scope:

This standard shall specify minimum design, performance, testing, and certification requirements for new life safety rope and new system components including escape rope, water rescue throwlines, life safety harness, belts, and auxiliary equipment used for rescue and training by the fire service or similar emergency service organizations.

This standard shall not apply to utility rope. This standard shall not apply to rope and equipment used for special rescue operations including but not limited to mountain rescue, cave rescue, lead climbing operations, or where specific rescue situations dictate other performance requirements. This standard shall not apply to industrial fall situations or recreational uses.

This edition of NFPA 1983 shall not apply to any fire service life safety rope and system components manufactured to previous editions of this standard.

This standard shall not apply to rope or equipment for operations where personnel are required to work above anchor points or in operations where the fall factor might exceed 0.25.

This standard shall not apply to use requirements for fire service life safety rope and system components as these requirements are specified in NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program.

The requirements of this standard shall not apply to accessories that might be attached to any ensemble or to any element of an ensemble, unless specifically addressed herein.

Nothing herein shall be construed as intended to restrict any jurisdiction or manufacturer from exceeding these minimum requirements.