Energy absorber
A tape energy absorber is a device that dampens the kinetic energy of falling bodies. They are usually part of a fall protection system , which can also be part of personal protective equipment , and are used to protect people during activities where there is a risk of falling. Such equipment is most often found in work such as facade cleaning or work in shell structures .
construction
The energy absorber is a high-strength, wide fabric tape that is folded into several loops. These loops are sewn together. The loop pack is packed in an elongated textile bag and sewn in. The ends of the tape are usually spliced and firmly connected with a carabiner each . The energy absorber connects the personal safety belt or harness with the anchor point that is being secured.
function
The strength of the sewing thread and the sewing technique are selected in such a way that from a certain tensile force the sewing continuously tears. If the secured person falls, after a short distance of free fall, the kinetic energy acts on the damper, which partly consumes it by tearing the seam. When the damper is fully deployed, the remaining fall energy is absorbed by the ligament itself and the body of the fallen person. The damper thus reduces the risk of injury by cushioning the impact. A tape energy absorber that has once been loaded cannot be reused.
Maintenance and testing
Like other parts of protective equipment, energy absorbers must be checked regularly by qualified persons (experts) for damage and wear. In the commercial sector, this happens at least every twelve months. If the maximum permissible service life (manufacturer information, usually six years) has been reached, the energy absorbers must be removed from the system at the latest.