This is a photo blog post with images of broken climbing equipment used during testing at Mendlova University as part of the European LOLERproject
European Equipment Testing Research
Friday, 18 January 2013
Project meeting in Solsona, Catalunya
This blog post introduces some of the techniques currently being researched for non-destructive equipment inspection as part of a The European LOLER Project. This post may be of interest to anyone wishing to further their knowledge of equipment inspection and potential damage.
The 4th LOLER project meeting was hosted by CTFC in Solsona during October 2012.
The main aim of this meeting was to carry out live testing of advanced equipment and methods for the development of Level 2 inspection techniques.
Prototype Rope Inspection Apparatus
A prototype machine was unveiled by Pavel Nervkla from Mendlova University ( Brno):
(Photo removed)
This prototype tool is designed to accurately locate rope damage and record significant differences in rope diameter. The methodology behind the development of this and other non-destructive testing methods is to be able to produce objective results for equipment inspection. These methods may play an important role in identifying and quantifying defects.
The prototype machine uses lasers and other sensitive equipment to locate rope damage and produce a reliable visual representation on a computer screen. Areas of damage can then be identified by a competent operator and investigated further. The process of rope checking is automated in this case and the speed of checking for certain defects is greatly increased.
Previous prototype photos
Hardware Inspection Techniques
Research has been focused on identification of metal defects using Capillary Action technology. This techniques uses a penetrative spray and developer to aid in the identification of cracks and surface damage to metal components such as karabiners. More info here
metal crack after treatment with developer.
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Sunday, 13 May 2012
give us your feedback.....
here is an opportunity to give us some feedback and contribute to improving standards.
Download the PDF, edit it and send it back to lolerproject@gmail.com.
Assessment of Demand Questionnaire-BR (2)
Download the PDF, edit it and send it back to lolerproject@gmail.com.
Assessment of Demand Questionnaire-BR (2)
Sunday, 29 April 2012
Testing of climbing equipment - useful links
This article is a work in progress and will be edited throughout the 2 year project
This article is a compilation of useful weblinks for researching climbing standards. The LOLER project has created a list of contacts in order to send out questionnaires relating to European Occupational Equipment Inspection standards and training. Please make contact if you are interested in adding to this list or receiving a feedback questionnaire.
The UIAA promotes the growth and protection of climbing worldwide. They produce safety standards, labels for equipment and guidance on the use of climbing equipment. They were founded in 1932 during a congress of mountaineering associations and are now based in Switzerland. Contact can be made via the contact page on the website.
Here is a link directly to the UIAA training standards. Note: Much of this information is aimed at recreational climbing
The Arb Association are a UK & Ireland based association that provide training and advice to the tree care industries. They can provide information on equipment inspection standards for treeclimbing equipment and have strong ties with the UK HSE
Sunday, 30 October 2011
European Norms for Industrial Climbing Equipment
This is a short video of dyneema Vs steel rope testing. Below are a list of European Norms for testing climbing equipment. This post will be of interest to anyone interested in climbing equipment testing.
The following is a list of European Norms for Industrial Equipment Testing:
EN892: Dynamic mountaineering ropes
The following is a list of European Norms for Industrial Equipment Testing:
EN 341: Personal protective equipment against falls from a height. Descender devices
EN 352-2: Revised 2002 standards on hearing protectors. Safety requirements and testing, generally about earplugs.
EN 353-1: Personal protective equipment against falls from a height. Guided type fall arresters including a rigid anchor
EN 353-2: Personal protective equipment against falls from a height. Guided type fall arresters including a flexible anchor line
EN 354: Personal protective equipment against falls from a height. Lanyards
EN 355: Personal protective equipment against falls from a height. Energy absorbers
EN 358: Personal protective equipment for work positioning and prevention of falls from a height. Belts for work positioning and restraint and work positioning lanyards
EN 360: Personal protective equipment against falls from a height. Retractable type fall arresters
EN 361: Personal protective equipment against falls from a height. Full body harnesses
EN 362: Personal protective equipment against falls from a height. Connectors
EN 363: Personal protective equipment against falls from a height. Fall arrest systems
EN 397: Specification for industrial safety helmets
EN 567: Mountaineering equipment. Rope clamps. Safety requirements and test methods
EN 795: Protection against falls from a height. Anchor devices. Requirements and testing
EN 813: Personal protective equipment for prevention of falls from a height. Sit harnesses
EN 1891: Personal protective equipment for the prevention of falls from a height. Low Stretch kernmantle ropes.
BS EN 1492-2:2000: Textile slings. Safety. Roundslings, made of man-made fibres, for general purpose use
EN12841 Type c: Descenders.
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