This section presents ropes for industrial climbing and other areas of activity that have similar uses for braided cords, such as caving, tourism, arboriculture, rescue operations, etc. They are usually used in combination with:
- devices for lowering and raising climbers, such as ascenders or descenders;
- carabiners and clamps as part of safety systems;
- blocks and rollers for horizontal movement of loads and people.
The main characteristic of such ropes is their slight elongation under constant load, which is why they are often called static ropes.
A static climbing rope consists of a core that bears the main load and a sheath that protects the core from external friction and ultraviolet degradation. The core has the form of parallel or braided strands in one or more layers, made of light-stabilized polyamide and meeting the requirements for breaking load and elongation.
Poland has implemented standard EN 1891, which regulates the production of textile static ropes with diameters ranging from 8.5 mm to 16 mm for use by people in mountaineering and similar activities, including as part of personal safety systems for working at height. The standard defines two types of static ropes: A and B, and establishes requirements, testing, marking, and information provided by the manufacturer, including instructions for the use of such static ropes.
Important characteristics of ropes for industrial climbing:
- static strength: for type A-22 kN, for type B-18 kN; elongation: no more than 5% per 1 m of length under test conditions in accordance with EN 1891;
- maximum fall arrest force: 6 kN;
- flexibility: less than 1.2, calculated in accordance with EN 1891 as the ratio of the inner diameter of the knot to the average diameter of the rope;
- melting point of the core and sheath: more than 195 °C.
In general, the standard does not set restrictions on the use of type B ropes, but if they are used, users should be aware that their performance level will be lower than that of type A ropes. Therefore, greater care must be taken to protect the rope from the effects of friction, tearing, general wear and tear, etc.
Both types of ropes wear out and are damaged mechanically and can be weakened by various influences, such as chemicals, high temperatures, and direct sunlight. Therefore, regular inspection is necessary to ensure that the rope is suitable for use. Static ropes are manufactured according to their own technical specifications, which are registered in accordance with the law. Such ropes are also approved for use, especially if the manufacturer's technical specifications refer to the current EN 1891 standard for determining the breaking load of the rope.