Technical inspection of via ferrata

Vertic’Alps Expertise carries out acceptance inspections and annual inspections of via ferrata, with reference to NF EN 16869.

The standard provides for inspection at least annually, at the start of the operating season, and in the event of an accident.

Our assignment is to examine differences between applicable requirements, the manufacturer's documentation and the actual condition of the installation.

Our work includes a visual inspection and a documentary examination, adapted to the installation and the manufacturer's requirements.

• Cables and their terminations: wear, corrosion, deformation, broken wires and visible tensioning condition.

• Anchors and their supports: visible condition of bolts, fixings, bonded anchors and connections.

• Progression components: rungs, steps, ladders, bridges and their connections.

• The safety-line configuration: continuity, layout and spacing of points on horizontal and vertical sections, impact risks and incorrect loading of connectors.

• Crossing structures: components, support cables, connections, and independence of the safety-line anchors and support-cable anchors where required.

• Signs and information for users.

We examine the manufacturer's documentation, design calculations, anchor substantiation and installation monitoring records.

NF EN 16869 does not require systematic on-site strength testing of anchors. Unless specifically agreed for the assignment, Vertic’Alps Expertise does not carry out these tests during inspection.

A debriefing at the end of the assignment explains the observations and priority corrective actions.

We also share our analysis of the activity's risks on the inspected site, based on field experience and lessons from varied installations and settings.

This discussion focuses in particular on situations and risks not explicitly covered by standards, so that we can discuss areas requiring attention and improvement measures suited to the site.

Following the inspection, we provide an inspection certificate, a summary of priority findings and a detailed inspection report in PDF format.

A favourable safety opinion is subject to resolving findings that compromise safety and providing the necessary design calculations and substantiation, particularly for anchors.

• The manufacturer's documentation: drawings and assembly, operating and maintenance instructions.

• Design calculations for the safety line, supports and progression or crossing structures, including their intended conditions of use and capacities.

• Anchor-strength substantiation and documents enabling verification of suitability for the actual installation conditions.

• Previous inspection reports and follow-up of corrective actions.

• The manufacturer's maintenance instructions and monitoring records required by its manual.

Work must be complete and equipment accessible. A person must be present on site to accompany the inspector.