ISO 22159:2007

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 22159
First edition
2007-05-15
Personal equipment for protection
against falls — Descending devices
Équipement personnel de protection contre les chutes — Dispositifs de
descente
Reference number
©
ISO 2007
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©  ISO 2007
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ii © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms, definitions and classifications. 1
3.1 Terms and definitions. 1
3.2 Classifications. 3
4 Requirements . 8
4.1 General. 8
4.2 Descent lines: basic requirements . 8
4.3 Descent line stopper. 9
4.4 Descent line residual static strength. 10
4.5 Rated loads. 10
4.6 Holding load . 11
4.7 Static strength. 11
4.8 Dynamic performance . 12
4.9 Descent energy . 12
4.10 Descent velocity. 13
4.11 Temperature rise. 13
4.12 Special requirements for descending devices class D. 14
4.13 Function. 14
4.14 Corrosion resistance. 14
4.15 Conditioning. 15
4.16 Marking and information. 15
5 Test methods. 15
5.1 Test apparatus . 15
5.2 General. 17
5.3 Conditioning. 18
5.4 Examination of design. 18
5.5 Static tests. 19
5.6 Dynamic performance . 24
5.7 Descent energy, descent velocity, temperature rise. 31
5.8 Function tests . 34
5.9 Corrosion resistance. 41
6 Marking . 41
7 Information supplied by the manufacturer . 42
7.1 General. 42
7.2 Instructions for use . 42
7.3 Instructions for maintenance . 45
7.4 Instructions for periodic detailed inspections. 45
7.5 Instructions for repair. 46
7.6 Records. 46
Annex A (informative) Packaging . 47
Annex B (informative) Functional recommendations for the use of descending devices in the
workplace . 48
Bibliography . 50

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 22159 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 94, Personal safety — Protective clothing and
equipment, Subcommittee SC 4, Personal equipment for protection against falls.
iv © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved

Introduction
Descending devices conforming to this International Standard are intended to be used in conjunction with an
appropriate descent line and other equipment, e.g. an appropriate harness or rescue loop and a reliable
anchor, to enable a person to descend from one position to another, either on their own or assisted by another
person. Typical uses are emergency egress and work positioning. In addition to their primary function of
allowing access to a lower point, descending devices and descent lines have a fall protection function.
Descending devices in this International Standard have been divided into six types. Types 1 and 2 are further
divided into four classes.
Type 1 descending devices have an integrated descent line and are intended for multiple evacuations to a
safe lower place when users do not need to control their descent speed. The descent speed is automatically
controlled, i.e. without the need for intervention by the user.
Type 2 descending devices have an integrated descent line and are manually controlled. They are generally
more suitable for single person evacuations to a safe lower place when users may need to control their
descent speed and may need to stop somewhere on the descent line.
Types 3 and 4 descending devices are not required to have an integrated descent line. The descent line can
be fitted to the descending device on site. These types of descending device are equipped with a manually
operated descent control device which, when it is let go, will automatically lock to the descent line and stop the
descent (hands-free locking element). In addition, type 3 descending devices will “fail to the locked position”
and the descent will stop if the descent control device is moved beyond its descent control parameters, e.g. in
a panic situation when the user squeezes the descent control device too far (panic locking element).
Types 5 and 6 descending devices do not have a hands-free automatic locking element or a panic locking
element. These descending devices rely on the user to stop the descent manually and to lock off manually,
too, typically by wrapping the descent line around the descending device to create enough friction to stop
movement. These types are also not required to have an integrated descent line: the descent line can be fitted
to the descending device on site.
Descending devices types 1 and 2, which are typically intended primarily for emergency egress, have been
classified further by performance. A value, called descent energy, is calculated based on the product of the
mass of the user, the maximum descent height for the descending device and the number of descents for
which the descending device is designed. In practice, descending devices are subjected to different loads, e.g.
a descending device for descending 100 passengers from a cable car at a height of 100 m needs to conform
to more stringent requirements than a descending device used by a crane driver to descend from a height of
20 m. The descent energy provides an indication of the appropriateness of a descending device and its
descent line for a given application. The descent energy may be used to calculate the maximum combination
of descent height and number of descents for a particular use. The classes are A, B, C and D, which are
explained in more detail within this International Standard.
Type 2 class D descending devices deserve special mention because they are intended for a specific purpose,
i.e. for single use emergency egress only, by trained and competent personnel who, as part of their training,
have experienced a descent using this type of descending device.
Descent lines are a necessary component in a descending system and need to meet some basic
requirements to ensure that they are suitable for use with relevant descending devices. This International
Standard therefore includes such basic requirements for descent lines.
This International Standard recognizes that a descending device could not only travel with the user (normal in
rope access, for example) but could also in some circumstances be designed to operate from a fixed position
(e.g. at the top of the descent). The test methods reflect this. Operating from a fixed position is normal for
type 1 descending devices. It is perhaps not so normal for other types, but is possible.
This International Standard presumes that the manufacturer of the descending device, subsystems or
components will, for the sake of consistency and traceability, operate a quality management system which will
comply with national and regional regulations in force at the time. Guidance on the form this quality
management system may take can be found in ISO 9001.
It is highly advisable that manufacturers claiming conformity of their descending devices with this International
Standard have their claims verified by an independent, nationally recognized test organisation.
Note the points below.
⎯ It is essential that users of all types of descending devices and their descent lines are trained and
assessed as competent before using them unsupervised. This applies even to the totally automatic
descending devices of type 1. It applies particularly to types 5 and 6 descending devices, where any
mismanagement could have disastrous results. It is advisable that training be ongoing and not just a
one-off at the first introduction to the equipment.
⎯ This International Standard does not encompass all foreseeable uses of descending devices or
requirements for all possible descending devices. Manufacturers, specifiers and end users can identify
uses for which descending devices that are outside the scope of this International Standard are
appropriate.
⎯ The requirements specified are generally minimum requirements.
Annex A provides advice on the packaging of descending devices and Annex B gives functional
recommendations for the use of descending devices in the workplace.

vi © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 22159:2007(E)

Personal equipment for protection against falls — Descending
devices
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies requirements, test methods, marking and information to be supplied by
the manufacturer for descending devices. It also specifies some basic requirements for the descent lines to be
used with the descending devices.
This International Standard is applicable to automatic and manually operated descending devices intended for
use in the workplace in access, egress, work positioning and rescue systems. Various types and classes of
descending devices are defined according to function and performance. These descending devices can be
used in situations other than the workplace if adequate training and/or supervision are provided.
This International Standard is not intended to apply to descending devices used in leisure activities such as
recreational climbing and caving, although its requirements can be useful in specifying such equipment.
NOTE Descending devices conforming to this International Standard can be designed for use by one or two persons
simultaneously.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 9227, Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres — Salt spray tests
ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
3 Terms, definitions and classifications
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1.1
anchor point
secure place of attachment to which the descent line or descending device is connected
3.1.2
attachment element
primary point of connection to the descending device, as specified by the manufacturer
3.1.3
automatic descending device
device that enables a person or persons to descend at a controlled rate without any intervention once the
descent has commenced
NOTE Automatic descending devices are also known as controlled descent devices.
3.1.4
competent person for periodic detailed inspection
person who knows the current periodic detailed inspection requirements, recommendations and instructions
issued by the manufacturer applicable to the descending device, subsystem or system, and who has the
authority, skills and resources to initiate corrective action
3.1.5
competent person for repair
person authorized by the manufacturer to repair the descending device, subsystem or system
3.1.6
descending device
automatic or manually operated device used in conjunction with an appropriate descent line, which allows the
user, either individually or assisted by another person, to achieve a descent with a controllable velocity
NOTE A descending device can be used for self-descent, self-rescue, rescue by a second person or for rescue by a
rescuer and rescuee in a tandem descent.
3.1.7
descent control element
integral element of the descending device, normally operated by hand, used to control the velocity of descent
down the descent line
3.1.8
descent energy
W
energy measured in joules which results from the product of descent height, descent load and number of
descents
3.1.9
descent line
flexible line for descending, used in conjunction with a descending device
3.1.10
emergency egress
evacuation from a location in the event of an emergency
3.1.11
hands-free locking element
integral part or function of the descent control element which stops the descent and thereby prevents an
uncontrolled descent or a fall if the user fails to engage the device
NOTE Some creep of the descending device along the descent line can occur (see 4.6).
3.1.12
integrated descent line
descent line assembled by the manufacturer with a compatible descending device such that the descent line
can only be removed by the use of a tool, and in such a way that removal would be clearly evident
3.1.13
manually operated descending device
descending device that allows a person or persons to descend at a rate that is controlled manually
NOTE 1 Some creep of the descending device along the descent line can occur (see 4.6).
NOTE 2 Manually operated descending devices are also known as descent control devices.
2 © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved

3.1.14
manufacturer
maker, authorized representative of a maker or an assembler responsible, where relevant, for the design, test
and release of the completed component, subsystem or system placed on the market
3.1.15
maximum rated load
maximum mass of person(s), including tools and equipment, to be used with the descending device, as
specified by the manufacturer
NOTE Maximum rated load is specified in kilograms.
3.1.16
minimum rated load
minimum mass of person(s), including tools and equipment, to be used with the descending device, as
specified by the manufacturer
NOTE Minimum rated load is specified in kilograms.
3.1.17
panic locking element
integral part or function of the descent control element which stops the descent and thereby prevents an
uncontrolled descent or a fall if the user panics and operates the descending device beyond its intended
descent control parameters
NOTE Some creep of the descending device along the descent line can occur (see 4.6).
3.2 Classifications
3.2.1 Classification by type
Descending devices are classified by type, as described below (see Figure 1 for generic examples of the
different types of descending device and Figure 2 for their characteristics):
a) type 1: automatically operated descending device with integrated descent line;
b) type 2: manually operated descending device with integrated descent line;
c) type 3: manually operated descending device with mechanically variable friction, hands-free locking and
panic locking features;
d) type 4: manually operated descending device with mechanically variable friction and hands-free locking
features;
e) type 5: manually operated descending device with mechanically variable friction and non-automatic
locking;
f) type 6: manually operated descending device with non-mechanically variable friction and non-automatic
locking.
NOTE Descending devices can conform to the requirements of more than one type.
3.2.2 Classification by performance
Descending devices of types 1 and 2 are classified by performance, as follows (see 4.9):
a) class A for a descent energy, W, up to 7,5 × 10 J;
b) class B for a descent energy, W, up to 1,5 × 10 J;
c) class C for a descent energy, W, up to 0,5 × 10 J;
d) class D for one descent only; the descent energy, W, depends on the maximum descent height and the
maximum rated load.
NOTE In practice, descending devices are subjected to different loads, e.g. a descending device for descending
100 passengers from a cable car at a height of 100 m conforms to more stringent requirements than a descending device
used by a crane driver to descend from a height of 20 m. The descent energy can be used to calculate the maximum
combination of descent height and number of descents for a particular use.

4 © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved

a)  Type 1 b)  Type 2 c)  Type 3

d)  Type 4 e)  Type 5 f)  Type 6
Key
1 descending device
2 integrated descent line
3 descent line
4 descent control element in hands-free locking position
5 descent control element in panic locking position
Figure 1 — Generic examples of different types of descending device
Figure 2 — Characteristics of different types of descending device

6 © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved

Table 1 — Requirements related to descending device type and class
Type and class
Conditioning
Clause
Requirement
1A, 2A,
No.
General Wet Wet & Very
1B, 1D 2B, 2D 3 4 5 6
cold cold
1C 2C
4.15.2 4.15.3 4.15.4 4.15.5
a a a a b b b b b b b b
4.1 General
requirements
a a a a b b b b b b b b
4.2 Descent lines:
basic
requirements
b a a a b b b b a a a a
4.3 Descent line
stopper
b a a a b b b b b b b b
4.4 Descent line
residual static
strength
a a a a b b b b b b b b
4.5 Rated loads
b a a a a a b b b b a a
4.6.1 Holding load:
hands-free
locking
b a a a a a b b b a a a
4.6.2 Holding load:
panic locking
b a a a a a a a a a b b
4.6.3 Holding load:
locked
b a a a b b b b b b b b
4.7 Static strength
b b c c b b b b b b b b
4.8 Dynamic
performance
b a a a b b b b a a a a
4.9 Descent energy
b b c c b b b b b b b b
4.10 Descent velocity
b a a a b b b b b b b b
4.11 Temperature
rise
a a a a a b a b a a a a
4.12 Special
requirements for
class D
b b c a b b b b b b b b
4.13 Function
a a a a b b b b b b b b
4.14 Corrosion
resistance
a a a a b b b b b b b b
4.16.1 Marking
a a a a b b b b b b b b
4.16.2 Information
NOTE All tests are carried out on the minimum and maximum diameters of descent line of the range marked on the descending
device, except the corrosion test and where otherwise stated.
a
No requirement.
b
Requirement.
c
Optional.
4 Requirements
NOTE A list giving an overview of the requirements relating to each individual type/class of descending device is
given in Table 1.
4.1 General
4.1.1 The material specification of all components, including the descent line recommended for use with the
descending device, shall be known to be durable at temperatures in which the descending device may be
used.
4.1.2 Components made of materials that may degrade due to exposure to sunlight or other environmental
factors shall be protected against such degradation, either by proper shielding of the components, e.g. by the
use of UV inhibitors in textiles, or by other suitable means, e.g. a protective coating.
4.1.3 Descending devices intended to allow removal of the descent line shall have a mechanism or function
to prevent the descent line from being detached unintentionally. The descending device shall have a
mechanism or shall function to prevent it being detached from the descent line without at least two
consecutive deliberate manual actions.
4.1.4 Descending devices shall not have sharp or rough edges that may cut, abrade or otherwise damage
ropes or webbing or cause injury to the user.
4.1.5 Types 1 and 2 descending devices shall be tested in combination with any descent line with which
they will be placed on the market.
4.1.6 Types 3, 4, 5 and 6 descending devices for use with descent lines that conform to a recognized and
appropriate standard, e.g. EN 1891, CI-1801, AS/NZS 4142.3, as specified in the information supplied by the
manufacturer of the descending device, shall be tested with the minimum and maximum diameters of descent
line for the range marked on the descending device for each standard claimed by the manufacturer. The
exception shall be where a particular test method specifies that the test shall be carried out only at either a
minimum or a maximum diameter.
4.1.7 Types 3, 4, 5 and 6 descending devices that do not specify a recognized and appropriate standard to
which the descent line shall conform shall be tested on the minimum and maximum diameters of descent line
marked on the descending device of every model of the type of descent line which the manufacturer of the
descending device claims is appropriate for use with the descending device. The exception shall be where a
particular test method specifies that the test shall be carried out only at either a minimum or a maximum
diameter.
4.1.8 Metals which could react together galvanically in normal use to the detriment of the descending
device or descent line shall not be used in descending devices and descent lines.
4.1.9 Connectors supplied with descending devices shall conform to an appropriate standard, e.g.
ISO 10333-5, EN 362, CAN/CSA Z259.12, and shall have a manual or an automatic locking gate.
4.2 Descent lines: basic requirements
4.2.1 General
4.2.1.1 Descent lines shall be made from textile rope or webbing or from steel wire rope or any other
appropriate material.
4.2.1.2 Descent lines shall be capable of visual inspection or else subjected to manufacturers' guidance
for appropriate examination to confirm that the descent line is satisfactory for continued use.
8 © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved

4.2.2 Textile descent lines
4.2.2.1 Descent lines made from textiles shall be made from virgin filament or multi-filament synthetic
fibres suitable for the use intended. The breaking tenacity of the synthetic fibre shall be known to be at least
0,6 N/tex.
4.2.2.2 The materials used for the construction of textile descent lines shall be known to have a melting
point of more than 195 °C. Ropes or webbing made from polypropylene or polyethylene shall not be used for
descent lines.
4.2.2.3 Descent lines made from textiles supplied with, or recommended for use with, types 3, 4, 5 and 6
descending devices shall have a minimum static strength of 18 kN. If the minimum static strength of the textile
descent line is not specified by the manufacturer, it shall be tested in accordance with 5.5.4.
4.2.2.4 When tested in accordance with 5.5.6, descent lines containing aramid fibres shall not break
when the test in 5.5.6.6 is carried out with forces equivalent to those specified in 4.7.
4.2.2.5 When descent lines made from textiles are supplied with permanent end terminations, the eyes
formed shall be protected from wear.
4.2.3 Wire rope descent lines
4.2.3.1 Wire rope descent lines made from steel shall be known not to work-harden unduly under
foreseeable conditions of use and shall have an appropriate degree of protection against corrosion for such
conditions of use. They shall be made from one piece (i.e. no joins in the rope).
NOTE It is advisable that manufacturers of descending devices be particularly careful when selecting or
recommending descent lines made from stainless steel as some types of stainless steel can have unpredictable fatigue
and corrosion characteristics.
4.2.3.2 Descent lines made from wire rope supplied with, or recommended for use with, types 3, 4, 5 and
6 descending devices shall be known to have a minimum static strength of 15 kN.
4.2.3.3 When tested in accordance with 5.5.6, descent lines made from stainless steel wire shall not
break when the test in 5.5.6.6 is carried out with forces equivalent to those specified in 4.7.
4.2.3.4 Wire rope descent lines shall be supplied with permanent end terminations. Eyes formed on wire
rope or webbing descent lines shall incorporate a thimble and a termination that has a rated strength of at
least 90 % of the descent line nominal strength.
4.3 Descent line stopper
For types 1 and 2 descending devices (i.e. descending devices with integrated descent lines), the free or tail
end of the descent line shall be protected against slipping through the descending device. Stopper knots (see
Figure 3 and 5.5.3.1 b) or clamps with or without stopper devices (see Figure 4 and 5.5.3.1 b) used as
protection on textile descent lines shall be made at a distance of at least 0,5 m from the end of the descent
line.
Figure 3 — Stopper knot
Dimensions in millimetres
NOTE The dimensions indicated are examples only.
Figure 4 — Example of stopper device

4.4 Descent line residual static strength
The descent line shall meet the static strength requirement given in 4.7 when tested in accordance with 5.5.5
after the following tests have been carried out:
a) types 1 and 2 descending devices: the tests in accordance with 5.7.2 and 5.8;
b) types 3, 4, 5 and 6 descending devices: the tests in accordance with 5.7.3.
4.5 Rated loads
4.5.1 Maximum rated load
The maximum rated load shall be specified by the manufacturer and shall be at least 100 kg. For testing
+2
purposes, the maximum rated load shall have a tolerance of %.
( 0)
10 © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved

4.5.2 Minimum rated load
The minimum rated load shall be specified by the manufacturer. For testing purposes, the minimum rated load
+2
shall have a tolerance of %.
( 0)
4.6 Holding load
4.6.1 Hands-free locking position: types 2, 3 and 4 descending devices
When type 2 descending devices incorporating a hands-free locking element and types 3 and 4 descending
+0,1
devices are tested in accordance with 5.5.2 with a force of 3kN or a force equivalent to 1,5 times the
( )
+0,1
maximum rated load, whichever is the greater, to a tolerance of kN, the descending device
( )
+0,5
shall sustain the load for 3min with a maximum of 300 mm slippage of the descent line through the
( )
descending device. After this test, the descending device shall still function properly, i.e. it shall be possible to
operate the descending device in accordance with the information supplied by the manufacturer.
4.6.2 Panic locking position: types 2 and 3 descending devices
When type 2 descending devices incorporating a panic-locking element and type 3 descending devices are
tested in accordance with 5.5.2 with a force of 450 N applied to the panic locking element and with a
( )
−10
+0,1
force applied to the descending device of 3kN or a force equivalent to 1,5 times the maximum
( )
+0,1
rated load, whichever is the greater, to a tolerance of kN, the descending device shall sustain the
( )
+0,5
load for 3min with a maximum of 300 mm slippage of the descent line through the descending device.
()
After this test, the descending device shall still function properly, i.e. it shall be possible to operate the
descending device in accordance with the information supplied by the manufacturer.
4.6.3 Types 5 and 6 descending devices
+0,1
When types 5 and 6 descending devices are tested in accordance with 5.5.2 with a force of 3kN or a
()
+0,1
force equivalent to 1,5 times the maximum rated load, whichever is the greater, to a tolerance of kN,
( )
+0,5
the descending device shall sustain the load for 3min with a maximum of 300 mm slippage of the
( )
descent line through the descending device. After this test, the descending device shall still function properly,
i.e. it shall be possible to operate the descending device in accordance with the information supplied by the
manufacturer.
4.7 Static strength
4.7.1 All types and classes of descending device except class D
4.7.1.1 When tested in accordance with 5.5.3, descending devices with a maximum rated load of not
+0,5
more than 100 kg shall withstand a force of 12 kN applied at each attachment element of the
( )
descending device for 3 min and shall not release the load.
4.7.1.2 For each 10 kg or part of 10 kg increase in the maximum rated load above 100 kg, descending
devices shall withstand an increase in force of 0,3 kN (see Table 2 for examples). The tolerance shall remain
the same as that for a maximum rated load of 100 kg.
Table 2 — Examples of static test forces applicable to different maximum rated loads for all types and
classes of descending device except class D
Maximum rated load Static test force
kg kN
100 12,0
110 12,3
120 12,6
130 12,9
140 13,2
150 13,5
160 13,8
170 14,1
180 14,4
190 14,7
200 15,0
4.7.2 Descending devices class D
When tested in accordance with 5.5.3, descending devices of Class D shall withstand a force applied at each
attachment element for 3 min equal to at least twice the maximum dynamic force recorded in the dynamic
performance tests of 5.6 and shall not release the load.
4.8 Dynamic performance
When tested in accordance with 5.6 with a mass equivalent to the maximum rated load, descending devices
shall not release the mass and, with the exception of type 1 descending devices, shall not exceed an arrest
distance of 2,0 m. No part of the descending device shall show any signs of permanent deformation that could
affect its function and the descent line shall not show any signs of tearing or breaking. Minor glazing of the
descent line may occur. For class D descending devices, the maximum impact force in each dynamic
performance test shall be measured and recorded.
4.9 Descent energy
4.9.1 Descent energy, W, expressed in J, is calculated by the following equation:
Wm=×g×h×n
where
m is the maximum rated load expressed in kg;
g is gravity, 9,81 m/s ;
h is the descent height, expressed in m;
n is the number of descents.
12 © ISO 2007 – All rights reserved

When tested in accordance with 5.7.2 (with testing in succession), types 1 and 2 descending devices and the
descent line shall resist the descent energy determined for their class without any impairment of safety, as
follows:
a) for descending devices class A, W W 7,5 × 10 J;
b) for descending devices class B, W W 1,5 × 10 J;
c) for descending devices class C, W W 0,5 × 10 J;
d) for descending devices class D, W W m × g × h , where h is the maximum descent height, expressed
max max
in m.
4.9.2 Throughout the tests of the descent energy, descent velocity and temperature rise in accordance with
5.7, types 1 and 2 descending devices and their descent lines shall function properly, i.e. it shall be possible to
operate the descending device in accordance with the information supplied by the manufacturer, without
showing any changes affecting their safety.
4.10 Descent velocity
4.10.1 When tested in accordance with 5.7.3 with a mass equivalent to the maximum rated load, type 1
descending devices shall not allow the test mass to descend at a rate exceeding 2 m/s.
4.10.2 For types 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 descending devices, when tested in accordance with 5.7.3 with a mass
equivalent to the maximum rated load, it shall be possible to maintain a descent velocity of a maximum of
2 m/s for at least a period of 5 s.
4.10.3 When tested in accordance with 5.7.3 with a mass equivalent to the minimum rated load, it shall be
possible to keep the descent velocity of types 1 and 2 descending devices classes A, B and C above 0,5 m/s.
For types 1 and 2 descending devices, class D, and for types 3 to 6 descending devices, it shall be possible to
maintain a descent velocity of more than 0,1 m/s.
NOTE It is recognized that during certain sections of the descent, or for particular specialized applications, speeds
higher than 2 m/s can be justified. However, it is advisable that the descending devices still be capable of being kept to a
maximum of 2 m/s.
4.11 Temperature rise
4.11.1 When tested in accordance with 5.7.4 with a mass equivalent to the maximum rated load, the
temperature due to friction shall not rise to a point where it affects the safe function of the descending device
and the descent line.
4.11.2 When tested in accordance with 5.7.4 with a mass equivalent to the maximum rated load, none of the
parts of the descending device handled by the user to control the descents shall develop a temperature higher
than 48 °C during the descents.
4.11.3 When tested in accordance with 5.7.4 with a mass equivalent to the maximum rated load, the
maximum recorded temperature of any accessible surface during normal use of types 1 and 2 descending
devices shall not exceed the relevant temperature specified in Table 4.
4.11.4 If the maximum recorded temperature of any external or internal surface accessible during normal use
of types 3 to 6 descending devices exceeds the relevant temperature specified in Table 4 when the
descending device is tested with a mass equivalent to the maximum rated load in accordance with 5.7.4, a
warning shall be given in the information supplied by the manufacturer [see 7.2.2 u)].
4.12 Special requirements for descending devices class D
4.12.1 Class D descending devices shall indicate clearly when they have been used.
4.12.2 Class D descending devices shall be configured to prevent re-use after one descent without
reconfiguration by the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s authorized representative.
4.13 Function
4.13.1 Types 1 and 2 descending devices
4.13.1.1 When tested in accordance with 5.8.1, descending devices shall function in accordance with the
information supplied by the manufacturer.
4.13.1.2 When types 1 and 2 descending devices (all classes) are tested in accordance with 5.8.1 with a
mass equivalent to the maximum rated load plus 25 %, it shall be possible to maintain a descent velocity of a
maximum of 2 m/s. The descent shall be as continuous as possible.
4.13.1.3 When type 2 descending devices (all classes) are tested in accordance with 5.8.1 with a mass
equivalent to the maximum rated load plus 25 %, they shall not allow the test mass to descend at a rate
exceeding 2 m/s in the hands-off position.
4.13.1.4 When types 1 and 2 descending devices are tested in accordance with 5.8.1 with a mass
equivalent to the minimum rated load, it shall be possible to keep the descent velocity of descending devices
classes A, B and C above 0,5 m/s. For descending devices class D, shall be possible to maintain a descent
velocity of more than 0,1 m/s. The descent shall be as continuous as possible.
4.13.2 Types 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 descending devices
4.13.2.1 When tested in accordance with 5.8.2, types 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 descending devices that normally
travel with the user and that are intended to be controlled manually by the tail of the descent line shall not
move down the descent line at a rate of more than 0,1 m/s.
4.13.2.2 When tested in accordance with 5.8.2, types 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 descending devices that normally
travel with the user and that are normally not intended to be controlled manually by the tail of the descent line
shall not move down the descent line at a rate of more than 2 m/s.
4.13.2.3 When tested in accordance with 5.8.3, types 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 descending devices that normally do
not travel with the user and that are intended to be controlled manually by the tail of the descent line shall not
allow the descent line to move through the descending device at a rate of more than 0,1 m/s.
4.13.2.4 When tested in accordance with 5.8.3, types 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 descending devices that normally do
not travel with the user and that are normally not intended to be controlled manually by the tail of the descent
line shall not allow the descent line to move through the descending device at a rate of more than 2 m/s.
4.14 Corrosion resistance
When tested in accordance with 5.9 for two periods of 24 h exposure and 1 h drying, metal parts of
descending devices shall show no evidence of corrosion which may affect their function. (White scaling and
tarnishing is acceptable if the function is not impaired.)
NOTE Even though the descending device is required to be resistant to corrosion when subjected to a neutral salt
spray test, this does not necessarily mean that it is suitable for use in a marine environ
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