22kn

Hi folks,

Can anyone cast a little light over a technical issue regarding conformity?

Arb Ass recomend harness front anchor point should be 22kn but our company supply harnesses with 15kn, I can't seam to find a definitive answear. Can anyone assist with this concern?

Many thanks

A confused Treerat

15 seems low for the point of anchor?

The Arb Association guide to good climbing practice states; 3.0 All tree climbing equipment used for PPE should have a minimum breaking strength (MBS) of 22KN.

Not a definitive answer but I think the test for harness use in the sit position (EN813?) places a 15KN load on the harness for 3 minutes.

If you think about the figures they seem to add up:

15KN = a load of approx 1500kg

Safety Factor of 10:1 gives you a 'safe' climbers weight of 150kg. Does anyone know a climber heavier?

'All climbing equipment used for PPE should have a minimum breaking stregth of 22kN' may be due to other equipment potentially being used to suspend two people, as in a rescue. The figures aren't consistent but still gives a 'safe' climbers weight of approx. 110kg.

When you look at many rules and regulations, lots of grey areas appear between what looks black and white.

Regards

Ben

Clause 12.3.5.2 of BS 7985:2002 recommends a minimum anchor strength of 15 kN.

Does the label say it is meeting the requirements of BS7985:2002 by stating the 15 kN. or is it saying that that is the safe working load? which is different to Minimum Breaking Strength. As far as I am aware all textiles should be 22kN mbs, are you getting your info from a metal part or textile?