Fall factor

The fall factor is a parameter in a fall into a collecting equipment (rope, absorber, fall arrester, ...), that may happen while climbing in rope- based work processes and at the rope-assisted tree climbing techniques. It refers to the ratio of fall height and length of the output connecting means ( eg the rope, including the connecting elements ( carabiner ) to the eye of the climbing harness ).

Importance

The fall factor is a variable in the development of the forces in a fall arrest system ( while climbing or in the use of personal protective equipment against falls in the profession). Since it is usually not more than can fall twice the output length of the connection between the anchor point and strap (see graph ' fall factors ' ), the maximum fall factor 2 (corresponds to a fall in the alpine climbing in the state ). Exception are via ferrata, or " fuse " on vertical structures such as pipes or cables.

For testing of ropes is the so-called standard fall application. This is certified to EN and ensures comparability of the quality of the cables. The fall factor of the standard camber is about 1.7.

Calculation

The fall factor is calculated from the fall height divided by the output cable length.