I'd like to hear your thoughts on whether you think climbing gear PPE in the terminology should be classed as Personal to the person and shouldn’t be shared. Reasons behind this are: if a team is sharing climbing ropes, etc they dont know how that rope has been treated and looked after. (When someone else is using the rope, they could ‘shock load’ it resulting in damaging the inner core which cannot be picked up in a visual inspection). My view is Personal PPE is only issued individually to the user where the sizing (permanent) and hygiene are an issue. This would be items such as footwear, respiratory apparatus that cannot be reasonably cleaned etc. Harnesses and lanyards etc do not fall under this category and could be issued to anyone suitably trained to use it. I can understand the caution from the users of abseiling ropes etc, but to issue each person with ropes would not be the norm! In the case of a rope rescue transfer this wouldn’t be possible, nor would shift work using pre positioned ropes. I would be interested if anyone has a different view.

Hi, use of ropes at work would usually be carried out by IRATA personnel for rope access works. A rope is treated in exactly the same way as any of our other equipment, and is inspected; before, and after every use, and every 6 months by a competent person under LOLER, who will issue it with a certificate of thorough examination. In the rope rescue world, for turbines etc, we use exactly the same ethos and system of inspection. A level 3 in the case of IRATA, or a rope rescue supervisor is responsible for ensuring that this regime is carried out. Most rope access and rope rescue work is "rigged for rescue" , so basically in the event of a problem the injured or trapped rope op is simply lowered to the ground, without having to commit another team member to the same set of ropes. In extremes we can commit a rescue load (2 persons, plus stretcher approx 250kg), as all of our systems, including connectors, and importantly anchors and the rope itself, are good for at least 3 tonnes. But far safer to rig for rescue, by having releasable anchor systems. Cheers Phil

In my long ago short and "easy" climbing career I would never have trusted a "third party" rope, only my own and a known climbing buddy's equipment. Whilst I have never used a rope in connection with work, I expect I would still have the same distrust of anyone else's equipment and would offer advice to that effect if any employer was to ask my opinion.

I've asked a few question of the Merseyside FRS procedure regarding climbing ropes, it appears they have a Rope Rescue team. In the past the ropes could only be tested by a " competent person " and regardless of whether they had been used or not they were replaced after a set period. Incredible breaking strains for small diameter lines. Not personal issue. Far better monitoring, testing and procedures than the olden days when lowering a casualty using the excellent procedure with a fluffy rope under a firefighters welly boot.

cliff more detail please

TA! I though it was tree work which is completely different to steel work and similar and the F&RS do not operate in forests [they cannot even get to some locations with vehicles] etc. where my lads did so all the lads self rescue I strongly advise that those who are advocating sharing ropes etc. are competent to make such comments but in the councils i know of they are not but they do hold the purse strings best of luck