What is the Factor of Safety specified for synthetic rope?

The correct factor of safety for synthetic rope is indeed 10:1. This means that the rope is designed to support loads that are ten times greater than its rated strength under normal conditions. In the context of safety, this factor ensures that there is a significant margin of safety built into the use of synthetic ropes, which are frequently employed in high-stakes environments such as telecommunications and rescue operations.

A factor of safety of 10:1 provides added security against unexpected loads, wear, and environmental factors that can affect the integrity of the rope. This level of safety is critical because synthetic ropes, while lightweight and strong, can be subject to damage from UV exposure, abrasion, and environmental conditions. By adhering to this factor of safety, users can minimize the risk of failure during operation.

Other factors of safety listed, such as 2:1, 4:1, and 5:1, would not provide the same level of assurance for the operational use of synthetic ropes in demanding scenarios, leaving less room for error and increasing risk in potential failure situations.