What is the minimum strength required for a girth hitch to be considered secure?

The minimum strength required for a girth hitch to be considered secure is based on established safety standards within rope rescue operations. A girth hitch essentially creates a loop around an object and must maintain integrity under load. The strength requirement for this hitch is particularly critical due to the variable forces that can be applied during rescue scenarios.

Choosing a strength of at least 20 kN for a girth hitch ensures that it can withstand significant loads while providing a margin of safety. This is particularly important in rescue situations where the forces can become unpredictable and where the failure of a hitch could lead to serious injury or loss.

While lower strength options may seem adequate in a controlled environment, they do not account for the dynamic nature of rescue operations, including factors like sudden load shifts or the potential for shock loading. Therefore, 20 kN is a recommended minimum to ensure that the girth hitch will remain secure even in challenging conditions, making it the correct choice.