Petzl has launched a new section of Petzl.com dedicated to helping consumers determine the safety and quality of aging climbing equipment. Through video sequences the site guides users through a comprehensive evaluation of the quality and safety of their gear. Examples are provided with detailed images and indications of safety, helping the inspector to determine whether the equipment is safe based on a valuation scale of G (Good), TM (To Be Monitored), and TR (To Be Rejected).
“Petzl is the first company to make this important information available on the web,” said John Evans, marketing director for Petzl America. “Doing so demonstrates Petzl's commitment to increasing the safety of climbers. This is a user-friendly interface that takes a lot of the guesswork out of replacing, retiring, or continuing with the use of your gear”, said Evans. Evans also noted that there is definitely a demand for this type of site “we get a lot of calls from climbers and guides with the types of questions that this site can answer”.
Hank Moon, Petzl America's technical information manager, added that the online PPE Inspection interface “provides a wealth of visual cues and record-keeping aids for PPE inspection and maintenance. It's a great tool for anyone looking to fine-tune their program, especially schools and service institutions”.
The PPE inspection site also includes a checklist for recording dates of purchase and first use, condition of gear, usage patterns and additional comments. This will be a valuable tool for rescue squads, those who work at height, guide services, as well as to climbers.
