Discard criteria of PPE - confirmend by science
Result # 1.: Age/time is no discard criterion. PPE does not degradiate over time to an extent that it becomes dangerous to use. Even 40 year old ropes ropes are safe if the sheath is intact and the core is consistent. Only wear and/or destruction Result # 2.: Webbing (tubular or flat) is not reliable if left in the outdoors. Slings which have been exposed to sun and wear for some years can fail under body weight (toprope, rappell ...). Result # 3.: Multiple bending around small diameters destroys the core of ropes. Permanent topropes in climbing gyms should used only for toprope purposes. Do not use them for heavy loads like static factor 2 falls or tyrolian traverses. Result # 4.: A major fall or load does not reduce safety. If the visual and tactile inspection shows no defects it is fit for use. Result # 5.: Following discard criteria are confirmed: All textile PPE: Chemicals, especially sulphur acid c...