When should you retire or replace a personal anchor system (PAS)?

• A. Replacement is required after every climb regardless of wear.
• B. After visible wear, fraying, or any signs of degradation; replace per manufacturer guidelines and after major incidents.
• C. Only after a visible cut or tear; otherwise keep until failure.
• D. Never replace; PAS is indefinite.

Answer: (B)

Safety-worthiness hinges on how wear and damage are handled. A personal anchor system should be retired or replaced whenever you see wear, fraying, or any signs of degradation, and you should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for replacement as well as after any major incident. The idea is to treat any hint of weakness as a real risk, because even small, unseen compromises can amplify under load. Regular pre-climb inspection helps you catch these issues early—check for frayed fibers, flat spots, broken stitching, cuts, or hardware damage. If you spot anything concerning, replace the PAS rather than risking a failure on a climb.

Replacing after every climb is unnecessary and wasteful; waiting until a visible cut or tear is also risky because damage can be progressive and not immediately obvious. Never having a replacement rule ignores obvious safety factors, and there isn’t an indefinite-use assumption. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance and replace after wear, degradation, or a major incident to keep your system trustworthy.