In reply to muppetfilter:
> (In reply to Twigger) I would be also be slightly concerned about using static slings in a system where a device could be shock loaded giving potential fall factors above 2.
The use of the dynamic rope needs to be included in the equation though; granted the potential problem increases the nearer one gets to the belay. He's also pushing the top Ropeman from above his waist so never likely to be able to induce a FF2 fall (closer to a FF1 as the climber might slump back down onto the device).
> I dont know the test results for the modern Ropeman but I do know the old ones didnd fare too well severing the sheath at 6kn but in tests at a force as low as 3.5kn (tests on the MK 1 done by Lyon for the HSE)
If memory serves wasn't the 3.5kn figure the minimum strength test (so a 350kg lump hanging for three minutes: lot of friction/heat): not really the same situation?
Wasn't the dynamic test done on the test rig too (i.e. a very harsh test) at FF2, which you're not going to get near in this situation?
Personally I'd rig it slightly differently (more akin to the frog/caving system) to avoid all that having to pull up and shove the device up the rope.
Steve isn't a punter when it comes to the technical issues; it's also the method given as OK in the Ropeman instructions and I'll assume with a certain confidence that it's been tested to f**k!