oSIST prEN 12841:2020

Personal fall protection equipment - Rope access systems - Rope adjustment devices

This European Standard applies to rope adjustment devices intended for use in rope access systems. It specifies the requirements, test methods, marking and manufacturer’s instructions and information.

Persönliche Absturzschutzausrüstung - Systeme für seilunterstützten Zugang - Seileinstellvorrichtungen

Dieses Dokument gilt für Seileinstellvorrichtungen, die für den Gebrauch in Systemen für seilunterstütztes Arbeiten vorgesehen sind. Es legt die Anforderungen, Prüfverfahren, Kennzeichnung sowie Anweisungen und Informationen des Herstellers fest.

Équipements de protection individuelle pour la prévention des chutes de hauteur - Systèmes d'accès par corde - Dispositif de réglage de corde pour maintien au poste de travail

Le présent document s'applique aux dispositifs de réglage de corde destinés à être utilisés dans les systèmes d'accès par corde. Il spécifie les exigences, les méthodes d'essai, le marquage et les instructions. et informations du fabricant.

Osebna oprema za varovanje pred padci z višine - Vrvni dostopni sistemi - Naprave za nastavitev vrvi

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 14-Nov-2020
• ICS: 13.340.60 - Protection against falling and slipping
• Technical Committee: OVP - Personal protecting equipment
• Current Stage: 4020 - Public enquire (PE) (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 25-Sep-2020
• Due Date: 12-Feb-2021
• Completion Date: 04-Dec-2020
• Directive: 2016/425 - Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on personal protective equipment and repealing Council Directive 89/686/EEC
• Directive: 89/686/EEC - Council Directive 89/686/EEC of 21 December 1989 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to personal protective equipment
• Mandate: M/031 - Standardization mandate to CEN/CENELEC concerning standards for Personal Protective Equipment
• Ref Project: prEN 12841 - Personal fall protection equipment - Rope access systems - Rope adjustment devices

RELATIONS

• Revised: SIST EN 12841:2006 - Personal fall protection equipment - Rope access systems - Rope adjustment devices
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2020

Standards Content (sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 12841:2020
01-november-2020
Osebna oprema za varovanje pred padci z višine - Vrvni dostopni sistemi -
Naprave za nastavitev vrvi

Personal fall protection equipment - Rope access systems - Rope adjustment devices

Persönliche Absturzschutzausrüstung - Systeme für seilunterstützten Zugang -
Seileinstellvorrichtungen

Équipements de protection individuelle pour la prévention des chutes de hauteur -

Systèmes d'accès par corde - Dispositif de réglage de corde pour maintien au poste de

travail
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 12841
ICS:
13.340.60 Zaščita pred padci in zdrsi Protection against falling and
slipping
oSIST prEN 12841:2020 en,fr,de

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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oSIST prEN 12841:2020
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oSIST prEN 12841:2020
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 12841
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
September 2020
ICS 13.340.60 Will supersede EN 12841:2006
English Version
Personal fall protection equipment - Rope access systems -
Rope adjustment devices

Équipements de protection individuelle pour la Persönliche Absturzschutzausrüstung - Systeme für

prévention des chutes de hauteur - Systèmes d'accès seilunterstützten Zugang - Seileinstellvorrichtungen

par corde - Dispositif de réglage de corde pour
maintien au poste de travail

This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee

CEN/TC 160.

If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations

which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other

language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC

Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,

Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,

Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and

United Kingdom.

Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are

aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without

notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels

© 2020 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 12841:2020 E

worldwide for CEN national Members.
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oSIST prEN 12841:2020
prEN 12841:2020 (E)
Contents Page

European foreword ....................................................................................................................................................... 4

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................... 5

1 Scope .................................................................................................................................................................... 6

2 Normative references .................................................................................................................................... 6

3 Terms and definitions ................................................................................................................................... 6

4 Requirements ................................................................................................................................................... 9

4.1 General requirements for all Types ......................................................................................................... 9

4.1.1 Compatibility .................................................................................................................................................... 9

4.1.2 Edge design ........................................................................................................................................................ 9

4.1.3 Corrosion resistance ...................................................................................................................................... 9

4.1.4 Marking and information ............................................................................................................................. 9

4.2 Specific requirements for Type A rope adjustment devices ............................................................ 9

4.2.1 Connecting elements ...................................................................................................................................... 9

4.2.2 Free movement ................................................................................................................................................ 9

4.2.3 Static strength .................................................................................................................................................. 9

4.2.4 Dynamic performance ................................................................................................................................ 10

4.2.5 Dynamic strength and residual strength ............................................................................................. 10

4.3 Specific requirements for Type B rope adjustment devices ......................................................... 10

4.3.1 Free movement ............................................................................................................................................. 10

4.3.2 Release prevention function .................................................................................................................... 10

4.3.3 Minimum working strength ..................................................................................................................... 10

4.3.4 Dynamic strength and residual strength ............................................................................................. 10

4.4 Specific requirements for Type C rope adjustment devices ......................................................... 11

4.4.1 Hands-free locking element ..................................................................................................................... 11

4.4.2 Minimum working strength ..................................................................................................................... 11

4.4.3 Static strength ............................................................................................................................................... 11

4.4.4 Dynamic strength and residual strength ............................................................................................. 11

4.4.5 Descent velocity and panic locking ........................................................................................................ 12

4.4.6 Temperature rise ......................................................................................................................................... 12

5 Test methods ................................................................................................................................................. 12

5.1 Test apparatus............................................................................................................................................... 12

5.2 Conditioning and setup before testing ................................................................................................. 12

5.2.1 General conditioning .................................................................................................................................. 12

5.2.2 Conditioning to heat .................................................................................................................................... 13

5.2.3 Conditioning to wet ..................................................................................................................................... 13

5.2.4 Conditioning to very cold .......................................................................................................................... 13

5.2.5 Conditioning to wet and cold ................................................................................................................... 13

5.3 General tests .................................................................................................................................................. 13

5.3.1 Test samples .................................................................................................................................................. 13

5.3.2 Compatibility ................................................................................................................................................. 13

5.3.3 Edge design ..................................................................................................................................................... 14

5.3.4 Corrosion resistance ................................................................................................................................... 14

5.4 Specific tests ................................................................................................................................................... 14

5.4.1 Length of connecting elements ................................................................................................................ 14

5.4.2 Movement test ............................................................................................................................................... 14

5.4.3 Release prevention test for Type B rope adjustment devices...................................................... 15

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5.5 Static tests ....................................................................................................................................................... 16

5.5.1 Test samples ................................................................................................................................................... 16

5.5.2 Minimum working strength test for Type B and Type C rope adjustment devices............... 16

5.5.3 Static strength test for Type A and Type C rope adjustment devices ......................................... 17

5.6 Dynamic tests ................................................................................................................................................. 18

5.6.1 Test samples ................................................................................................................................................... 18

5.6.2 Dynamic performance for Type A rope adjustment devices ......................................................... 18

5.6.3 Dynamic strength and residual strength for Type A rope adjustment devices ..................... 19

5.6.4 Dynamic strength and residual strength for Type B and Type C rope adjustment

devices .............................................................................................................................................................. 21

5.7 Descent test for Type C rope adjustment devices ............................................................................. 23

5.7.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 23

5.7.2 Test samples ................................................................................................................................................... 24

5.7.3 Test arrangement ......................................................................................................................................... 24

5.7.4 Velocity, locking and temperature rise ................................................................................................ 24

6 Marking ............................................................................................................................................................ 25

7 Manufacturer’s instructions and information ................................................................................... 25

Annex A (informative) List of useful information .......................................................................................... 27

A.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 27

A.2 Maintenance of rope adjustment devices within the user’s reach ............................................. 27

A.3 Anticipation of emergency situations ................................................................................................... 27

A.4 Care when selecting anchor lines ........................................................................................................... 28

Annex B (informative) Background and rationale about the changes between this

document and EN 12841:2006................................................................................................................. 29

Annex C (informative) Significant changes between this document and EN 12841:2006 .............. 32

Annex D (informative) Overview about the range of requirements for rope adjustment

devices according to EN 12841 ................................................................................................................ 36

Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential

requirements of Regulation 2016/425 aimed to be covered ....................................................... 38

Bibliography ................................................................................................................................................................. 40

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oSIST prEN 12841:2020
prEN 12841:2020 (E)
European foreword

This document (prEN 12841:2020) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 160

“Protection against falls from height including working belts”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.

This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 12841:2006.

This document has been prepared under a standardization request given to CEN by the European

Commission and the European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of

EU Regulation(s).

For relationship with EU Regulation(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this

document.
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oSIST prEN 12841:2020
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Introduction

In rope access systems, rope adjustment devices are used in combination with anchor lines, which could

be a working line or a safety line, normally made of ropes conforming to Type A of EN 1891. Rope

adjustment devices are intended to be used to link sit harnesses (in accordance with EN 813) or full

body harnesses (in accordance with EN 361) to a working line and a safety line to allow access, egress

and changes in the work position, to give support and to protect against falls.

Attention is drawn to the limitations of rope adjustment devices. Type A rope adjustment devices are

for use on safety lines to prevent a fall in the event of failure of the working line or its components.

However, in extreme circumstances, such as failure of the working line or its components during

improper use of the system, Type A rope adjustment devices may be called upon to prevent or arrest a

limited fall. This is reflected in the test requirements. Type B and C rope adjustment devices are for

ascending and descending a working line respectively, but also have a fall prevention function. The

design of each type may be incorporated into another when, in every case, they should meet the higher

requirements of any common or similar test.

In a rope access system, the worker should always be protected by a Type A rope adjustment device

connected to a safety line and a Type B or C rope adjustment device connected to a working line. The

two rope adjustment devices with their respective anchor line are all components of the protective

system. It is fundamental for the safe use of a rope access system that the worker is always connected to

both anchor lines, and that any slack in the anchor lines and connecting lanyards is avoided.

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oSIST prEN 12841:2020
prEN 12841:2020 (E)
1 Scope

This document applies to rope adjustment devices intended for use in rope access systems. It specifies

the requirements, test methods, marking and manufacturer’s instructions and information.

2 Normative references

The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content

constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For

undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

EN 362, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height - Connectors
EN 363, Personal fall protection equipment - Personal fall protection systems

EN 364:1992, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height - Test methods

EN 365, Personal protective equipment against falls from a height - General requirements for instructions

for use, maintenance, periodic examination, repair, marking and packaging

EN 892:2012+A1:2016, Mountaineering equipment - Dynamic mountaineering ropes - Safety

requirements and test methods

EN ISO 9227:2017, Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres - Salt spray tests (ISO 9227:2017)

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 363 and the following apply.

ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:

— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
rope adjustment device

component which, when fitted to an anchor line of appropriate diameter and type, will enable the user

to vary his or her position along it

Note 1 to entry: to entry: Rope adjustment devices are sub-divided into Types A, B and C. The same rope

adjustment device may conform to more than one type.
3.2
anchor line

flexible line connected at least at one end to an anchor point, to provide a means of support or

safeguard for a person
NOTE 1 to entry: An anchor line can be a working line or a safety line.
3.3
safety line
anchor line provided as a safeguard
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3.4
working line

anchor line used primarily for support during access, egress and work positioning

3.5
Type A rope adjustment device: safety line adjustment device

rope adjustment device for a safety line which accompanies the user during changes of position and/or

allows adjustment of the safety line, and which locks automatically to the safety line under static or

dynamic loading
3.6
Type B rope adjustment device: working line ascender

manually operated rope adjustment device which, when attached to a working line, locks under load in

one direction and slides freely in the opposite direction

NOTE 1 to entry: Type B rope adjustment devices are intended always to be used in conjunction with a Type A

rope adjustment device connected to a safety line.
3.7
Type C rope adjustment device: working line descender

manually operated, friction inducing rope adjustment device which allows the user to achieve a

controlled downward motion and a stop, with hands off, anywhere on the working line

NOTE 1 to entry: Type C rope adjustment devices are intended always to be used in conjunction with a Type A

rope adjustment device connected to a safety line.
3.8
attachment point

primary point of connection to the rope adjustment device, as described by the manufacturer in the

manufacturer’s instructions and information
3.9
release prevention

mechanism or method to prevent the rope adjustment device from accidentally releasing the anchor

line
3.10
connecting element

element or combination of elements, which forms the link between a Type A rope adjustment device

and the fall arrest attachment point of the full body harness conforming to EN 361

Note 1 to entry: to entry: Examples of a connecting element are a connector, a lanyard and/or energy

dissipating element.
3.11
arrest distance

vertical distance measured between the initial and final positions of the test mass in the dynamic

performance test of the Type A rope adjustment device
NOTE 1 to entry: The arrest distance is expressed in metres.
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3.12
braking force
max

maximum force measured at the anchor point during the braking period of the dynamic performance

test of the Type A rope adjustment device
NOTE 1 to entry: The braking force is expressed in kilonewtons.
3.13
locking distance

vertical distance measured between the initial and final positions of the rope adjustment device in the

dynamic strength test
Note 1 to entry: to entry: The locking distance is expressed in metres.
3.14
descent control element

integral element of the Type C rope adjustment device, normally operated by hand, used to control the

velocity of descent down the descent line
3.15
hands-free locking element

integral part or function of the descent control element of a Type C rope adjustment device which

completely stops the descent and thereby prevents an uncontrolled descent or a fall if the user fails to

engage the rope adjustment device
3.16
panic-locking element

integral part or function of the descent control element of a Type C rope adjustment device which

completely stops the descent and thereby prevents an uncontrolled descent or a fall if the user panics

and operates the rope adjustment device beyond its intended descent control parameters

3.17
maximum rated load

maximum mass of the person, including tools and equipment carried, as specified by the manufacturer

Note 1 to entry: to entry: Maximum rated load is expressed in kilograms.
[SOURCE: EN 353-1:2014, 3.11]
3.18
minimum rated load

minimum mass of the person, excluding tools and equipment carried, as specified by the manufacturer

Note 1 to entry: to entry: Minimum rated load is expressed in kilograms.
[SOURCE: EN 353-1:2014, 3.12]
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4 Requirements
4.1 General requirements for all Types
4.1.1 Compatibility
4.1.1.1 Release prevention

The rope adjustment device shall be designed so that the rope adjustment device can only be detached

from or attached to each anchor line as listed in the manufacturer’s instructions and information by at

least two consecutive deliberate manual actions, when tested in accordance with 5.3.2.1.

4.1.1.2 Placement

When tested in accordance with 5.3.2.2, the rope adjustment device shall not unintentionally slide more

than 300 mm along each anchor line as listed in the manufacturer’s instructions and information.

4.1.2 Edge design

When checked in accordance with 5.3.3, the rope adjustment device shall not have sharp or rough edges

that can cause injury to the user.
4.1.3 Corrosion resistance

After testing in accordance with 5.3.4, metal parts of the rope adjustment device shall show no evidence

of corrosion of the base metal which could affect its function, e.g. the correct operation of moving

elements and locking function. White scaling or tarnishing is acceptable if the function is not impaired.

NOTE Conformity to this requirement does not imply suitability for use in highly corrosive environments, e.g.

offshore, chemical plants.
4.1.4 Marking and information
Marking of the rope adjustment device shall be in accordance with Clause 6.

Instructions and information shall be supplied with the rope adjustment device in accordance with

Clause 7.
4.2 Specific requirements for Type A rope adjustment devices
4.2.1 Connecting elements

The length of the connecting element for Type A rope adjustment devices shall not exceed 1 m, when

measured in accordance with 5.4.1, and shall be within ± 5 % of the length given in the manufacturer’s

instructions and information, see Clause 7 c).
4.2.2 Free movement

Type A rope adjustment devices shall allow intentional movement in both directions on each anchor

line as listed in the manufacturer’s instructions and information when tested in accordance with 5.4.2.1

and 5.4.2.2.
4.2.3 Static strength

Type A rope adjustment devices shall withstand a force of 15 kN for 3 min, when tested on an anchor

line in accordance with 5.5.3.

For Type A rope adjustment devices that have more than one attachment point specified by the

manufacturer, each attachment point shall be tested.
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The rope adjustment device shall be tested on each anchor line as listed in the manufacturer’s

instructions and information.
4.2.4 Dynamic performance

When tested in accordance with 5.6.2, with a rigid steel mass of 100 kg or a mass equivalent to the

maximum rated load, whichever is the greater, and with a rigid steel mass equivalent to the minimum

rated load, the maximum braking force F shall not exceed 6 kN and the arrest distance H shall

max AD

not exceed 2 L+1 m, with L = length of the connecting element of the rope adjustment device.

The rope adjustment device shall be tested on each anchor line as listed in the manufacturer’s

instructions and information.
4.2.5 Dynamic strength and residual strength

When tested in accordance with 5.6.3, with a rigid steel mass of 100 kg or a mass equivalent to the

maximum rated load, whichever is the greater, the Type A rope adjustment device shall not release the

initial test mass and shall hold a residual load of 3 kN. The locking distance H shall not exceed 2 m.

The rope adjustment device shall be tested on each anchor line as listed in the manufacturer’s

instructions and information.
4.3 Specific requirements for Type B rope adjustment devices
4.3.1 Free movement

Type B rope adjustment devices shall allow intentional movement along each anchor line as listed in the

manufacturer’s instructions and information when tested in accordance with 5.4.2.1 and 5.4.2.3.

4.3.2 Release prevention function

When the rope adjustment device is tested in accordance with 5.4.3.2 at a load of 400 N, the anchor line

shall not become detached from the rope adjustment device. The requirement shall be fulfilled for each

anchor line as listed in the manufacturer’s instructions and information

When the rope adjustment device is tested in accordance with 5.4.3.3 at a load of 2 000 N, the anchor

line shall not become detached from the rope adjustment device. The requirement shall be fulfilled for

each anchor line as listed in the manufacturer’s instructions and information
4.3.3 Minimum working strength

Type B rope adjustment devices shall withstand a force of 4 kN for 3 min with a maximum slippage of

100 mm when tested on an anchor line in accordance with 5.5.2.

No part of the Type B rope adjustment device shall show any signs of permanent deformation that

would affect its function, and the anchor line shall not show any signs of tearing or breaking.

For Type B rope adjustment devices that have more than one attachment point specified by the

manufacturer, each attachment point shall be tested to this requirement.

The rope adjustment device shall be tested on each anchor line as listed in the manufacturer’s

instructions and information.
4.3.4 Dynamic strength and residual strength

When tested in accordance with 5.6.4, with a rigid steel mass of 100 kg or a mass equivalent to the

maximum rated load, whichever is the greater, the Type B rope adjustment device shall not release the

initial test mass and shall hold a residual load of 3 kN. The locking distance H shall not exceed 2 m.

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The rope adjustment device shall be tested on each anchor line as listed in the manufacturer’s

instructions and information.
4.4 Specific requirements for Type C rope adjustment devices
4.4.1 Hands-free locking element

Type C rope adjustment devices shall incorporate a hands-free locking element which enables the user

to stop, hands-off, anywhere on the anchor line, when tested in accordance with 5.7.4.1 and 5.7.4.2.

4.4.2 Minimum working strength
Type C r
...