Inspecting an Arborist Rope
Inspecting an arborist climbing rope is crucial for safety. In the UK we follow the 1998 LOLER regulations meaning climbing ropes used for P.P.E now need to be independently inspected at least every six months however your life depends on these lines and they should be inspected before every use and after a significant event. So what is a significant event? A friend once told me "If it causes you to swear it's almost certainly a significant event" I guess that makes it easier to take onboard and any rope involved should be inspected again immediately.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your rope is in good condition before use:
1. Visual Inspection
- Check for Cuts or Frays: Look along the entire length of the rope for visible cuts, frays, or broken fibres.
- Inspect the Sheath: The outer layer (sheath) should be intact. Any signs of excessive wear, fuzziness, or damage could indicate weakness.
- Look for Discoloration: Unusual stains or discolouration could be signs of chemical exposure or UV damage.
- Check for Flat or Glazed Areas: A glossy or melted appearance may indicate heat damage from friction.
2. Tactile Inspection (Feel the Rope)
- Run Your Hands Along the Rope: Feel for irregularities such as lumps, hard spots, or soft spots.
- Check for Core Damage: If you feel significant inconsistencies or a "flat" section, the inner core may be compromised.
3. Functional Inspection
- Bend the Rope: Flex the rope to see if it bends evenly. Stiff or kinked areas could indicate internal damage.
- Stretch Test: While holding both ends, apply light tension. If the rope stretches inconsistently, it may be weakened.
4. Inspect the Terminations (Ends)
- Check Splices and Knots: If your rope has spliced eyes or factory terminations, ensure they are secure. Whipping or Stitching is in place and not damaged or broken. Broken whipping or stitching can be a sign that the splice has been exposed to a load and may no longer be secure.
- Look for Fraying or Unraveling: Rope ends should be sealed properly.
5. Check for Contaminants
- Dirt & Debris: Excess dirt can degrade fibres over time.
- Chemical Exposure: If your rope has come into contact with chemicals (e.g., solvents, oils, or acids), it may be unsafe to use.
- Water Damage: Some ropes lose strength when wet—ensure proper drying and storage.
6. Verify Manufacturer Guidelines
- Check the Rope’s Age: Manufacturers often provide a recommended maximum "Out of packaging/Working" lifespan of around 5-10 years, this of course depends on use, care and storage. Some cordage can have a far lower life span like Teufelberger’s Ocean Dyneema® which has an in-service lifespan of only two years. So make sure you know what the manufacturer's guidelines are.
- Follow Retirement Criteria: If the rope has been subject to a heavy fall, excessive wear, or fails inspection, retire it immediately.
7. Keep an Inspection Log
- Maintain a record of each inspection, noting any wear, damage, or retirements. This helps track the rope's condition over time.
Final Decision
- Pass: If the rope shows no signs of damage, it is safe for use.
- Fail: If there are doubts about its integrity, retire the rope and replace it.