Petzl ZIGZAG User Manual

2 - 10 kN
15 kN
15 kN
1 / 2
19/04/2013
Safety Alert
Stop use Petzl ZIGZAG mechanical Prusik
Sku. D22
This information is complementary to the Safety Information issued April 15, 2013
On Friday, April 12, Petzl was informed of an accidental fall in a training center in Germany. The injured person was
moving at height using a Petzl ZIGZAG mechanical Prusik. The initial observations have shown that the fall was due to a
failure of the rope end attachment hole. Our investigation and further testing lead us to conclude that this failure was the
result of a particular configuration of a cantilevered and off axis loaded upper carabiner.
2/3 - ZIGZAG with a cantilevered upper
carabiner
This is an incorrect configuration.
Note: most of the carabiners tested this way pivot and
correct themselves to be loaded on the major axis
starting at 2 kN of force. Some carabiners pivoted and
corrected themselves at 10 kN, without damaging the
upper attachment hole.
1/3 - Breaking strength of the ZIGZAG’s
rope end attachment hole
With this carabiner configuration, the breaking
strength of the rope end attachment hole is greater
than 15 kN.
Petzl test Results:

Petzl ZIGZAG Specifications

General

Brand	Petzl
Model	ZIGZAG
Category	Safety Equipment
Language	English

Summary

Petzl ZIGZAG Mechanical Prusik Safety Alert

Incident Background and Initial Observations

Report of an accidental fall due to rope end attachment hole failure in Germany on April 12, 2013.

Petzl Test Results and Analysis

Breaking Strength of Rope End Attachment Hole

Tests show the attachment hole strength exceeds 15 kN with a correct carabiner configuration.

Incorrect Carabiner Configuration: Cantilevered Upper

An incorrect configuration involving a cantilevered upper carabiner was tested.

Incorrect Configuration: Cantilevered & Off-Axis Upper Load

Failure observed at 4 kN with cantilevered and off-axis upper carabiner loading.

Petzl's Decisions and Actions

Immediate Stop Use Recommendation

Users are asked to stop using the ZIGZAG mechanical Prusik as a precautionary measure.

Sales Stoppage and Solution Development

Sales of ZIGZAG mechanical Prusiks are stopped; a solution for carabiner orientation is being developed.

Communication of Solution Availability

The availability of the ZIGZAG solution will be communicated on www.petzl.com by May 22, 2013.