🛡️ PPE INSPECTION BEFORE ROCK CLIMBING ACTIVITIES

PPE INSPECTION BEFORE ROCK CLIMBING ACTIVITIES

ASRCAI – Adventure Sports & Rock Climbing Association of India

PPE INSPECTION BEFORE ROCK CLIMBING ACTIVITIES

Safety Begins Before the Climb

A thorough Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Inspection is mandatory before every climbing session. Proper inspection minimizes risks, prevents equipment failure, and ensures a safe climbing experience.

PPE INSPECTION BEFORE ROCK CLIMBING ACTIVITIES

1. 🪖 CLIMBING HELMET

Inspect:

• ✔ Check outer shell for cracks, dents, deep scratches, or deformation.

• ✔ Inspect inner foam liner for damage or compression.

• ✔ Verify chin strap and buckle operate correctly.

• ✔ Ensure adjustment system locks securely.

• ✔ Check manufacturing and retirement dates.

Remove from Service If:

• ❌ Helmet has sustained a major impact.

• ❌ Cracks or damaged straps are present.

• ❌ UV degradation or chemical exposure is evident.

2. 🦺 CLIMBING HARNESS

Inspect:

• ✔ Waist belt webbing

• ✔ Leg loops

• ✔ Belay loop

• ✔ Tie-in points

• ✔ Safety stitching

• ✔ Buckles and adjustment points

• ✔ Gear loops

Look For:

• Cuts

• Frayed webbing

• Burn marks

• Abrasion

• Loose stitching

• Chemical contamination

Remove from Service If:

• ❌ Any load-bearing component is damaged.

• ❌ Belay loop shows wear.

• ❌ Stitching is broken.

• ❌ Buckles do not lock properly.

3. 🪢 CLIMBING ROPE

Inspect Entire Length

Check for:

• ✔ Cuts

• ✔ Soft spots

• ✔ Flat spots

• ✔ Core exposure

• ✔ Excessive fuzz

• ✔ Chemical contamination

• ✔ Burn marks

• ✔ Water damage

Verify:

• Rope diameter

• Dynamic rope certification

• UIAA / CE marking

Remove If:

• ❌ Core visible

• ❌ Severe sheath damage

• ❌ Chemical contamination

• ❌ Unknown history

4. 🔗 CARABINERS

Inspect:

• ✔ Gate opens smoothly.

• ✔ Auto-lock functions properly.

• ✔ No sharp edges.

• ✔ No corrosion.

• ✔ No cracks.

• ✔ Rivets secure.

Reject If:

• ❌ Gate sticks.

• ❌ Lock fails.

• ❌ Bent frame.

• ❌ Deep grooves.

5. 🔧 BELAY DEVICE

Inspect:

• ✔ Rope channels

• ✔ Wear grooves

• ✔ Sharp edges

• ✔ Cracks

• ✔ Corrosion

Ensure:

• Compatible with rope diameter.

6. 🧗 QUICKDRAWS & SLINGS

Inspect:

• ✔ Stitching

• ✔ Webbing

• ✔ Rubber keeper

• ✔ Carabiners

• ✔ Gate operation

Discard if:

• Frayed

• Burned

• UV damaged

7. ⚓ ANCHORS & PROTECTION

Check:

• ✔ Bolts

• ✔ Nuts

• ✔ Expansion anchors

• ✔ Chains

• ✔ Slings

• ✔ Equalization

Never trust:

• Loose bolts

• Rusted anchors

• Damaged slings

8. 👟 CLIMBING SHOES

Inspect:

• ✔ Sole wear

• ✔ Rubber delamination

• ✔ Heel cup

• ✔ Toe box

• ✔ Closure system

9. 🧤 GLOVES (If Used)

Inspect:

• ✔ Grip surface

• ✔ Stitching

• ✔ Palm protection

• ✔ Wrist closure

10. 🎒 BACKPACK & GEAR

Check:

• ✔ Zippers

• ✔ Straps

• ✔ Gear organization

• ✔ Emergency kit

• ✔ Water

• ✔ Headlamp

11. 👥 PARTNER SAFETY CHECK (Buddy Check)

Before leaving the ground:

✔ Harness double-backed (if applicable)

✔ Belay loop correct

✔ Knot tied correctly

✔ Figure-8 Follow Through completed

✔ Backup knot

✔ Carabiner locked

✔ Helmet secured

✔ Rope correctly threaded

✔ Belay device installed properly

✔ Communication signals confirmed

12. 🌦 ENVIRONMENT INSPECTION

Evaluate:

• Weather forecast

• Wind speed

• Loose rocks

• Wet surfaces

• Falling rock hazard

• Wildlife

• Route condition

• Escape routes

13. 📋 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Carry:

• First Aid Kit

• Emergency Contact List

• Rescue Rope

• Knife

• Whistle

• Communication Device

• GPS

• Water

• Emergency Shelter

14. 📑 DOCUMENTATION

Record:

• Equipment Inspection Date

• Inspector Name

• Equipment Serial Number

• Condition

• Retirement Date

• Incident History

⚠️ DO NOT USE EQUIPMENT IF:

❌ Cracked

❌ Cut

❌ Burned

❌ Deformed

❌ Corroded

❌ Unknown history

❌ Past retirement date

❌ Involved in a major fall

🛡️ ASRCAI SAFETY PRINCIPLES

✅ Inspect Before Every Climb

✅ Use Certified Equipment (UIAA/CE)

✅ Follow Manufacturer Instructions

✅ Perform Partner Safety Check

✅ Never Ignore Minor Damage

✅ Retire Damaged Equipment Immediately

✅ Train Regularly

✅ Respect Nature and Climb Responsibly

📢 ASRCAI SAFETY MOTTO

"Inspect. Identify. Report. Protect."

Every climb begins with safety. Every inspection saves lives.

Adventure Sports & Rock Climbing Association of India (ASRCAI)Building a Safer Adventure Community Across India.