Climbing harness failure. Okt 26, 2006 harness loop Apparantly it was harness failure that caused Todd Skinner´s death whilst abseiling from the Leaning Tower in Yosemite. Dec 21, 2023 · Used or expired climbing equipment can pose potential dangers such as material degradation, reduced durability, and failure of critical components. Nov 9, 2022 · - On ultralight harnesses like the Blue Ice Choucas Pro: I have and love this harness for glacier travel, ski mountaineering, and some very easy alpine climbing. " The part that broke, called the belay loop, is designed to be the strongest part of the climbing harness, but Hewett, 34, said Skinner's harness was old. Maybe even a climbing rope. This product should only be used by properly trained or otherwise competent persons, or those under the direct supervision of trained or otherwise competent persons. Kind of a wake up call for anyone climbing on worn gear. On April 15, Sonny Cubillo (28) and David Wilson (19) were climbing the direct route on Reed Pinnacle. Is it time to retire your ropes, slings, or harness? Look closely at all the gear to see if there are any obvious wear and tear issues and consult the manufacturers for recommendations. Suit up with the right climbing harness. and metal work can go through the belay loop. The part that broke, called the belay loop, is designed to be the strongest part of the climbing harness, but Hewett, 34, said Skinner's harness was old. This perception dulls awareness of the risks, leading to complacency. Aug 10, 2022 · Failure in climbing can mean many things: disappointment, sadness, even injury or death. However, there is an infinite number of ways to misuse any piece of climbing gear. Anchoring Systems What about anchor construction and/or inspection for descending? Mar 1, 2011 · Harness suspension is an accepted and necessary part of rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, canyoneering, and caving, and many industrial applications. It is made for mountaineering and climbing only, and is defined as “Type C Sit Harness” by the EN 12277:2015+A1:2018 standard. Jan 24, 2024 · Your harness is one piece of climbing gear that you absolutely don’t want to fail. This is a dedicated gym harness that has never been outside and looks brand new. New harness advice: Image is the user guide for my new harness, and I've been told the opposite in the past i. Taking proper care of your climbing harness will ensure it performs to its maximum safety capacity. Apr 16, 2020 · For a short time there have been attempts by some manufacturers to solve the problem by making gear loops load-bearing. Oct 26, 2006 · One of rock climbing's great free climbing pioneers died this week when his harness failed apparently because he didn't replace it when it appeared worn. Oct 28, 2013 · Black Diamond’s QC Lab recently posted a fascinating CSI-like investigation of a mysterious harness failure that highlights the risk of chemical contamination to climbing materials. Jun 5, 2025 · We found the best climbing harnesses of 2025. Mar 25, 2023 · Acid fumes/spray from a boiled-up boot mounted up car battery springs to mind and the article does mention a car battery being replaced. jk ice. In the event of a fall or loss of consciousness, the harness maintains attachment to the rope allowing the person to Might sound stupid, if you carry on using the harness for non-climbing things (like weighted hangs) cut the leg loops off. The harness had parted where it went over the carabiner. The DIY harness failed under body weight and separated from the rope where the leather belt broke at the buckle holes. Feb 22, 2020 · Like any bit of climbing gear, it’s your responsibility to make sure you’re happy with everything and that it’s all in good working order. " Nov 22, 2021 · Do climbing harnesses ever fail? Likewise, harnesses that had held 20 or more falls annually broke at the leg-loop strap at 3,306 pounds, while those with fewer than 10 falls per year broke at 4,409 pounds. This from the San Francisco Chronicle. On June 15, 2016, she finally redpointed this 40-meter right-leaning crack in a single pitch, becoming the first female to climb the route entirely on gear. A series of short films produced exclusively for BMC TV in association with DMM. "It was actually very worn," Hewett said. This month, the Quality crew investigates a mysterious harness failure and dives into the effects of chemical contamination on climbing textiles. The shelf life of a harness should not be more than 3 years, according to most manufacturers. Jul 27, 2025 · Harness failures? - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. 3 654 ratings 200+ bought in past month Do rock climbing harnesses expire? The easy answer is 1-3 years for a harness in use and 10 years for a harness NOT being used that is properly stored. In its recall notice, the Utah-based company described the issue as the "premature degradation of its specialized materials and construction. As a lead climbing safety equipment consultant, I often observe climbers not double-checking their gear placements, which can result in dangerous situations. " Friends of Skinner said he had ordered several new harnesses but they hadn't yet arrived in the mail. Yet, even experienced climbers can stumble into common sizing pitfalls that compromise not only their comfort but also their Some common mistakes or oversights in using lead climbing safety equipment that climbers should be aware of and avoid include equipment mishandling and knot malfunctions. New to climbing with a harness : r/climbing     Go to climbing r/climbing r/climbing Feb 27, 2025 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. However, complications can occur due to changes in harness design or material quality. Most of us know this, but in practice, may not examine this critical safety equipment as often as we should. Cams and bolts can break, but it’s still possible to survive a fall depending on what backups you have underneath you. Climbers experience rock failure while leading in a variety of circumstances, such as: hold or entire rock feature detaching under hand or foot pressure, gear pulling because of rock failure under lead fall force (either climber gear or anchor gear). Oct 11, 2017 · Pro climber Heather Weidner, the instructor for Climbing Magazine’s I ntro to Sport Climbing course, spent over a year projecting the Dream Canyon crack climb China Doll (5. Finally, there are some business realities we must face. solo 03 Jul 2013 Relevant standards The European standard for all types of climbing harnesses is EN 12277. But given the abiding frequency of equipment-related deaths, it’s always worth your time to give your gear a check-up. It happened to a friend last year and it ruined his climbing kit. This is a story about rock climbing, writing and some plumbing. Feb 28, 2025 · Consumers who own the Black Diamond Vision harness should stop using it immediately and follow the recall procedure. ANALYSIS According to his belayer, the climber had forgotten to put his climbing harness in his car when he drove from his home, two hours away. The incident was observed and the harness examined by members of the RCS Safety Committee who were giving the tests. His harness failed at the point of rope attachment, and he fell approximately 150 feet to the ground. Black Diamond is committed to resolving this issue quickly and proactively. Feb 10, 2021 · Evening Sends Buyer's Guides tell you exactly what you need to know about choosing the right gear. Check out the rest of the playlis Jan 18, 2017 · NewDoar Climbing Harness, Mountaineering Rock Climbing Harness, Half Body Harness for Rappelling Fire Rescuing Tree Climbing Visit the NewDoar Store 4. solo03 Jul 2013 In reply to Murd: Feb 14, 2009 · I thought this was particularly interesting since most tree climbers use a ventral attachment point on their harnesses. Cubillo was leading the second pitch, and was approximately 60 feet above his belayer when he fell. Climbing is dangerous and we cannot ever guarantee safety. Alternative solutions Our Quality crew investigates a mysterious harness failure and dives into the effects of chemical contamination on climbing textiles. : r/climbing Go to climbing r/climbing r/climbing Our Quality crew investigates a mysterious harness failure and dives into the effects of chemical contamination on climbing textiles. S. Feb 3, 2019 · Buy PETZL - Sequoia SRT Tree Care Seat Harness, Black/Yellow, 1: Shop top fashion brands Harnesses at Amazon. Everything feels expensive. Some years ago, I was climbing Gendarmerie at Wintour's Leap and clipped two jammed nuts below the crux of the second pitch. Feb 27, 2025 · Black Diamond states that owners of an affected Vision harness should immediately stop using it. Sit harness A climbing harness is a piece of equipment that allows a climber to tie in to the safety of a rope. http Climbing is dangerous and we cannot ever guarantee safety. Read this blog to find out the key areas to pay attention to when inspecting your harness. Jul 8, 2024 · When it comes to safety equipment, such as harnesses used in various industries like construction, mining, and rock climbing, the question of whether a harness can fail is a critical one. The use of auto belays moves climbing more toward the perception of climbing being an amusement, especially to new participants and outsiders. Jun 24, 2024 · We tested the best climbing harnesses for a variety of objectives to find the ultimate model to get you on top of your next project. It instructs owners to send it back to the brand, free of charge, by filling out a recall form. Dec 8, 2023 · Picture source: https://honestlyfit. But it can be one of our most powerful tools. Surprised to see anchor failure be the most common top rope cause of accidents, with belay failure way lower down. P. “It´s Jun 5, 2008 · I thought it would be a good idea to start a thread that listed examples of in-situ gear failure. Oct 24, 2016 · Luckily, these workers are fitted with safety gear, including safety harnesses and lanyards, which work together to protect a worker from falls at extreme heights. In 2006, Skinner passed away due to the failure of a worn belay loop on his harness—a sobering reminder that even the most experienced climbers are not immune to the risks of neglected gear. The main requirement is a strength test designed to simulate the load placed on a harness in the event of a fall. He decided to improvise one out of kayak straps additionally secured with a leather belt. Check the leg loops and waistbelt for any distorted shapes or damage that can compromise comfort and safety. but they are made from similar materials to caving harnesses and often made by the same manufacturers. Researchers have studied the influence of dynamic loads of climbing equipment [4], the influence of multiple ropes [5], failure strength in weak sandstone [6], and a post-failure analysis associated with a climbing fatality [7]. The flexibility associated with auto belays makes them a popular alternative to solo bouldering and unbeatable tools for training. Nov 3, 2023 · Rock failure can result in lead falls and, less commonly, anchor failure. Jan 1, 2013 · Inspecting shoes for wear, ropes for soft spots, and harnesses for frays should be a part of every climbing trip inside and outside. Let's keep it factual and non-judgemental, preferably first-hand. The good old days, indeed. Testing of similar anchors revealed insufficient strength in the rock type where the accident occurred. There has been many recent incident reports of retired gear accidentally being used A beginners guide to rock climbing equipment maintenance. The European market surveillance authorities have been notified. Recognizing defects in your harness can prevent catastrophic failures. . May 18, 2023 · So then, why is failure such a dark subject among those who ply in outdoors and adventure? Why do shortcomings among expeditions, on mountains, or in outdoor sports, tend to be swept under the rug May 7, 2008 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. In trad nearly half of all accidents were gear failure. Jul 4, 2025 · Harness and Safety - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. The DIY harness failed under body weight and separated from the rope where the leather belt broke at the buckle The whole process of VERY HARD trad blends aid climbing techniques, gear placement techniques/trust in gear into your whole repertoire. Whether you're sport climbing or mountaineering, we have you covered. It specifies suitable materials for use in harnesses and defines methods of test and performance criteria. No manual can cover every possible scenario. Aug 1, 2021 · Choosing a carabiner for your climbing system, lanyard or redirect sling – all life-safety applications – seems like a simple process. This guide breaks down how to inspect soft and The following instructions explain the basic usage and limitations of harnesses, as well as several of the most common examples of misuse. lol Many rock harnesses are made to be kept on while taking a shit since you might have to do it while being tied in still. The harness provides a soft interface with a life-supporting rope in actual or potential high-angle environments. Instruction manuals can help, but they Jan 26, 2024 · Improper use of your safety harness can cause injury to yourself and fellow workers. Overall no helmet was a significant portion of all climbing accidents, nearly as much as rap errors. Someone at the gym today told me it is defective because the belay loop passes through the thin piece of webbi Shop for Climbing Harnesses at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. It would certainly work for ice climbing especially when wearing layer to provide a bit more padding, and because you generally (hopefully) aren't whipping. The haul rope attached to his waist became snarled in a tree and absorbed most of the fall Aug 1, 2020 · Tree-climbing gear used to be so simple – a leather-and-webbing harness with buckles and heavy steel D-rings, a wire-core flip line and spikes. Jun 1, 2012 · There are a limited number of studies that have examined some of the failure mechanisms related to rock climbing. Harness safety is crucial for both new climbers and seasoned veterans alike, as tragically illustrated by the case of legendary climber Todd Skinner. When he caught the weight of the “bucket” fall, he flew through the air as if propelled by a catapult. This will help you keep your climbing equipment is safe and working order. Today, it seems like a new climbing contraption shows up each week. It is your responsibility to learn the correct techniques for all of your climbing gear. Leavenworth, WA. 14a R) on gear. Suspected gear failure kills 44 year old Bryan Caldwell. e. Our Quality crew investigates a mysterious harness failure and dives into the effects of chemical contamination on climbing textiles. Excessive fraying or discoloring on the harness calls for immediate retirement. Upon submission you will receive a prepaid shipping label to send your harness to Black Diamond, or we will begin the resolution process you have selected. Feb 2, 2024 · Assuming you use the belay loop for belaying and the tie-in loops for climbing, you will have nothing to worry about with regards to climbing harness failure. The forces involved in the test deliberately greatly exceed any forces, which could Jun 18, 2021 · I am a beginner to climbing and bought this ClimbX harness from Go Outdoors in the UK. If the instructions state that the Jan 19, 2025 · “` A climbing harness is another piece of essential safety gear. " Jan 24, 2024 · Your harness is one piece of climbing gear that you absolutely don’t want to fail. Check your gear and anyone elses you care about Jun 1, 2012 · Climbers rely on anchors for safety; the type of anchor used depends on the rock type. So, instead of putting all your trust into the company to tell you when to replace your harness, you should take the factors below into consideration and check your harness for signs of failure or damage before each climbing session. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. Try Googling "climbing harness failure". And occasionally, those choices have contributed to Mar 22, 2024 · Climbing gear should be regularly inspected to make sure it’s not only functioning optimally, but also safe to use. Jun 2, 2022 · Keep this in mind when climbing above thin protection, manky placements, or when the consequences of gear failure are dire. If using a rock climbing harness, make sure you’ve got a drop seat version. Harnesses are designed to protect individuals working at heights by distributing the force of a fall across the body, preventing ser Apr 4, 2025 · We tested 15 climbing harnesses from Petzl, Black Diamond, Blue Ice, and more to find the top options for all climbing styles. This created even more problems as harnesses started to have different characteristics by manufacturer and people started to tie into their gear loops which was "safe" on some harnesses and outright dangerous on others. We have specialty tools that range from industrial-grade rope to untested, garage-based Dec 18, 2024 · Like all safety gear, harnesses can wear out over time. com Navigating the Pitfalls: Common Sizing Mistakes in Climbing Harness Selection Selecting the right harness size for rock climbing is akin to finding the perfect balance on a highline; it requires precision and attention to detail. Maybe the contamination was slight but since harnesses rarely get washed it remains in the fabric rotting it slowly. This is the reason for recommending regular inspections of equipment both with the naked eye and with a magnifying glass, and when such a crack is detected to retire the item immediately. “It´s really affecting the climbing community because harness failure is pretty unusual — it is not supposed to happen,” said Ken Yager, president and founder of Yosemite Climbing Association. When gear fails, the Fall Factor and Impact Force will likely increase. May 7, 2008 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Look for frayed stitching, which indicates potential weak points in the harness structure. Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. don't use the belay loop with a rope. This work describes a fatality caused by rope failure, which in turn was due to the failure of a anchor. Read the article and see if you catch The part that broke, called the belay loop, is designed to be the strongest part of the climbing harness, but Hewett, 34, said Skinner's harness was old. Jun 23, 2024 · Emergency gear repair If the equipment failure is something that can be fixed on the spot, such as re-tying a knot or replacing a broken carabiner, go ahead and make the necessary repairs. The only climbing harness failure I know of was in the States some years ago when a punter failed to thread the buckle properly - expensive, as he apparentlt fell repeatedly from an overhanging pitch before it went completely. So, who cares how often other people have failed gear placements, all that matters is how good you are with gear and how smart you are and the tactics you're willing to implement to crush the route in question. "I'd noted it a few days before, and he was aware it was something to be concerned about. Make sure to double-check your work and communicate with your climbing partner throughout the process. Learn how to properly use a safety harness to prevent fall related injuries. Send your harness for repair to: Liberty Mountain, 4375 West 1980 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84104. Climbing Vision Harness Recall Please complete the form below to participate in Black Diamond's Voluntary Recall of the Vision Harness. com FREE DELIVERY and Returns possible on eligible purchases May 27, 2022 · Two of my three greatest personal failures are directly associated with Rock and Ice magazine. The third of these failures, my choice to be a plumber, is in no way the responsibility of this or any other climbing publication. Jun 3, 2025 · Climb higher with confidence using the best harnesses of 2025, crafted for safety, comfort, and freedom on every wall, rock, or mountain trail. The easiest way to determine if your harness is stored properly is to look at the manufacturer’s instructions. Common Issues and Troubleshooting in Harness Testing Harness testing is a critical step in ensuring the safety and reliability of climbing gear. Aug 29, 2012 · There have been incidents relating to climbing harnesses (as opposed to caving) failing. According to his belayer, the climber had forgotten to put his climbing harness in his car when he drove from his home, two hours away. Which brand, what style and, of course, which color do you like best? However, I’ve seen numerous instances of climbers using carabiners that do not meet the minimum safety standards for our profession. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee A jumper uses a parachuting harness as a climbing harness and the harness fails because: a) it was damaged by being used for something for which it was not designed; and Mar 3, 2002 · In climbing equipment, this usually means that the fatigue life is nearly at an end, and that a failure is imminent. [1] It is used in rock and ice climbing, abseiling, and lowering; this is in contrast to other activities requiring ropes for access or safety such as industrial rope work (such as window cleaning), construction, and rescue and recovery, which use safety harnesses instead. A lanyard and harness set is a fall protection security blanket which prevents workers from falling while working on a frame or building face (most of the time on scaffolding). The idea is to illustrate the risk in relying on fixed gear. Dec 12, 2006 · Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled harnesses and contact Liberty Mountain for instructions on returning the harnesses including a return authorization number. Liberty Mountain will provide a free inspection and free repair. Care and maintenance of your climbing gear. SAFETY STANDARDS This harness is designed to protect the user against falls from a height. Jul 27, 2025 · Harness failures? - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. Climbing harnesses may be of a different design and function and more prone to UV light exposure etc. Mar 3, 2025 · Black Diamond issued a recall of the popular Vision climbing harness last week after it received a report of the waistbelt failing after heavy use. They also rejected my misty mountain as they did not recognize it as a climbing brand. Jan 23, 2025 · Explore premium climbing harnesses designed for safety, comfortfor rock climbing, It is perfect for mountaineering, and adventure sports. gsjk nxovl jtifj wohsh nznpqc kbecd ptwaz hjkilff ptv qxdfrp