Summary
The equipment manufacturer PETZL is issuing a critical safety warning in cooperation with the Accident Prevention Office (BFU) for two climbing harness models. The harnesses ASTRO and CANYON GUIDE from production before October 2023 have a design defect that can lead to life-threatening danger. Affected users must perform a conformity test and request a free replacement kit for the ventral D-ring.
Persons
- PETZL (Manufacturer)
Topics
- Product Safety
- Climbing Protection
- Manufacturer Recall
- Accident Prevention
Clarus Lead
A design defect in the climbing harnesses ASTRO and CANYON GUIDE poses an immediate danger to climbers. Under lateral loading, the fastening bolts of the ventral D-ring can wear prematurely and come loose – with potentially fatal consequences. PETZL and the BFU are calling for immediate action: users must test their harnesses and request replacement kits. For decision-makers in climbing gyms, schools, and associations, an immediate inventory review is required.
Detailed Summary
The safety warning applies exclusively to harnesses manufactured before October 2023. The defect lies in the attachment eyelet of the ventral D-ring: under heavy lateral load, the non-conformity leads to accelerated wear of the bolts. This process can cause the D-ring axis to come loose and the entire attachment eyelet to rupture – a critical failure mode when climbing.
The action protocol is clearly structured: affected consumers first perform a conformity test (details on the PETZL website). They then request a free replacement kit. Compliant harnesses may be used temporarily until the kit arrives and is installed. PETZL provides a dedicated hotline and email support.
Key Messages
- Life-Threatening Danger: Ventral D-ring can come loose under lateral loading
- Affected Models: ASTRO and CANYON GUIDE (manufactured before October 2023)
- Immediate Action: Conformity test + request free replacement kit
- Interim Solution: Compliant harnesses may be used until repair
- Support: Phone +41 21 947 46 66, [email protected]
Critical Questions
Evidence: How many documented damage cases or accidents triggered this warning? What technical tests prove the wear mechanism?
Delimitation: Why were only harnesses before October 2023 affected? What design change fixes the problem in newer batches?
Scope: How many harnesses are in circulation worldwide? How is traceability ensured if harnesses are resold on secondhand markets?
Causality: Is lateral loading realistic in normal climbing use, or does the risk only occur under extreme conditions?
Feasibility: How long does the conformity test take for users? What is the delivery time for replacement kits?
Communication: Are retail chains and climbing gyms proactively notified, or must users discover the warning themselves?
Source Directory
Primary Source: Safety Warning – PETZL Harnesses ASTRO and CANYON GUIDE – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/CznmxyvM__McHCv4cH7MQ
Consumer Contact:
- Phone: +41 21 947 46 66
- Email: [email protected]
- Information: https://www.petzl.com/CH/de/Sport/Sicherheitswarnungen/2026-2-23/Sicherheitswarnung-Gurte-ASTRO-und-CANYON-GUIDE--Austausch-des-ventralen-D-Rings
Verification Status: ✓ March 23, 2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: March 23, 2026