BS 7323:1990 download free.pecification for Sit harnesses for rock cllmbing.
1 Scope
BS 7323 specifies constructional, design, performance and marking requirements and methods of test for sit harnesses constructed from straps made from tape, webbing or rope, for use in rock climbing.
NOTE The titles of the publications referred to in BS 7323 are listed on the inside back cover.
2 Definitions
For the purposes of BS 7323 the following definitions apply.
sit harness
a harness which will support the body of a conscious person in a sitting position
2.2
load-bearing parts
parts of the sit harness that transmit load during the suspension of the wearer
2.3
non-load-bearing parts
parts of the sit harness that do not transmit load during the suspension of the wearer
2.4
adjusting device
any device that allows the sit harness to be adjusted to fit the individual wearer
3 Materials
NOTE If the load-bearing materials are not protected against abrasion by a covering layer of a suitable mateñal. the following recommendations may apply.
a) The abrasion resistance of materials specified in items c) and d) of 3.1 should be comparable with that of the materials specified in items a) orb) of 3.1.
b) The abrasion resistance of materials specified in items b) and c) of 3.2 should be comparable with that of the materials specified in item a) of 3.2.
3.1 Ropes
Ropes used in the construction of load-bearing parts of the sit harness shall be made from one of the following materials.
a) High tenacity continuous multifilament bright polyamide (nylon) filament yarn.
b) High tenacity continuous multifilament bright polyester filament yarn.
c) Homopolymers or copolymers of virgin high tenacity polypropylene processed as continuous filaments having a relative density of approximately 0.91. A polypropylene rope either shall be protected by a covering layer of a material that prevents the passage of ultraviolet radiation, or shall be stabilized against solar degradation by the addition to the polymer of an additive or additives. The choice of additives shall be such that the rope shall have a percentage retained strength of not less than 70 % of the retained strength of the control, when tested as described in clause 21 of BS 5053:1985.
d) Any other suitable man-made material that is made from virgin high tenacity continuous filament and that either shall be protected by a covering layer of a material that prevents the passage of ultraviolet radiation, or shall be stable against solar radiation, so that the rope shall have a retained strength of not less than 70 % of the retained strength of the control, when tested as described in clause 21 of BS 5053:1985.
L2 Webbing
Vebbing used for the construction of the oad-bearing parts of the sit harness shall be made o as to comply with one of the following.
a) The yarn used for the webbing shall be of polyamide (virgin bright high tenacity continuous filament) or polyester (virgin bright high tenacity continuous filament) having a uniform breaking strength.
b) The webbing shall be woven from virgin high tenacity continuous filament polypropylene yarns. Polypropylene webbing either shall be protected by a covering layer of a material that prevents the passage of ultraviolet radiation, or shall be stabilized against solar degradation by the addition to the polymer of an additive or additives. The choice of additives shall be such that the webbing shall have a percentage retained strength of not less than 70 % of the retained strength of the control, when tested as described in clause 21 of BS 5053:1985, except that paragraph 2 of 2 1.3.1 does not apply.
c) The webbing shall be made of any other suitable man-made material that is made from virgin high tenacity continuous filament and that either shall be protected by a covering layer of a material that prevents the passage of ultraviolet radiation, or shall be stable against solar radiation so that the webbing shall have a retained strength of not less than 70 % of the retained strength of the control, when tested as described in clause 21 of BS 5053:1985, except that paragraph 2 of 2 1.3.1 does not apply.
4.5 Connecting joints and loops in tape or webbing
4.5.1 Thread
Thread used shall be compatible, in its mechanical properties, with the tape or webbing. The colour of the thread shall be such as to contrast with the colour of the tape or webbing.
4.5.2 Stitched joints
Stitching shall be either made so as not to protrude undu’y above the tape or webbing, or covered by a layer of material to protect the stitching from abrasion.
4.5.3 Stitched loops or eyes
Stitched loops or eyes provided for the purpose of attachment of the climbing rope to the sit harness shall be stitched as described in 4.5.2.
6 Instructions
Instructions in the English language shall accompany each sit harness and shall include the following information:
a) instructions for assembly, tying on and use of the sit harness;
b) a photograph or line drawing showing a sit harness that is worn correctly;
c) advice that the user should check that the sit harness is appropriate to his own physique;
d) indication of the attachment points that are provided to enable the climbing rope to be attached directly to the sit harness (see 4.1);
e) the correct method of fastening and adjusting any buckles or other adjusting devices to achieve optimum fit;
f) where appropriate, a statement of which loops or combination of loops are for use when abseiling;
g) a warning to emphasize the need for regilar examination for wear;
h) the procedure to be followed in examining the sit harness for wear;
i) the substance of the following warning:
“This is a sit harness. It will not alone retain the body of an unconscious person in an upright sitting position; only a “full-body type” harness (which may itself consist of a compatible combination of a sit harness with a chest harness) will right an inverted climber or support an unconscious body in an upright position.”;
j) a warning that the sit harness should no longer be used if it has been visibly damaged (e.g. after a severe fall);
k) in cases where the sit harness is made up of a combination of complementary hut separable components (e.g. a waist belt combined with a set of leg loops), a warning to the effect that it may not be safe to use an individual component as part of any other combination (e.g. that it may not be safe to combine the waist belt component of the sit harness in question with a different set of leg loops);
1) recommendations for storage.
7 Marking
The sit harness shall be clearly and indelibly marked or permanently labelled with the following information:
a) the number and date of this British Standard,
i.e. BS 7323:199O’
b) the name, trade mark or other means of
identification of the manufacturer;
c) the year of manufacture or a manufacturer’s code that relates to the date of manufacture;
d) manufacturer’s type or model name;
e) if appropriate, the dimensions of the sit harness or a manufacturer’s code to indicate its size.