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Paulo,
Ok well on to the real reason I replied to this post.
In regards to statement that all webbing must be 45mm,Yes this is a requirement but I think that you are taking it out of context.In my interpretation of the regulations this would relate only to the width of the webbing in contact with the load :ie the person sitting in it.
This is to stop cutting in damage in the event of a fall by spreading the energy over a greater area and reduce restriction of blood flow when hanging.This is not really an issue with most work positioning and fall arrest harnesses of today as the load bearing webbing is enclosed in large pads that spread the weight of the climber with great effect both in a fall or while hanging.
Intended or not your post would lead us to beleive that this requirement would have something to do with wear and strength.If this was the case then the regulation would also state thickness and material.
45mm wide 1mm thick rated webbing will wear no slower than 25mm wide 2mm thick rated webbing if made from the same material.The width of something has absolutely no bearing on the strength or abrasion resistance without a great number of other things not least type of material and thickness.
Didj
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Interesting points Didj; I'm not sure why the webbing width should be 45mm. I'll find out from manufacturers.
The reason we use it is to distribute load the way we want it around the pelvic rim, and for abdominal support when using the harness from hip Dees (working poles leaning on a lanyard). Originally we tried a small abdominal pad. This worked well, but pressured the bladder when sitting rather than standing - such are the challenges of harness design the way we use them! We found broad webbing coupled with the fixed waist attachment offered an efective compromise; support when working from hip dees, flexibility when sitting. It also supports the leg loops well the way we designed them.
The durability point I was putting across was resistance to abrasion, and nothing to do with the width. The webbing we use is exceptionally resistant to UV and abrasion.
Where webbing runs through metal work in a sliding action, the durability of webbing is an important issue.
It is easy to overlook the strenght loss from 'fluffed' webbing, which this accident points out. Faded colours are also an indication of UV degradation. I know older climbers that prefer their older harnesses. 5 years of regular use is enough for any harness, let alone one that suffers falls on occassion. It works out as a few pence per working day. I think my lifes worth more than that.
The belay loop is the strongest part Nick. But I think this is a security issue rather than strength; if the waist loop fails you'll still be held by the legs in a fall and vice versa. I think that is why leaders are encouraged to tie into both, rather than the belay loop. That wouldn't have saved this accident, but backing up with a prusik on the leg might have.
