I am afraid

Question
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
dear friend:
the question is:
should I tell firemen not to use these ropes from spain (I do not know if they are approved by IUAA or not because they came without manual)even the fact that they can be used two diferent ropes togoether at the same time in case one of them fail?
A friend of mine told me that it is almost imposible to get a rope broken with the weight of one man
thank you for your opinion

Answer
Dear Aura,

I advise AGAINST using the Spanish ropes.  Even using two may not be safe.  Your friend is right.  A man's weight will not break a rope under ordinary circumstances.  Firefighters, however, often face unusual circumstances.  Rated strength is not the only factor.  Abrasion, damage from falling objects and repeated stress can quickly make a rope unsafe.  Also, an uninspected rope may not be sound throughout its length.  

Climbing and caving ropes are constructed to resist damage.  They are inspected completely before they are sold.  I've found some local sources for you to consult.  The information is below:

[email protected]
Emmanuel Evenou


............................................................................................................
ARASSARI TREK  -  V.T. 2256
............................................................................................................
Raquel & Tom Evenou
Final calle 24, # 8-301.  M閞ida - Venezuela
Tel /Fax :  ++58  (0274) 2525879     Cel. (0414) 7463569
E-Mail: [email protected]  [email protected]
...........................................................................................................
http://arassari.com
...........................................................................................................
http://members.tripod.com/~rocaventura/

http://www.rockclimbing.com/routes/listArea.php?AreaID=8262