NATE’s newest video highlights the key differences between PPE carabiners and quick rigging connectors. The testing results are eye-opening for many industry climbing professionals, and the information presented could easily save lives. A recent survey found that approximately 75% of field techs were misusing carabiners to lift loads typically under 500 pounds.
NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association today released a video shining a spotlight on the industry’s utilization of carabiners and quick rigging connectors. The video, the fourth to Debut in Volume 8 of the Association’s popular #ClimberConnection series, was filmed as part of the NATE Safety Equipment Manufacturers’ Committee (SEMC) annual testing event at the University of Dayton Research Institute in Dayton, Ohio.
The video is intended to provide guidance, clarification, and application of standards to the industry’s technicians regarding the use of carabiners designed as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) per ANSI/ASSP Z359 and those intended for material handling per ASME B30. The NATE SEMC and this video refer to connectors designated for material handling as quick rigging connectors (QRCs).
“On behalf of NATE, we are excited to release this latest #ClimberConnection video that details the performance results and key takeaways from the SEMC’s testing of Quick Rigging Connectors,” said Director of Safety, Health & Compliance Kathy Stieler. “The video aims to provide valuable insights to NATE members, industry stakeholders, end users, and manufacturers. The SEMC’s testing results highlighted in the video are intended to enhance safety standards, raise awareness, and influence future testing methodologies,” added Stieler.
