Assessment of Kernmantle Ropes in terms of Sheath Slippage: Method and Results

Worksites at height require the protection of workers during both movement and task performance. The rope access technique involves the simultaneous use of working and backup textile rope systems. Currently, kernmantle ropes are most often used in conjunction with mechanisms that move along them and lock at the right moment. However, this mode of operation has a destructive effect on the rope. Ropes must therefore meet a number of specific requirements, one of the most important of which is sheath slippage. The paper presents a method for testing this parameter based on the requirements of EN standards, including the design and implementation of a test stand and a method for the verification of its operation. Test results for 11 types of ropes are presented and discussed. The paper also provides some guidelines for conducting tests.