What should climber shank and sleeves be inspected for?

The inspection of climber shank and sleeves is crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of these components during climbing operations. By focusing on cracks, cuts, and/or marks, you are looking for visible signs of physical damage that could compromise the structural integrity of the equipment.

Cracks can indicate fatigue or stress points that have developed over time, which may lead to failure during use. Cuts may suggest that the equipment has encountered sharp objects or has been improperly handled, reducing its reliability. Marks can be indicative of impacts or wear that has occurred, suggesting that the equipment has been subjected to conditions that may have weakened it.

Regular inspection for these issues helps maintain the necessary safety standards while climbing and ensures that any potential hazards are addressed before they lead to accidents. In contrast, while rust and corrosion, wear and tear, and length and height are important considerations in equipment maintenance, the immediate concern for climber shank and sleeves focuses on visible structural damage that directly impacts safety during climbing operations.