UKC

Got a couple of climbx harnesses that were bought as generic use for our wall and want to check they’re still in date. They didn’t come with manuals to give me manufacturer guidelines but I know their heritage and they’re in good condition.

I’ve been in touch with ClimbX and their advice is that harnesses ‘in general have a lifespan of 6 years’ which is a laughable statement and that the batch number is the year of manufacture. Links to pics below if anyone has one of these and really knows the manufacturer guidelines. Obviously if I can’t be sure I’ll remove them from circulation.

Thanks in advance!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gLr4BfL8xZe1OVM0Y_XV4BFVmWCegXc4/view?usp=...

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g96ydDzAl6I3pf8nVKBwPjjilq8OkUed/view?usp=...

So the batch no is obviously 2017  so they are at oldest 5 years old from the date of manufacture and you have at least a year more use from them.

If they are for personal use and you know they have been correctly looked after (cool, dark, no chemical exposure, no physical damage etc.) Then I'd be happy to continue using them. If they are for use by a client or customer then to be covered legally and by insurance etc you will have to adhere to the manufacturer guidelines sadly.

So you have decided that the manufacturers advice is "laughable" and you are looking for someone on a web forum to justify your decision to ignore that advice?

It's your call, if you feel that you need someone else to justify it you may be on the wrong track.

A bit of online searching gives a lifespan of 5 years from first use. The source looks legit but then you never know for random documents you find.  If you're working at a wall shouldn't you have a policy regarding safety equipment?

https://ukcaving.com/board/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=25589.0;attach=6...

@gethin_allen They've been stored correctly, aimed for personal use by site specific instructors (not my call), we have the classic DMM Brenin's for client use.

@timjones I've already removed them from circulation but if someone was able to say 'yes I have this exact harness and paperwork that gives clear manufacturer advice (or a reliable link to manufacturer advice)' it would be useful. This post was admittedly a gamble that someone might have it. Likelihood is I would have removed them anyway but a paper trail is good to have.

@mik82 A fascinating document for rules of thumb and a nice bit of paperwork to use to rubber stamp my instinct to permanently remove them from circulation, interesting that it conflicts with the advice I received from climbx (reinforces my lack of confidence in the brand).

Thanks all for the info you've all been able to provide that had eluded me.

Unfortunately I had no influence over the purchase of these (If it's reassuring, all other kit purchased has it's lifetime/manufacture date/advised retirement time/advised inspection schedule checked ahead of purchase. It is all asset logged with this info and a manual with this info is filed for future reference), it all also has a regular inspection schedule.

Thanks again and have a good weekend.