ASTM F887 : 16

Standard Specifications for Personal Climbing Equipment

Standard Details

Table of Contents
Section Title	Section/Paragraph
Scope	1
Referenced Documents	2
Terminology	3
Significance and Use	4
Pole and Tree Climbers
Classification	5
Ordering Information	6
Pole and Tree Climbers	7
Climber Gaffs	8
Climber Straps	9
Climber Pads	10
Climber Footplates	11
Body Belts, Work Positioning Devices and Wood Pole Fall Restrict Devices (WPFRD)
Classification	12
Ordering Information	13
Two Dee Body Belts, Auxiliary Positioning Belts, and Four Dee Body Belts	14
Two Dee Body Belts	14.1
Auxiliary Positioning Belts and Four Dee Body Belts	14.2
Positioning Devices	15
Wood Pole Fall Restriction Device (WPFRD)	16
Arborist Saddle
Arborist Saddle	17
Harnesses
Classification	18
Ordering Information	18.2
Sizing	18.3
Marking	18.4
Energy Absorbing Lanyards
Classification	19
Ordering Information	20
Energy Absorbing Lanyards	21
Qualification Testing
Electric Arc Performance	22
Hardware Requirements	23
Test Equipment	24
Qualification Testing	25
Body Belts, Four Dee Body Belts, and Auxiliary Positioning Belts	25.1
Positioning Devices	25.2
WPFRD	25.3
Arborist Saddle	25.4
Harness	25.5
Energy Absorbers	25.6
Instructions	26
Guarantee and Rejection	27
Keywords	28

1.1 This standard covers the specifications and qualification testing of the following:

Climbers,

Climber straps,

Climber Pads,

Climber Footplates,

Body Belts,

Work Positioning Devices with Locking Snaphooks/Carabiners,

Wood Pole Fall Restriction Devices (WPFRD),

Arborist Saddle,

Harnesses,

Energy Absorbing Lanyards.

These devices are used by workers in the climbing of poles, trees, towers, and other structures. Minimum performance criteria for arc resistance of harnesses and energy absorbing lanyards are included for workers who may be exposed to thermal hazards of momentary electric arcs or flame.

1.2 Equipment may fall within one of the following categories:

1.2.1 Fall (Travel) Restraint—Prevents a user from reaching a fall hazard (allow 0 fall distance).

1.2.2 Work Positioning—Allows a 2 ft maximum free fall distance.

1.2.3 Fall Arrest—Allows a 6 ft maximum free fall distance with a maximum arrest force of 1800 lb.

Note 1: Under certain conditions and with the use of equipment designed for such conditions, a 12-ft free-fall distance with a maximum arrest force of 1800 lb is allowed.

1.2.4 Suspension—Allows 0 free-fall distance while supporting the user’s weight.

1.2.5 Fall Restriction—to prevent or limit free fall from a work position or while ascending/descending a wood pole.

1.3 Three types of climbers, (Types A, B, and C) and two types of climber straps, Types (A and B) are covered.

1.4 Two types of body belts, (Types A and B) are covered.

1.5 Eight types of work positioning devices: three positioning straps, (Types A, B, and C), three adjustable-positioning lanyards, (Types A, B and C) and two nonadjustable positioning lanyards, (Types A and B) are covered.

1.6 Two types of WPFRD, (Types A and AB) are covered.

1.7 Arborist saddle, (Type A) Work Positioning and Suspension are covered.

1.8 Two types of harnesses, (Types A and B) are covered.

1.9 Two types of energy absorbing lanyards, (Types A and B) are covered.

1.10 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.11 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method portions, 9.2, 10.3, 11.2, 14.1.4, 15.3, 15.4, 16.2, 17.2, 18.4, 21.2, 22, 23, and 25 of this standard: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.