Even if harnesses are one of the most robust pieces in climbing gear, their livespan are not unlimited. By regularly controlling the weakest points of ones harness, one can scrap the harness before it‘s too late.
Harnesses olden almost as the ropes, because they are built in the same materials. On the other hand, they are largely over-dimmensionned, and do not have to be as dynamic as the ropes. The danger of sharp edge fall is
also no question for a harness. Nevertheless, you should you for safety reasons, scrap your harness after a certain time. The following table gives guidelines, which should of course be adapted to individual cases. As an example, a harness wears off faster in a granite chimney as in overhangs.
Moreover, you should control on a regular basis, and after every important fall, every single stitch, as also wear-prone zones. Special attention should be given to the tie-in area. If any of these elements is damaged, it‘s time for a change! And since your life depends on your harness, the rule is: better too early than too late.
| Frequency of User | Approximate Life Span |
|
Never used |
10 years maximum |
| Rarely used: twice per year | up to 7 years |
| Occasionally used: once per month | up to 5 years |
| Regularly used: several times per month | up to 3 years |
| Frequently used: each week | up to 1 year |
| Constantly used: almost daily | less than 1 year |
http://www.mammut.ch/en/harnesses_faq_lifespan.html
25.05.2013, 02:00
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