EXPERIENCE

ASAP B71

Using the ASAP on knotted rope

The purpose of this information is to clarify possible misunderstandings concerning the use of the ASAP.

A : Basic requirement of the EN353-2 standard

The EN353-2 standard: «Guided type fall arresters including a flexible anchor line» requires a dynamic performance test of the fall arrester/rope combination; the maximum arrest force measured must be less than 6 kN.

B : EN353-2 performance requirement for the anchor line (rope)

The standard specifies that the rope with its termination(s) (sewn, swaged, knotted or other termination) must have a breaking strength of not less than 22 kN.

C : Information about ropes on the market

With a figure eight knot, the 10.5 mm diameter ropes that are available on the market break at less than 22 kN.With a figure eight knot, some - but not all - 11 mm ropes break at less than 22 kN.

D : CE certification of the ASAP in accordance with EN353-2

Because of the 22 kN breaking strength requirement for the anchor line, Petzl decided to first certify ropes with sewn terminations. The ASAP is certified with the following ropes : Antipodes Béal 10,5mm, Antipodes Béal 11mm, Industrie Béal 11mm, Rescue Edelweiss 13mm.Note that there are other ropes that perform as well as those listed above, but they are not currently certified for use with the ASAP.

E : ASAP used with knotted EN1891 type A semi-static rope

Rope access techniques require the use of knots for rebelays, and a knotted rope is weaker than an unknotted rope. For these reasons, Petzl performed its own internal testing of the ASAP’s performance with certain ropes anchored with a figure eight knot.

Dynamic performance test

The ASAP/rope combination passes the EN 353-2 requirement.

Static strength of the rope alone, tied with a figure eight knot

• Béal Antipodes 10,5mm (19,5 kN breaking strength with figure eight knot).
• Marlow Static Rope 10,5mm (15 kN breaking strength with figure eight knot).

Results

The ASAP/rope combination meets the requirements of the EN353-2 standard. However, the rope alone with a figure eight knot does not meet the requirement, because its breaking strength is less than 22 kN.For your information, we have tested the ASAP with extreme loads (test mass 200kg). It is noteworthy that in all of these tests, the impact force never exceeded the minimum breaking strength of the rope with a figure eight knot.
(Note : The EN 1891 type A standard requires a minimum breaking strength of 15 kN for a rope with a figure eight knot).

Conclusion

For EN1891 TYPE A certified kernmantle ropes of diameters greater than or egual 10.5 mm, knotted, and in new condition, the ASAP/rope combination works. Attention, this use is not certified to CE EN 353-2.