SIST EN 565:2017

Overview

EN 565:2017 is a CEN European Standard that specifies safety requirements and test methods for mountaineering tape (supplied on drums or in separate lengths) intended for use in mountaineering and climbing. Approved in 2017, it supersedes EN 565:2006 and forms part of the package of standards for mountaineering equipment. EN 565:2017 addresses product design, mechanical performance, marking and manufacturer information to support safe selection and use.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Tape for mountaineering and climbing, supplied on drums or separate lengths.
• Tensile strength: Minimum ensured tensile strength ≥ 10 kN (manufacturer to state value).
• Stability (weft yarn retention): Weft yarn must not release when tested. Test involves extracting weft yarn at both ends and applying a mass of 150 ± 5 g for ≥ 1 minute; yarn must not unravel.
• Conditioning and test environment: Dry at (50 ± 5) °C, <20% RH for ≥ 24 h, then condition at (23 ± 2) °C, 50 ± 2% RH for ≥ 72 h; testing begins within 10 minutes at (23 ± 5) °C.
• Tensile test method: Use a tensile testing machine per EN ISO 2307:2010; minimum gauge length 200 mm. Loading speed v = 0.5 × l (mm/min) with ±20% accuracy.
• Mass per unit length: Measured on a 1 000 ± 1 mm sample (after pre-load with (4 ± 0.05) kg), mass reported in g/m to at least two significant figures.
• Marking requirements:
  • Drum/packaging: EN 565, manufacturer name, ensured tensile strength, batch/number of pieces, year of manufacture, and symbol advising to read manufacturer information.
  • Tape: coloured threads to allow direct reading of tensile strength - one coloured thread per 5 kN, contrasting colour, centered on at least one side, visually spaced.
• Manufacturer information: Explanatory leaflet required, including use, maintenance, lifespan guidance, chemical effects, influence of wet/icy conditions, effect of knots, and the defined tensile and mass-per-length values.
• Packaging: When supplied on drums with multiple pieces, ends must be visible and not joined.

Applications and users

• Manufacturers of mountaineering tape and assembly lines (for compliance, marking and batch control).
• Testing laboratories conducting stability, tensile and mass-per-length tests to EN 565:2017.
• Product designers and specifiers selecting tape for slings, anchors, webbing systems and general climbing hardware.
• Compliance and conformity assessors applying EU PPE-related requirements cited in Annex ZA.
• Distributors and technical retail buyers who need to verify declared properties and safety labeling.

Related standards

EN 565:2017 is part of a suite of mountaineering equipment standards. Relevant companion standards include:

• EN 892 (dynamic ropes)
• EN 12275 (connectors)
• EN 564 (accessory cord)
• EN 566 (slings)
• EN 12277 (harnesses) (See Annex A of EN 565:2017 for the full list.)

Keywords: EN 565:2017, mountaineering tape standard, tape safety requirements, tensile strength test, stability test, mass per unit length, mountaineering equipment.