specification for
1
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-
quirements for these tests. This specification applies to cara-
3.1 Definitions:
biners designed specifically for use by rescue personnel during
3.1.1 carabiner—a load-bearing, connective device with a
both training exercises and actual rescue operations. This
self-closing gate.
specification does not apply to recreational use carabiners.
3.1.2 heavy-duty rescue carabiner—a carabiner that meets
1.2 Two different types of carabiners are defined in this
the specifications for a heavy-duty rescue carabiner as defined
specification, a heavy-duty rescue carabiner and a light-duty
in Section 9.
rescue carabiner.
3.1.3 light-duty rescue carabiner—a carabiner that meets
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
the specifications for a light-duty rescue carabiner as defined in
standard.
Section 9.
1.4 Tests contained herein are destructive in nature. Cara-
3.1.4 locking carabiner—a carabiner with a locking mecha-
biners subjected to any of these tests shall not be used in any
nism which reduces the possibility of a gate being opened
way after testing except in evaluation the results of such
inadvertently. A locking mechanism requires at least two
testing.
different consecutive manual actions to open the gate (see
Appendix X2).
1.5 This specification does not imply approval of any
method of use of rescue carabiners. In addition, the tests
3.1.5 non-locking carabiner—any carabiner that does not
described are laboratory tests and do not duplicate field
have a locking mechanism that reduces the possibility of a gate
conditions. Furthermore, the test load values contained herein
being opened inadvertently.
are not to be interpreted as the forces which a rescue carabiner
3.1.6 rescue carabiner—a carabiner intended for life sup-
may be subjected to, or may be expected to sustain, in actual
port in rescue systems. It may be classified as heavy-type or
field use.
light duty.
1.6 This standard may involve hazardous materials,
operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to 3.1.7 ultimate strength—the maximum force sustained by a
carabiner during an ultimate force test, prior to failure.
address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its
use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
3.1.7.1 failure—the point at which some part of the cara-
establish appropriate safety and health practices and deter-
biner physically breaks or distorts to an extent that the test
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
members are released.
2. Referenced Documents
4. Requirements
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1 Product information shall include the following items:
B117 Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
4.1.1 Manufacturer’s or Distributor’s Name or Logo—A
clear indication as to who is responsible for the primary
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F32 on Search
and Rescue and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.01 on Equipment, manufacture or distribution, or both, of the product.
Testing, and Maintenance.
4.1.2 Major Axis Gate Closed Ultimate Strength—A clear
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2013. Published February 2014. Originally
indication as to the major axis gate closed strength by either
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as F1956 - 99 (2005).
DOI: 10.1520/F1956-13. symbol or pictorial representation.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4.1.3 Minor Axis Gate Closed Ultimate Strength—A clear
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
indication as to the minor axis gate closed ultimate strength by
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. either symbol or pictorial representation.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
F1956−13
4.1.4 Major Axis Gate Open Ultimate Strength—A clear
indication as to the major axis gate open ultimate strength by
either symbol or pictorial representation.
4.1.5 Lot Number—A manufacturer’s or distributor’s lot
number.
4.1.6 Either symbol or pic
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F1956 − 99 (Reapproved 2005) F1956 − 13
Standard Specification for
1
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
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B117 Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 carabiner—a load-bearing, connective device with a self-closing gate.
3.1.2 heavy-duty rescue carabiner—a carabiner that meets the specifications for a heavy-duty rescue carabiner as defined in
Section 89.
3.1.3 light-duty rescue carabiner—a carabiner that meets the specifications for a light-duty rescue carabiner as defined in
Section 89.
3.1.4 locking carabiner—a carabiner with a locking mechanism which reduces the possibility of a gate being opened
inadvertently. A locking mechanism requires at least two different consecutive manual actions to open the gate (see Appendix X2).
3.1.5 non-locking carabiner—any carabiner that does not have a locking mechanism that reduces the possibility of a gate being
opened inadvertently.
3.1.6 rescue carabiner—a carabiner intended for life support in rescue systems. It may be classified as heavy-type or light duty.
3.1.7 ultimate strength—the maximum force sustained by a carabiner during an ultimate force test, prior to failure.
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on Search and Rescue and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.01 on Equipment, Testing,
and Maintenance.
Current edition approved April 1, 2005Dec. 15, 2013. Published April 2005February 2014. Originally approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 19992005 as
F1956 - 99.F1956 - 99 (2005). DOI: 10.1520/F1956-99R05.10.1520/F1956-13.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
F1956 − 13
3.1.7.1 failure—the point at which some part of the carabiner physically breaks or distorts to an extent that the test members
are released.
4. Requirements
4.1 Product information shall include the following items:
4.1.1 Manufacturer’s or Distributor’s Name or Logo—A clear indication as to who is responsible for the primary manufacture
or distribution, or both, of the product.
4.1.2 Major Axis Gate Closed Ultimate Strength—A clear indication as to the major axis gate closed strength by either symbol
or pictorial representation.
4.1.3 Minor Axis Gate Closed Ultimate Strength—A cle
...
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