Rigging rope standards

[Cuttup]

I want a 16 m lowering rope. Obviously there's a fair range on the market but few seem to comply with any standards. Does any body know the legal (insurance) ramifications of this? I asked Marlow about their Draco who responded that as it was a polyester rope it is not required to meet a standard. I find this amazing. Teufelberger are applying European Directive 2006/42/EC to their Siris range. Not sure about the American brands so questions:

 

1. Does a rope need to be compliant with a European standard to pass LOLER/insurance needs

2. Does anybody know where this information would be documented? I've done various searches but can't seem to find anything specific on the subject.

 

Cheers

[TIMON]

If you look at your previous Loler certificate for your rigging kit there will be a section for the examiner to record a SWL for that particular piece of kit. In the case of lowering rope (depending on which configuration) it should generally be 10% of the MBS as recorded by the manufacturer.
All equipment used should be subject to PUWER., which basically means that the equipment being used has been designed for that particular purpose.
(E.g PPE rope needs to have the relevant EN numbers and CE marks)
It would always be advisable to buy a recognised industry standard rope that is designed for rigging.
In a nutshell, when it comes to rigging rope, the all important bit is having the correct SWL worked out and using it accordingly, If you stick to that and keep your Loler certificates up to date, that should satisfy your insurers.
Hope this is helpful.