NOVELTY - The device (100) has a clamping mechanism (2) mounted in a housing (1). A fastener (4) is movably mounted in the housing such that the fastener is only axially movable in a load direction. A rope or bar (3) extends through the housing and the clamping mechanism. A resilient or damping element (5) e.g. elastomer spring, is arranged between the housing, bolts (6) or the clamping mechanism and the fastener such that the resilient or damping element is directly or indirectly operated. A movable stroke distance (h) of the resilient or damping element ranges between 5 and 50 mm.    USE - Rope catching device for use at a personnel lifting equipment as a protection device during lifting loads i.e. persons, in a wind power plant. Uses include but are not limited to a working platform, working basket, working seat and service lift.    ADVANTAGE - The resilient or damping element is arranged between the housing, the bolts or the clamping mechanism and the fastener such that the resilient or damping element is directly or indirectly operated, thus satisfying legal safety requirements of the personnel lifting equipment relative to impact load and reliably reducing impact in the catch condition. The device is mounted in simple manner. The fastener is movably mounted in the housing, thus avoiding the need for additional components and special fasteners for the resilient or damping element, and ensuring protection against false mounting of the device. The resilient or damping element requires less installation space and can be built without changing dimensions of the housing.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows side views of a rope catching device with a detached housing cover and an elastomer spring in a unloaded condition and a catch condition.'(Drawing includes non-English language text)'    Movable stroke distance (h)    Housing (1)    Clamping mechanism (2)    Rope or bar (3)    Fastener (4)    Resilient or damping element (5)    Bolts (6)    Rope catching device (100)