My metal Petzl product's Instructions for Use indicate that is has a 10 year lifespan. What is it now? Is its lifespan now considered to be indefinite?

In 2008, Petzl modified the lifespan of metal products only. The 10 year lifespan was changed to an indefinite lifespan. Your product was most likely manufactured before this date. This change in lifespan is retroactive for products manufactured before this date.

However, the conditions for retiring your equipment have not changed. A product must be retired when:

• it has been subjected to a major fall or load;
• it fails to pass inspection or you have any doubt as to its reliability;
• you do not know its full usage history (e.g. an illegible product marking);
• it becomes obsolete (for example, due to changes in legislation, standards, technique or incompatibility with other equipment).

WARNING: an exceptional event can lead you to retire a product after only one use (depending on the type and intensity of usage, and the environment of usage, for example: harsh environments, marine environments, sharp edges, extreme temperatures, chemicals).

As a reminder, we recommend performing an in-depth PPE inspection of your equipment at least every 12 months or after an exceptional event in the life of your product.