ASTM_F_2436_-_14.pdf

Designation:F243614Standard Test Method forMeasuring the Performance of Synthetic Rope Rescue BelaySystems Using a Drop Test1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2436;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method covers drop test procedures to measurerope rescue belay system performance.It applies only to belaysystems consisting of an untensioned rope connecting the loadto an anchored belay device.This test method does not addressother types of belays,such as self-belays or belays for leadclimbing,nor does it test the rescuers belaying ability.1.2 This test method may be used to help measure a rescuebelay systems performance under controlled drop testconditions,but it will not necessarily provide guidance as towhich belay method is most suited to a particular application.Other considerations,such as ease of handling,performance ondifferent types and diameters of rope,portability,versatility,system safety factor,cost,and automatic operation that do notrequire the positive action of the belayer may influence theselection of a belay system and are not dealt with in this testmethod.See X1.1.1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded asstandard.1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials,operations,and equipment.This standard does not purport toaddress all of the safety concerns associated with its use.It isthe responsibility of whoever uses this standard to consult andestablish appropriate safety and health practices and deter-mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.Additional precautions for this test method are given in 8.1 and8.2.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D1776 Practice for Conditioning and Testing TextilesF2266 Specification for Masses Used in Testing RescueSystems and Components2.2 Other Document:CI 1801-98 Low Stretch and Static Kernmantle Life SafetyRope33.Terminology3.1 Definitions:3.1.1 belay,na secondary system,or the systemcomponents,used to arrest the load in the event of a failure inthe system.3.1.2 belay,vin rope rescue systems,to operate an unten-sioned secondary rope(belay line)so that it may be taken in orlet out as the load is raised or lowered,and then hold the loadin case of failure of the lifting line(working line)system.3.1.3 belay assembly,nall elements of the belay system,but not including the belay line and the belay anchor.3.1.4 belay assembly extension,L,(cm),nthe increase inlength of the belay assembly,due to stretch or other extension,measured from the anchorage to the farthest gripping point ofthe belay assembly while statically tensioned,post-drop,ex-pressed in centimetres(cm).3.1.5 belay device,nthat element of the belay systemproviding a moveable connection point to the belay line,whichcan secure the belay line when necessary.3.1.6 belay line,nin rope rescue systems,a secondaryline,generally untensioned,acting as a back-up to the liftingline as distinguished from the lifting line(working line)thatactually raises,lowers,or transports the load.3.1.7 belay system,nthe belay assembly and the belayline,but for the purposes of this test method,not including thebelay anchor.3.1.8 belay system extension,L,(cm),nthe distance belowthe zero line(this excludes drop height)reached at themaximum extension during fall arrest,prior to rebound;alsoknown as stopping distance,expressed in centimetres(cm).3.1.9 belay system failure,nwhen the test block hits theground.1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on Searchand Rescue and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.01 on Equipment,Testing,and Maintenance.Current edition approved Dec.1,2014.Published January 2015.Originallyapproved in 2005.Last previous edition approved in 2011 as F243605(2011).DOI:10.1520/F2436-14.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.3Available from Cordage Institute,994 Old Eagle School Rd.,Wayne,PA19087,http:/.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 3.1.10 drop height,L,(cm),nthe free-fall distance theblock falls before the belay system begins to arrest its fall.3.1.11 elongation classification,nin rope rescue systems,elongation of new rope as measured by CI 1801-98 at 10%ofthe manufacturers rated breaking strength:static 6%and 10%elongation3.1.12 extension,L,nthe change in length of a material,device,or system due to a change in an applied force,usuallymeasured at some specified force,force rate,or duration offorce,or combination thereof.3.1.13 final rope length,L,(cm),nthe distance between