ASTM_F_2337_-_11.pdf

Designation:F233711An American National StandardStandard Test Method forTreestand Fall Arrest System1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2337;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 the determination of the loadcapacities for treestand fall arrest systems(FAS)and compo-nents or subsystems.1.2 This test method addresses equipment used in huntingsituations requiring personal protection against falls fromheights and applies to the manufacturers,distributors,purchasers,and users of such equipment.1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas standard.The values given in parentheses are mathematicalconversions to SI units that are provided for information onlyand are not considered standard.1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2F1749 Specification for Fitness Equipment and Fitness Fa-cility Safety Signage and Labels2.2 ANSI Standard:ANSI Z359.1 Safety Requirements for Personal Fall ArrestSystems,Subsystems and Components32.3 Other Document:Individual Manufacturers FAS Instruction3.Terminology3.1 The terminology and definitions in the referenced docu-ments are applicable to this practice.3.2 Definitions:3.2.1 anchorage,na component/structure to which a FBHis attached to the tree trunk.3.2.2 climbing belt,na strap/belt(or system of straps)which is fastened about the person in a manner so as to containthe torso and stabilize the users horizontal load while eitherworking from a vertical position to attach treestands,climbingdevices,and so forth,or during ascent/descent of tree or ladder.A FBH may be constructed to additionally serve this function.3.2.3 connecting hardware,nincludes snap hooks,D-rings,carabineers,links,anchorage hardware,and buckles.Any hardware that connects the FAS components in series,thus creating a linear linkage along which the maximum arrestforce(MAF)acts.3.2.4 fall arrest system(FAS),na system which is as-sembled for the purpose of arresting an accidental fall of itsuser.AFAS consists of a full body harness,lanyard,anchoragemeans,and connecting hardware.3.2.5 full body harness(FBH),na component with adesign of straps which is fastened about the person in a mannerso as to contain the torso and distribute the fall arrest forcesover at least the upper thighs,pelvis,chest,and shoulders withmeans for attaching it to other components or subsystems.3.2.6 lanyards,na component consisting of a flexiblestrap,rope,or wire rope for connecting a component such as aFBH directly or indirectly to an anchorage.3.2.7 maximum arrest force,nthe maximum force actingon the body at the instant of an arrest of its free fall.3.2.8 shock absorbers,na component used to reduce/absorb the energy gained by the user of the FAS when falling.3.2.9 suspension relief device,na device to allow relief ofa persons weight on the lower extremities if suspended in aharness,or allow the user to descend to the ground.The deviceis to help maintain circulation in the legs and help preventsuspension trauma(blood pooling).3.2.10 thigh/leg straps,nthe straps,which are integratedwith the buttock strap(optional)and are routed from back tofront across the groin area or loop around the upper part of thethigh.3.2.11 treestand,na device designed to be affixed to a treeor its branches so as to permit an individual to sit or stand1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on SportsEquipment,Playing Surfaces,and Facilities and is the direct responsibility ofSubcommittee F08.18 on Treestands.Current edition approved June 1,2011.Published July 2011.Originally approvedin 2003.Last previous edition approved in 2010 as F2337 10.DOI:10.1520/F2337-11.2For 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 American National Standards Institute(ANSI),25 W.43rd St.,4th Floor,New York,NY 10036.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 thereon for the purpose of attaining an elevated position fromwhich to observe,photograph,or hunt.4.Summary of Test Method4.1 One system test shall consist of the testing of oneindividual fall arrest system unit for maximum arrest force(MAF)in accordance with the procedures in 7.1.4.2 One system test shall consist of the testing of oneindividual fall ar