[leadin]A batch of destroyed Petzl climbing harnesses for sale online were ‘crudely stitched together’ in a malicious act that could result in equipment failure under minimal weight.[/leadin]
In a strange incident brought to our attention by Suffolk Trading Standards, a UK-based enforcement service, this month an online business was selling climbing harnesses advertised as “cut, repaired and tested.”
For sale at £12.99 on eBay, the Petzl ASPIR harnesses had been “cut and disposed of to prevent their sale, only to be recovered by a third party in France and have their straps crudely stitched back together,” according to Suffolk Trading Standards.
ASPIR Harnesses: Modified, Unsafe
Petzl issued an alert. The company was warned by authorities about the modified harnesses for sale.
A stop to the eBay sales was requested, and legal proceedings were initiated, Petzl reported.
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“Waist belt or leg loop security straps on the modified ASPIR harnesses have been cut, then stitched back together,” the alert notes. Petzl said the modified harnesses pose a mortal danger to users.
The modification was tested. It, by no surprise, greatly affects harness strength and renders the product non-compliant.
Petzl wrote the modified stitching “can break under the slightest impact” at around 200 kg of weight, which is far below the needed security for a climbing product.
The company advises climbers to check for any strange or additional stitching on waist belt and leg loops of ASPIR harnesses. Inquires are directed to aftersales@petzl.com.
–See full info from Petzl here.