Petzl PPE Inspection Procedure

General Inspection Guidelines

In addition to routine checks for each use, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should regularly undergo a detailed inspection by a competent person. Petzl recommends an inspection every 12 months and after any exceptional event in the life of the product. PPE inspection should be conducted with the manufacturer's Instructions for Use. Download instructions at PETZL.COM.

Product Images:

• Pre-2019 I'D S
• I'D S 2019
• Pre-2019 I'D L
• I'D L 2019
• I'D EVAC 2019
• Pre-2018 RIG
• RIG 2018

1. Known Product History

Any PPE showing questionable degradation should be quarantined, pending a detailed inspection. The user should provide precise information on the usage conditions and report any exceptional event regarding their PPE (e.g., fall or fall arrest, use or storage at extreme temperatures, modification outside manufacturer's facilities).

2. Preliminary Observations

• Verify the presence and legibility of the serial number and the CE mark.
• Note: The serial number code on Petzl products is evolving. Two types of code will coexist.

Serial Number Code A:

• Year of manufacture
• Day of manufacture
• Name of Inspector
• Incrementation

Serial Number Code B:

• Year of manufacture
• Month of manufacture
• Batch number
• Incrementation

• Verify that the product lifespan has not been exceeded.
• Compare with a new product to verify there are no modifications or missing parts.

3. Checking the Moving Side Plate

• Check the condition of the moving side plate (marks, deformation, dirt, cracks, wear, corrosion...).
• Verify that the moving side plate opens and closes properly.
• Check the moving side plate for deformation or excessive play: if the side plate can pass over the head of the cam axle, discontinue use of the product.
• Check the condition of the attachment hole (marks, deformation, wear, cracks, corrosion...).
• Check the condition of the rivets (marks, deformation, wear, cracks, corrosion, lack of play...).

4. Inspecting the Cam

• Check the condition of the cam and its axle (marks, deformation, dirt, wear, cracks, corrosion...).
• Wear indicator (pre-2019 I'D only): If the cam groove is worn to the wear indicator, discontinue use of the I'D.
• Particular case: Check the condition of the friction pin (marks, deformation, cracks, wear, corrosion). Significant wear of this pin is a sign of excessive wear of the cam.
• Check the cam's rotation.
• On pre-2019 I'D and pre-2018 RIG, check the effectiveness of the cam return spring.
• Check the condition of the friction plate (marks, deformation, dirt, cracks, wear, corrosion...).
• Check the condition of the attachment hole (marks, deformation, wear, cracks, corrosion...).
• On the I'D, check the condition of the anti-error catch (marks, deformation, wear, cracks, corrosion...). Check that all teeth are present and check their state of wear. The teeth must not be dirty. If necessary, clean them with a brush.
• Check the rotation of the anti-error catch and the effectiveness of the return spring.
• Check the condition of the rivets (marks, deformation, wear, cracks, corrosion, lack of play...).

5. Checking the Condition of the Handle

• Check the condition of the grip (marks, deformation, wear, cracks...).
• On pre-2019 I'D and pre-2018 RIG, verify that all handle positions are accessible and well defined.
• On the pre-2019 I'D, verify that the horizontal movement button is working properly.
• Check that the handle return spring is working properly.

6. Function Check

• Carry out a function test with the various recommended rope diameters.
• Suspend yourself at a very low height. The device must block the rope.
• Operate the handle to do a very short descent.

7. Appendix: Examples of Common Issues to Look For During Inspection

• Dirty I'D
• Stuck button
• Corrosion
• Bent side plate
• Hole in side plate
• Worn cam groove
• Deformed catch
• Broken handle
• Hole in cam
• Attachment hole deformed by a shock load
• Cam groove worn to wear indicator
• Rivet slightly cracked