Equipment marking

Equipment should be indelibly marked so that it may be individually traced to all relevant certification. The marking allows the origin, standard, inspection history and history of use to be established at any given time for any given single item.

Suggested serial code scheme

Use a serial code comprising letters and numbers to uniquely identify each individual item. (All Petzl equipment manufactured from 2006 is marked with both batch and individual serial numbers in the factory.)

  • Two letters identify the type of item — e.g. Chest Ascender: CA.
  • A number identifies the item uniquely — e.g. 001.

The serial code for this particular item would then be CA 001.

For dynamic rope use DY; for low stretch rope use LS. Always mark each rope with its length in metres — at both ends.

How to mark each item

ItemHow to mark
HelmetMark the serial code on the inside with an indelible pen that will not affect the integrity of the shell.
Metal itemsEngrave lightly with the serial code in an area clearly visible and in a manner that will not affect function or load-bearing properties.
WebbingMark the serial code on the information tag supplied with the item.
HarnessMark the serial code on the information tag supplied with the harness — or engrave it on the metal attachment point if it has one.
RopeWrap suitable marking tape around the circumference at both ends. Write the details with an indelible pen. Cover the tape with clear heat-shrink sleeving.