Petzl PPE Inspection Procedure

General Guidelines

In addition to routine checks for each use, 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 the instructions at PETZL.COM.

Product: FRAME-LOADED ROPE CLAMP

1. Known Product History

Any PPE showing unexpected degradation should be quarantined, pending a detailed inspection. The user should:

• Provide precise information on the usage conditions.
• Report any exceptional event regarding his PPE (Examples: 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. Attention, the serial number code on our products is evolving. Two types of code will coexist. See below for details on each serial number code.

Serial Number Code A:

Format: 00 000 AA 0000

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

Serial Number Code B:

Format: 00 A 0000000 000

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

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

3. Checking the Condition of the Frame

• Check the condition of the frame for marks, wear, cracks, deformation, and corrosion. [Illustrations show examples of frame inspection points.]
• Check the condition of the attachment holes for marks, deformation, cracks, and corrosion. [Illustrations show examples of damaged attachment holes.]
• Check for wear caused by rope running through the device. [Illustrations show wear patterns from rope friction.]
• For the TIBLOC, check that all teeth are present and their state of wear. Ensure teeth are not fouled; clean with a brush if necessary. [Close-up illustrations of TIBLOC teeth are provided.]
• For CROLLs manufactured after February 2017, verify that the wear indicator is not visible. [Illustration shows a CROLL with a wear indicator.]

4. Checking the Cam

(Applies only on BASIC, CROLL, ASCENSION, ASCENTREE)

• Check the condition of the cam for marks, deformation, cracks, and corrosion. Ensure all teeth are present and check their state of wear. Teeth must not be fouled; clean with a brush if necessary. [Illustrations show cam inspection points.]
• Check the condition of the cam axle and rivet for marks, deformation, cracks, and corrosion. [Close-up illustrations of cam axles and rivets are provided.]
• Check the cam's rotation and the effectiveness of the return spring. [Diagrams illustrate the cam's movement and the return spring action.]

5. Checking the Safety Catch

(Applies only on BASIC, CROLL, ASCENSION, ASCENTREE)

• Check the condition of the safety catch and its axle for marks, deformation, cracks, and corrosion. [Illustrations show the safety catch and its axle.]
• Check the effectiveness of the safety catch return spring. [Diagrams illustrate the return spring check.]
• Verify that the safety catch is able to hold the cam open. [Diagrams show the safety catch holding the cam open.]

6. Function Check

Verify that the rope clamp slides along the rope in one direction and locks in the other direction. [Diagrams demonstrate the function check: the clamp slides freely in one direction and locks securely in the opposite direction on a rope.]

Appendix: Examples of Common Issues to Look For During Inspection

• Broken cam: An image showing a rope clamp with a visibly broken cam component.
• Cracked cam: An image showing a cam with visible cracks.
• Rusted cam: An image showing a cam covered in rust.
• Marks on the frame: An image showing scratches or marks on the device frame.
• Cracked frame: An image showing a crack in the main body of the rope clamp.
• Deformed frame: An image showing a rope clamp frame that has lost its original shape.
• Worn-out teeth: An image showing the teeth on the cam or rope engagement mechanism that are visibly worn down.
• Wear caused by rope running through the device: An image showing wear marks on the rope clamp caused by friction with the rope.
• Visible wear indicator: An image showing a wear indicator on the device that is clearly visible, signifying wear.
• Damaged attachment holes: An image showing attachment holes that are enlarged, deformed, or corroded.
• Dirty product with fouled teeth: An image showing a rope clamp covered in dirt and debris, with the teeth obstructed.