Does NFPA 1983 mandate the use of steel carabiners for fire departments?

The answer indicating that it is not a requirement aligns with the guidelines set forth by NFPA 1983. This standard does not specifically mandate the use of steel carabiners across the board for fire departments. Instead, NFPA 1983 establishes performance requirements for life safety rope, harnesses, and connectors, including carabiners, but it allows organizations the discretion to choose the materials that best meet their own operational needs and risk assessments.

Departments may opt for aluminum carabiners in less demanding circumstances where weight and ease of use are prioritized, as long as they fulfill the performance characteristics outlined in the standard. Therefore, the choice for steel versus aluminum comes down to departmental policies and the specific context of the situation, rather than a strict requirement imposed by NFPA 1983.