What minimum load must both light use and general use DCDs withstand without permanent damage?

The correct answer is that light use and general use descent control devices (DCDs) must withstand a minimum load of 5 kN without sustaining permanent damage. This requirement is based on industry standards for safety equipment used in technical rescue scenarios. The specifications set forth for light use and general use DCDs are designed to ensure that these devices can effectively handle the loads they might encounter during a rescue operation.

These standards ensure that the DCDs provide reliable performance under the expected load conditions. A threshold of 5 kN is deemed sufficient to accommodate the dynamic forces that may occur during a descent, such as those from a rescuer and the affected person being lowered. This 5 kN standard helps to ensure the safety of rescuers and victims alike, as it accounts for both static and potentially dynamic loads during a rescue.

It is critical to adhere to these specifications because using devices that do not meet these standards could compromise safety, leading to equipment failure under stress. The other values presented as choices likely exceed the minimum requirements or pertain to higher classification devices, which are not applicable in this context for the light and general use categories.