Material Lifespan Guidelines
|
Material |
Max Life (even if unused) |
|
Synthetics Fibres (excluding silks/hammocks) |
7 years |
|
Cotton |
5 years |
|
Silks/hammocks |
5 years |
|
Metal |
Indefinite |
⚠️
For all equipment:
- No manufacturer guidance is provided on hours of use.
- Actual lifespan depends on use, storage, and maintenance conditions.
- Misuse or unforeseen damage may reduce lifespan to a single use.
- Conduct regular user inspections (before first use, before every use)
- Formal examination by a competent person every 6 months.
Synthetic Fibres
Material: Polyester or Nylon fabric
Product examples: Silks, Hammocks, Aerial Slings
⚠️ Synthetic fabrics are strong but highly susceptible to abrasion, tearing, and friction.
Manufacturer recommends a maximum service life of 5 years, even if unused (not guaranteed).
Material: Polyester, Polypropylene, Dyneema
Product examples: Polyester Strops, Polysafe Rope, Straps, Aerial Nets, Dyna-Core Trapezes
Manufacturer recommends a maximum service life of 7 years, even if unused (not guaranteed).
Factors that may reduce the lifespan of Synthetic Fibres include:
- Age and general wear and tear
- Abrasion or cuts
- Damage to component parts (e.g., eyes, stitching, whipping)
- Use of inappropriate ancillary equipment
- High-impact loads
- Prolonged exposure to UV light (e.g., sunlight)
- Elevated temperatures (max 50°C)
- Exposure to chemicals (e.g., alkalis, acids, solvents)
- Ice formation at low temperatures (may act as a cutting agent or reduce flexibility)
- Improper storage or maintenance
- Internal fibres susceptible to kinks or weakening from sharp or hard edges
- This list is not exhaustive.
Natural Fibres
Material: Cotton
Product examples: 3-ply Ropes, Cotton Covered Ropes, Braided Ropes, 4-strand Cotton Classic Trapezes
Manufacturer recommends a maximum service life of 5 years, even if unused (not guaranteed).
Factors that may reduce the lifespan of Natural Fibres include:
- Natural degradation (abrasion, rot, mildew)
- General wear and tear
- Fall arrests or dynamic loads
- UV exposure
- Chemical contamination
- Sharp objects, grit or dirt
- Mechanical malfunctions or deformations
- Loose connectors
- Heat contamination (e.g., exposure to temperatures above 100°C)
- This list is not exhaustive.
Metals
Material: Stainless Steel, Aluminium, Mild Steel
Product examples: Aerial Hoops, Aerial Shapes, Aerial Rigs
Metal components can have an indefinite lifespan, provided they are properly used, stored, maintained, and inspected.
Factors that may reduce the lifespan of Metal include:
- Frequency and intensity of use (e.g., drops, swings)
- General wear and tear
- Abrasion or impacts
- Fall arrest or dynamic loads
- Chemical contamination
- Cracks, deformation, or mechanical malfunctions
- Loose connectors
- Heat contamination (e.g., exposure to temperatures above 100°C)
- This list is not exhaustive.
