Czech distributor of Camp via ferrata sets has sent recently the statement that the via ferrata sets by Camp are safe. The statements had reacted on several recalling actions announced by several other producers and distributors after an accident in Alps in Europe this summer.

Premana, September 5th, 2012
Dear Agent/Distributor,
It seems there is confused information on the marketplace related to the safety of Via Ferrata sets with elasticized lanyards. We wish to give you some information on the key aspects of this matter.

First we confirm that all CAMP Via Ferrata Rewind sets (the current range, the new products like Vortex Rewind Light, the old Rewind range) are complying with relevant European Norm EN 958, and have also obtained very positive results from the "intensive use” test procedure identified and implemented by DAV (the German Alpine Club) and TÜV of Munich/Germany.
This info is also being published on our website right now for consumers info.

The European Norm (EN 958) that regulates Via Ferrata sets requires a maximum dynamic impact force of 6 kN (600 kg.) for the shock absorber, and a minimum static breaking strength of 9 kN (900 kg. - performed after the dynamic test) for the entire via ferrata set.
According to the intensive use test procedure created by DAV and TÜV, a load from 0 N to 50 N (5 kg.) and back to 0 N is applied to the elastic lanyard (not including the shock absorber) for 50.000 “pull/release” cycles. This test is done on a clean (new) elastic lanyard, and also on a contaminated elastic lanyard; this second lanyard is dirtied with quartz sand to replicate the natural weakening of webbing fibres coming from prolonged use, from contact with rock dust, etc. After the intensive use test, both samples must reach a minimum breaking strength of 6 kN (600 kg.).

Our Rewind Via Ferrata sets have reached the following results:
Matrix Rewind: 14.4 kN (clean) - 11.9 kN (dirtied)
Vortex Rewind: 15.3 kN (clean) - 13.1 kN (dirtied)
Vortex Rewind Light: 10.3 kN (clean) - 9.9 kN (dirtied)

This means that our Via Ferrata Rewind sets are safe even after intensive use, according to the DAV/TÜV test.
Please be also informed that tomorrow there will be a meeting of UIAA Safety Commission and CEN/TC 136/WG 5 (the European Technical Committee of Standardisation, the Official Body that creates European Norms and test procedures for mountaineering and climbing equipment that are the technical reference for CE marking) to discuss this issue: we do hope for an official and more precise information coming out from this meeting.

On the sales side, in these last few days we are already receiving inquiries for our via ferrata sets and we are implementing additional production of Matrix Rewind and Matrix Gyro Rewind to be available already in the next days. Please let us know your needs asap to help our planning!

One last word about the development, manufacture and sale of Via Ferrata sets: as all products in our range, Via Ferrata sets are technical products that must comply with strict safety requirements. Our R&D team works consistently to innovate them, make them easier to use and always affordable, while keeping them safe! Therefore, as we negotiate prices for our Via Ferrata sets and for other products let us not forget that this is safety equipment designed for enjoying the mountains and ultimately, in case something goes wrong, to save lives.

Thank you for your attention! Be sure you will receive from us all relevant updates to this matter as it develops.
SpA
Isacco Codega Antonio Codega
Export Manager R&D Manager