Mumbaikar life

  E N 341 descender testing Assessing the fitness for purpose of devices designed to allow operatives to descend safely from working at height. Image © Agnes Vetesi | Dreamstime.com A descender is a device which includes a line typically made from wire rope, textile rope or webbing, and which allows users to move themselves or others from a higher to a lower position under a controlled rate of descent. Descenders may be used in a variety of applications, one of the most important of which is for rescue. In Europe, descenders for rescue are tested to EN 341:2011. The standard includes test procedures that require a series of high-level descent tests to assess the product’s ability to perform satisfactorily after repeated use. The standard currently categorises descenders into two types: ‘automatic’, which incorporates a braking system that requires no intervention by the user once the descent has commenced, and ‘manually-operated’ products with a braking system that requ...

  EN 795:2012 & CEN/TS 16415:2013 -Anchor devices   Devices intended to form the interface between the fall arrest system (harnesses, lanyards, retractable lanyards etc.) and the structure. These can be in the form of single bolts, slings, deadweight devices or anchor systems (rails or cables). EN 795: 2012 (1 user) & CEN/TS 16415: 2013 (2+ users) classifies anchor devices in the following manner: ·          Type A  – anchor device with one or more stationary anchor points, while in use, and with the need for a structural anchor(s) or fixing element(s) to fix to the structure   ·          Type B  – anchor device with one or more stationary anchor points without the need for a structural anchor(s) or fixing element(s) to fix it to the structure   ·          Type C  – anchor device employing a flexible anchor line ...

  Technical links 1. ANSI/ASSE Z359.14:2014 self-retracting devices 2. EN 341 descender testing 3. Fall arrest anchor devices 4. Fall protection test tower 5. Karabiners and fall protection connectors 6. Lanyards for climbing 7. Roof safety hooks 8. The ANSI/ASSE Z359 fall arrest standard 9. The EN 353-1:2014 standard for vertical fall arrest systems

  EN 354:2010 – lanyards for fall arrest Considering the changes introduced by the publication of EN354:2010 and its effects on the testing of fall arrest lanyards. Image © Benkrut | Dreamstime.com Lanyards are a common component of the fall protection system for operatives working at height, with a variety of designs, lengths, materials and configurations possible. During use, they are exposed to hazardous wear and tear, so rigorous testing is necessary. The new standard increases the amount of testing required to ensure that CE-marked lanyards are fit for purpose. Scope The scope of EN 354 has increased to now explicitly include work positioning and restraint lanyards, as well as lanyards with multiple configurations such as twin-tailed models. This means that products such as work positioning lanyards are now covered under the scope of both EN 354:2010 and EN 358:1999. EN 354:2010 has not superseded EN 358:1999, which means there is an ambiguity in which standard pro...

  EN 12277: 2015 + A1: 2018 Mountaineering Harnesses   Harnesses intended to hold the user in place and spread the load in the case of a fall whilst at the same time being comfortable for use in mountaineering, climbing and abseiling. Mountaineering harnesses come in a number of different designs depending on the application required. These are Type A (Full body harness), Type B (Small body harness), Type C (Sit harness) and Type D (Chest harness). General All harnesses are required to have the following as standard: ·          Load transmitting parts to have a minimum width requirement depending on type and location on body ·          All threads to be contrasting colour or surface appearance to tape ·          No sharp edges or burrs on components or textiles. Strength Whole products are subjected to tensile tests on all applicable...

  EN 1498: 2006-Rescue loops   A rescue loop is a body holding device that is used in part of a rescue system to keep the user in a defined position, where it is not possible to use a conventional rescue harness (Class A – Loop passed under the arms, Class B – Loop keeping rescue in sitting position, Class C – Loop fastened around ankles). Dynamic Strength Rescue loops are subjected to a drop test to generate a shock load on the product. A lesser force is applied to a rescue loop compared with fall arrest equipment as the possibility of a period of free-fall is significantly less in use. Rescue loops are subjected to a 1 metre drop using the maximum rated load dummy/test mass and they are required to safely arrest the fall following the drop. A repeated drop test is carried out again within 15 minutes on the same rescue loop. Static Strength Rescue loops are subjected to a force of 10 times the maximum rated load but at least a minimum of 15kN for 3 minutes. The re...

  EN 1497: 2007 Rescue harnesses   Rescue harnesses are used when it is required to lower or raise an individual, normally in the event of an emergency. A rescue attachment point may be incorporated into a full body harness used in a fall protection system allowing a user to be rescue following the event of a fall. Ergonomics To ensure a rescue harness has a relative degree of comfort, ergonomic trials are carried out on two users with differing weights and heights. This test requires each user to be suspended for 4 minutes and then assessed by visual inspection and questions to see if there was an acceptable level of comfort. Dynamic Performance Rescue harnesses are subjected to a drop test to generate a shock load on the product. A lesser force is applied to a rescue harness attachment point compared with fall arrest harness attachments as the possibility of a period of free-fall is significantly less in use. Rescue harnesses are subjected to a 1 metre drop using...