Rank: Forum user 
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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.
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Rank: Forum user
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Not sure how relevant this might be to your question and I have no direct experience of this but my husband works for a major electricity supplier on windfarms and regularly climbs turbines as part of his day to day work - he has his own personal climbing and rescue kit that he is responsible for. Other personnel who work in his department only climb the turbines once in a blue moon and whilst they have completed the same training as my husband they are expected to use shared equipment.
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Rank: Forum user
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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
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Rank: Super forum user
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Again I see a posting from a public services area and note [unless U indicate differently] that cost cutting is leading the way again & I presume that you are talking about council arborists?
I would say that ropes in such situations should be personal to the user [this can be justified via PPE risk assessment [as it used to be] but if current management take notice that is another thing but there has been a major drive to cut front line costs in LA's thus trying to make ropes etc. a shared item which unless U have been involved in arbour work and similar may seem OK to many
I would push for personal ropes where possible & noting that many such operations are now being run by LA staff that have never worked in the area
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Rank: Super forum user 
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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.
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Rank: Forum user
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I think we need a little more clarity as to the original posters intended use of the ropes, as the answer could be entirely different depending on circumstances.
Cheers
Phil
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Rank: Super forum user 
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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.
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Rank: Forum user
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Indeed!! Our 11mm ropes have a minimum breaking strain of over 3 tonnes!! Given that our maximum rescue load is a casualty, plus medic, plus stretcher; all up 250kg, we have a huge margin of safety built in to the systems. Also bear in mind that the lowering system of one 3 tonne rope, is mirrored with another system sharing the load as a back up, so huge reserves.
The Guys at Merseyside are part of the special rescue team, I know a few of them. Great bunch of lads and Girls.
As persons are classed as loads the ropes and all connectors are subject to 6 monthly inspections by a competent person who will issue them with a certificate of thorough examination. These are as well as the standard before and after use full inspections of every inch of the rope.
Phil
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Rank: Super forum user
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Rank: Forum user
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Interesting theories and thoughts coming back, thank you for your replies.
The work they are using the ropes for is all heights tree work and rescue.
Thank you
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Rank: Super forum user
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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
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Rank: Super forum user
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Merseyside FRS have a mobile climbing wall they take out into the community in various areas of the county, they get young people climbing, good for street cred.
They use climbing ropes, tested by the competent person/s and not by the young people who must have faith.
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