r13 said..
Sorry to say but with these type of load (ie people!!) lifting devices it has to be asked what is the actual practical working load limit (WLL) now compared to when it was first made.
The WLL when it was first made would have a decent factor of safety included - see the Australian Standards - and would have been prior load tested at least for the first run of them but probably each one nowadays. How old is it now? What is the impact of the sun damage on it now? Including the webbing and stitching.
There must be many of these aged devices out there of dubious actual practical WLL capability.
Industrial crane tackle and lifting devices are checked very frequently - see the Bullivants website for all details.
So I realise that we are not talking about a device used frequently but for a device which is aged the frequency of it's prior use is not the issue...................it's fitness for purpose for the next use is the issue......please be aware of all issues.
Having worked for a lifting company and am qualified to manufacture and inspect lifting gear and personnel safety items.
Firstly, this top climber would definitely not be certified under Aus standards. It may be certified under EU or US standards but they are very different to Aus.
The cost to get something passed under Aus standards is extremely prohibitive to small turnover items such as this.
Finally, it's all a mute point anyways as there is no 'legal' way to go up a mast unless you use a cherry picker or a man cage on a crane!!
