Climbing devices by type: what the codes say about each
Mechanical ascenders, descenders, friction hitches, prusik loops and connectors, with the rule each code writes for them. No brands are named.
Checked against the sources at the bottom of this page on October 9, 2026. Rules, fees and pay change: the source has the last word.
This page reports what the named codes, regulators and makers say. It is not training and does not teach the work. This page reports what the official source says. It is not legal advice: ask the office named here. Every source below was read on October 9, 2026. Ratings for connectors are also covered in the guide on connectors and hardware ratings, and the systems that use these devices are in the guide on climbing systems compared.
Credits: SafeWork NSW text is adapted from the Tree works code of practice (March 2026), copyright State of New South Wales (SafeWork NSW), licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0; changes were made, because the text is summarised and reworded. WorkSafe New Zealand material is summarised from its Approved Code of Practice for Safety and Health in Arboriculture, with the source acknowledged.
By type
| Type | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Mechanical ascenders and rope grabs | SafeWork NSW 4.6: compatible with the rope, especially the rope diameter the device is made for; self-locking, or used with another device that is self-locking; a backup on the main climbing line should be considered in case the ascender fails mechanically; faulty equipment is removed from service until repaired and assessed. |
| Descenders | SafeWork NSW 4.6: an automatic braking function that activates when the operator takes their control hand off the device. WorkSafe NZ 3.2.9 lists descenders as ancillary equipment rated to at least 22 kN. |
| Friction hitches | WorkSafe NZ 3.2.5: they move freely up and down the line, activate and hold on their own, and hold the climber plus equipment. Cord is at least 70 percent of the diameter of the climbing line, and fibre type, construction and diameter affect holding, abrasion resistance, heat and working life. |
| Prusik loops and other friction knots | SafeWork NSW 4.7: compatible with the rope, made of rope fit for the purpose, of a suitable length, tested at ground level before first use in a tree, and inspected before and after each use for heat and abrasion damage. |
| Carabiners and snap hooks | WorkSafe NZ 3.2.3: rated at or above 22 kN and auto-locking, meaning they lock on closing and need at least three distinct movements to open. The ICoP also gives 22 kN for connectors. HSE asks for a three-way action gate karabiner at the main attachment. |
| Rope adjustment devices | BSI lists BS EN 12841:2024, Personal fall protection equipment, Rope access systems, Rope adjustment devices, as current and under review. |
Marking and alteration
WorkSafe New Zealand says climbing equipment is not marked for identification, for example by engraving, or altered in a way that undermines its structure, and that it is used only for climbing and only to the maker's instructions. It also says ancillary equipment is checked for dents, distortion, cracks, forging folds and weak pivots or springs, and that it is neither modified nor repaired.
What the sources leave out
OSHA 1910.140 and California's section 3427 do not rate or describe individual device types for climbing. The inspection side of this equipment is in the guide on gear inspection rules.
Sources
- SafeWork NSW, Tree works code of practice, March 2026, read October 9, 2026
- WorkSafe New Zealand, Approved Code of Practice for Safety and Health in Arboriculture, read October 9, 2026
- Arboricultural Association, Industry Code of Practice for Arboriculture: Tree Work at Height (ICoP), second edition, May 2020, read October 9, 2026
- HSE, Arboriculture lifting equipment, read October 9, 2026
- BSI Knowledge, BS EN 12841:2024 Rope adjustment devices, read October 9, 2026