NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association has officially released the 2021 Safety Equipment Manufacturers Committee (SEMC) Wire Rope Safety Sleeve Testing Report II White Paper.

This 15-page document details results from the performance testing of wire rope safety climb system components under different conditions. The testing was performed to provide feedback to NATE members, industry stakeholders and manufacturers. The results of the testing event are meant to raise the bar on safety by increasing awareness and improving testing methods.

All testing was conducted at the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) over the course of three days, with eleven different scenarios and forty-five drop tests completed. The testing facility allowed for an indoor, climate controlled environment. The testing utilized new equipment attached to an antenna supporting structure designed to the ANSI/TIA-222 (H) Standard. All of the test drops were recorded and reviewed by the Safety Equipment Manufacturers Committee to verify the accuracy of the results.

It should be noted that the testing protocols outlined in the document below were not conducted under strict American National Standard Institute (ANSI) requirements and therefore should not be construed as ANSI testing. They were developed to emulate how the wire rope safety sleeves are being utilized in the field by telecommunications workers.

The test utilized one 310 lb. torso with an integral sternal attachment point that did not require a full body harness to remove variables such as slippage, stretch, and fitment, the weight was designed based on the ANSI/ASSP Z359.11 Standard.

The testing process was completed in a controlled and scientific fashion with the help of UDRI with participation from many of the most important relevant stakeholders in the industry, including manufactures of the devices tested.

You can see all testing results by clicking here, or the link at the bottom of this page. There is a significant amount of information for each of the following tests completed which are listed below:

• Test 1 - Dynamic Drop Test - Leg Mount
• Test 2 - Dynamic Drop Test - Rung and Rail Mount
• Test 3 - Low Tension Dynamic Test
• Test 4 - 10* Forward Angle Dynamic Drop Test
• Test 5 - Dynamic Drop Test with In-line Load Cell
• Test 6 - Ascending Climber Dynamic Drop Test
• Test 7 - Zero Tension Straight Drop Test
• Test 8 - Unsupported Extended Rung and Rail Climbing Facility Dynamic Drop Test
• Test 9 - 10* Lateral Dynamic Drop Test
• Test 10 - Multi-Climber Dynamic Drop Test
• Test 11 - Ascending Climber with Lateral Motion Dynamic Drop Test

Download the Full SEMC Test Report

The following Cable Sleeves were tested during this study:

• Tuf-Tug WG-500
• 3M | DBI SALA Lad-Saf X3
• Skylotec Claw
• Miller Vi-Go (SW)

There were definitely some interesting findings via these real-world scenario tests which could have major implications on the product being used and trusted in the field. We encourage anyone climbing on a vertical wire rope system to review this report thoroughly to fully understand how the tests were conducted, and the findings for each of the sleeves that were tested.

If you have any questions regarding the above information or need more insight into safety or fall protection in general, reach out to our Gear Experts®! Click here to contact our team, or use the instant chat feature in the lower right hand corner of your browser screen. Also be sure to connect with us on social media to keep up with all of our latest content.