· IRATA Training Manual

Equipment examination

Equipment examinations play a central role in the IRATA scheme of work. They fall into three categories:

  1. Pre-Use Check — before each use and continuously during use.
  2. Periodic Examination.
  3. Thorough Examination.

All inspections of PPE must be carried out by personnel who are trained and competent to do so. Familiarity with all equipment is essential if deviations from the norm are to be detected.

Manufacturer's lifespan recommendations

Strictly follow manufacturer recommendations on obsolescence. In certain circumstances, the maximum service life could be as little as a single use.

  • Petzl metal items have an indefinite lifetime. Removal from service is the responsibility of the competent person carrying out the examination.
  • Petzl textile items have a maximum life of 10 years. Removal from service is the responsibility of the competent person carrying out the examination.

1. Textile equipment

Rope and webbing should be given a visual and tactile inspection, both before being placed into storage and before being issued back into service.

For kernmantel rope, a tactile inspection should be conducted by physically running the rope through the hands and feeling for any deformities to both the inner core and outer sheath, whilst visually checking the sheath for damage etc.

Webbing equipment should be inspected for:

  • Cuts, nicks, tears.
  • Abrasion.
  • Broken stitches.
  • Chemical contamination.
  • Distortion of the weave pattern (indicating that the product has been subjected to undue loading).

Common causes of damage

  • Abrasion is the most common cause of strength loss. Often the internal cause (dirt and grit) is the most-overlooked.
  • Mechanical damage (e.g. crushing from a falling rock) is proportional to severity.
  • Overloading and shock loading weaken ropes and webbing — items subjected to a high load should be scrapped immediately, in such a way that they cannot be returned into service.
  • Chemical damage is often difficult to detect until disintegration begins — look for white powdery residues on the surface or a notable change in texture.
  • Heat damage — burnt or glazed appearance indicates exposure to high temperatures.

Cleaning & maintenance

  • Wash in clean water at a maximum of 40 °C.
  • Use pure soap flakes or a mild detergent (pH 5.5–8.5).
  • Rinse thoroughly. Bag textiles before machine washing to protect against mechanical damage. Do not use a high-pressure hose.
  • Dry naturally in a well-aired room away from direct heat or sunlight.
  • Textiles in contact with rust should be washed. Permanent rust marks → scrap.

2. Metal equipment

Inspect carabiners, Maillon Rapides, ascenders, descenders and harness buckles to ensure mechanical function is not impaired:

  • Springs, hinges and threads work smoothly.
  • Bolts and rivets are tight.
  • No signs of deformation, wear, cracks or other deviations from the norm.

Equipment should be kept clean and dry. Lubricate moving parts (excluding those that may come into contact with textiles) with silicon-based lubricants.

Cleaning & maintenance

  • Submerge in clean hot water (max. 100 °C) using a detergent or soap.
  • Rinse thoroughly.
  • An abrasive pad or scrubbing brush may assist — non-metallic (e.g. nylon).

3. Helmets

Check both inside and outside the shell for wear, cracks, burns, deformation and traces of chemical substances. Check the cradle for sound fixing, tears and loose stitching. Verify all adjustable parts are fully operational without slippage and not damaged or worn.

Cleaning & maintenance

  • Wash with clean water at maximum 30 °C.
  • Do not use a high-pressure hose.
  • Use a soap or powder suitable for delicate fabrics to wash the straps.
  • Dry in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place.
  • Remove adhesive (e.g. stickers) with methylated spirits.