Testing at MIO Mechanical Corp. on Static Kernmantle Ropes for OSHA Industrial Fall Protection using MIO Corp´s Rope Grab. PLEASE NOTE: Test Data and Test Information Compiled by MIO Corporation, which is not affiliated with Urban H.A.R.T., Inc. For more information about the technical aspects of the testing or further technical information inquiries, please contact MIO Corporation. We wanted to know how Rescue rope (Static Kernmantle) would work with MIO´Rope Grab because those working at heights in many trades have begun using Kernmantle for access and fall protection. It is also recognized that in the rescue community there is a need for fall protection. (Also called a Safety or a belay.) We first of all did the test by OSHA suggested test requirements in 1910.66 appendix C which is also the same as the new construction safety standard for fall protection 1926 appendix C. OSHA requires that a force test be performed by using 220/ lbs. dropped six feet, and having a deceleration distance of less than 42", and a maximum force of 2,520 lbs. (You then use a conversion formula of 1.4 which is for 1,800 lbs. for a harness.) We tested PMI sport and EZ bend, New England KM III, and CMC Rhino Kote. As you will see when you examine the test results of the half inch kernmantle ropes tested, they all easily passed the OSHA requirements. What we found interesting is that most passed 440 lbs. dropped 6´, by staying inside the stopping distance of 42"and force levels of under 2,000 lbs. and this is double the requirement of OSHA. Test Results: OSHA Standard for Fall Protection System. 1/2"Static/Low Stretch Kernmantle Rope 220 lbs. dropped 6´. Rope Distance from Load Cell Belay/ Rope Grab Slide Distance Rope Length Weight resting Elongation of rope Force 1. PMI EZ Bend 24" 8 " n/a n/a 1,794 2. PMI Sport 24" 14 1/2" 41 1/4" 2 3/4" 1,384 3. New Eng KM III 24" 15 42" 3" 1,439 4. CMC Rhino Kote 24" 8 1/2" 37 3/4" 5 3/4" 1,805 We also did drop testing using the Belay competency drop test method from Canada this has a minimum of 440 lbs. dropped 1 meter on a rope that is 3 meters or 39 1/3" on 9' 10". This standard only allows for 16" slip or 40 cm, but a much higher force of 15 KN or 3,375 lbs. Rope Drop Weight Drop Height Belay/Rope Grab Slide Distance Final Rope Length Maximum Arrest Force 1) PMI 1/2" EZ Bend 617 lbs. 39" on 9' 10" 27" 156" 1,975 lbs. 2) PMI 1/2" EZ Bend 440 lbs. 39" on 9' 10" 14" 142 1/2" 1,946 lbs. 3) PMI 1/2" EZ Bend 440 lbs. 39" on 9' 10" 14" 142" 1,913 lbs. 4) PMI EZ Bend 440 lbs. 8' 10" on 9' 10" 38" 166" 1,882 lbs. 5) PMI 1/2" Sport 440 lbs. 39" on 9" 10" 20" 11' 10 1/2" 1,537 lbs. 6) PMI 1/2" Sport 440 lbs. 39" on 9' 10" 20" 11' 111/4" 1,573 lbs. 7) PMI 1/2" Sport 440 lbs. 8 ' 10" on 9' 10" 54" n/a 1,610 lbs. 8) PMI 1/2" Sport 440 lbs. 6' on 7' 42" 10' 10" 1,478 lbs. (#7 Weight hit crate on floor with slight damage to crate. Tower too short for this drop height.) Brief comments: It is very interesting that only PMI EZ Bend test #2, #3 passed the British Columbia test criteria by staying under the 16" slip, I thought it was outstanding that test #4 had an 8' 10" drop, which is 2' 10" higher and double the weight of the OSHA drop test requirement and still easily passed. PMI performance as a whole was the best. Rope Drop Weight Drop Height Belay/Rope Grab Slide Distance Final Rope Length Maximum Arrest Force   1) NE KM III 440 lbs. 39" on 9' 10" 23 3/4" 12' 3/4" 12 7 1/2" 1,564 lbs. 2) NE KM III 440 lbs. 39" on 9' 10" 22 3/4" 12' 5 1/2" 1,555 lbs.   3) NE KM III 440 lbs. 8' 10" on 9" 10" Approx. 60" n/a 1,502 lbs.   ( #3 Weight hit crate on floor with slight damage. Tower to short for Slide and Elongation for this drop height.) Rope Drop Weight Drop Height Belay/Rope Grab Slide Distance Final Rope Length Maximum Arrest Force 1) CMC Rhino Kote 440 lbs. 39' on 9' 10" 24" 12' 2,135 lbs. 2) CMC Rhino Kote 440 lbs. 39' on 9' 10" 13" 11' 6" 2,106 lbs. KM III performed very well with reasonable slip that passes OSHA slide distance and force test parameters. I ran our of time, and hopefully we will be able to test more in the near future. We do not recommend CMC Rhino Kote for a two person load. Evidently the circumference is slightly larger, causing a tighter fit with higher force and less slip. CMC's Rhino Kote could be used in a single person Belay situation, but not a double because of sheath damage. NOTE:None of the 7/16" rope passed the drop test. All slid too far - approximately 7' width only 500 lbs. force. The manufacturers could design it to work on 7/16" rope if there was enough interest. There is no testing at this time on the 5/8" rope grabs. BACK TO TOP OF PAGE HOME | COURSES | EQUIPMENT | TECHNICAL RESCUE | OPEN ENROLLMENT Copyright © 1997 Urban H.A.R.T., Inc. All rights reserved.