Members: Human Drop Tests

We have done many drop tests at RopeLab over the last few years.  For each test, we must make a decision whether to use rigid steel test masses, semi-anthropomorphic test manikins (like Rescue Randy), or human subjects.

Often, we are looking for the best possible way to test a particular system’s response to a fall scenario.  However, fall scenarios vary widely.  A young, fit rock-climber who is used to falling will produce very different results to a industrial worker wearing a loose harness taking an unexpected tumble from an elevated platform.  We must think carefully about what we are looking to achieve with each test.