HSE ALERT - Zig-Zag failure

[Stephen Arb Association]

Hi Everyone - I'll post this here but also as a thread to make sure it doesn't get lost.

 

We've been in touch with PETZL to get clarification on this alert, which was originally published by the construction firm managing the site in question 'KBR'.

 

UPDATE: https://www.trees.org.uk/News-Blog/Latest-News/Correction-and-Update-Safety-Bulletin-UAG065

(Please share accordingly)

Correction and Update:

Safety Bulletin UAG065

Reference: UAG Safety Bulletin 65 sent on Tuesday 25 February titled ‘HSE ALERT – High Potential Equipment Failure / Fall From Height’

The details in UAG Safety Bulletin 65 were originally published by a construction company responsible for the site where the incident referenced occurred. There were factual and technical inaccuracies contained within the alert which should be disregarded. We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.

Update and further guidance

Thank you to PETZL for providing the following update and technical information. Please read it carefully and distribute accordingly.

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Petzl Update:

PETZL are aware of the product referred to in the (UK) Arb Associations Safety Bulletin dated the 21st of February 2020 Ref. No. UAG065. The product had been sent back to PETZL in late December 2019 for full analysis. The analysis that was reported to the customer in January 2020 showed there were no broken parts and no manufacturing defect with the product, but it was found to be a maintenance issue.

PETZL would like to remind all users how to care for your ZIGZAG to maintain the function and prolong the lifetime of your product.

 

All information about the specific instructions on inspecting, checking and maintaining can be found on PETZL.com.

 

www.petzl.com/GB/en/Professional/Descenders/ZIGZAG-PLUS

On this page you will need to click the link for Technical Information, this will lead you to 4 downloadable documents detailing:

1. Technical Notice
2. PPE Inspection procedure
3. PPE checklist
4. Tips for maintaining your equipment.

Should you have any questions or require advice on correct use, inspection and maintenance of your PETZL product please contact your local PETZL after sales department.

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The Association recommends that users regularly inspect kit and always take care of their safety gear by following the specific maintenance recommendations for each product used in their Personal Fall Protection System.

 

 

[silky fox]

Since the ZigZag came into the climbing world have seen a few units that clearly looked seriously abused.Watched climber walking around dragging their devices or ropes/lanyard through muddy puddles or chucking them over saws etc.Thankfully it,s been a minority.Sounds obvious but to a few it isn't.You life absolutely depends on keeping your climbing kit in good order.

[josharb87]

So this was pure scaremongering from the AA? 
 

Releasing a fake HSE safety bulletin a month after the manufacture had inspected and given their verdict on the zigzag. Yet not including the manufacturers verdict in the safety bulletin? 
 

Seems like the AA needs to be going to the other AAs meetings and lay off the sauce! 

[Khriss]

I always thought those Zigzags were shit, bit of bike chain with a pulley on it, is all - bought Unicender instead- far and away sturdier. K

[Lm20]

Sorry guys I’ve been out the game 3 years now and getting back into I’m at weekends, I’ve noticed the zigzag has changed I’ve still got the one with the swivel at the bottom, should I still be using it as it was my retired friction device that I’ve dusted off and currently have back in use, I was aware of the cracks before and it was swapped over maybe 5 years ago now.

[silky fox]

Sounds like you have the ZZ Mk2? Keep it clean,don't cross load it happy climbing.

[Lm20]

Sounds like you have the ZZ Mk2? Keep it clean,don't cross load it happy climbing.

Cheers dude.

[5 shires]

On 27/02/2020 at 18:27, Khriss said:

I always thought those Zigzags were shit, bit of bike chain with a pulley on it, is all - bought Unicender instead- far and away sturdier. K

I have to disagree with you on this one Khriss..the ZigZag was and is a great step forward in Arb work and has enabled us to gain access to trees and moving in and around the canopy much more easily and it’s like everything else if you use it in its correct manner and look after it the ZIg Zag is a brilliant piece of engineering to add to your climbing kit..I now have 2 for double rope working system and it’s fab.

Edited March 27, 2020 by 5 shires

[Khriss]

@5 shires  i wouldnt tell anyone wot they should climb on ( it is in actuallity their life choice) an i kno ZZ is very popular - have seen a lot fail tho' but they do ease our job - no doubt. K

[5 shires]

28 minutes ago, Khriss said:

@5 shires  i wouldnt tell anyone wot they should climb on ( it is in actuallity their life choice) an i kno ZZ is very popular - have seen a lot fail tho' but they do ease our job - no doubt. K

As either would I tell or advise anyone,but must say the ZZ has been out a number of years now and I have a lot of Arb mates who use them,now weather it’s by luck or just good management of the equipment I have never herd of one failing...a lot of problems with anything with moving parts is lack of care and or maintenance...but you are correct in what you say there has been a number of failures.good climbing fella and stay safe?