Edelrid redesigned its via ferrata sets after the fatal August accident

Mountaineering experts will meet tomorrow to consider safety concerns over specialised gear used on vie ferrate.

The safety commission of the international mountaineering federation will review and discuss a worldwide warning it issued last year.

The Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme experts will convene at the ISPO trade show in Munich to look at future recommendations for the via ferrata sets, which are used by climbers using the routes with fixed protection, ropes and ladders.

Most are in continental Europe but famously the late owner of Honister Slate Mine Mark Weir set up Britain’s first via ferrata on the side of Fleetwith Pike in the Lake District.

A UIAA spokesperson said: “The warning followed a fatal accident on 5 August 2012 on a via ferrata in the vicinity of Walchsee in Tirol, Austria where a climber fell several metres and both lanyards on the energy-absorbing devices, also known as klettersteig sets, broke.

“The manufacturer of the set carried out an investigation after the accident. The probe found that that the lanyard’s strength was dramatically affected after intensive use not only because of its specific construction but also due to the material used.

“UIAA Safety Commission members met in September before the warning was issued and the 6 February meeting is a follow up.”

The committee will consider risks due to ageing of the rope braking system, fatigue or ageing of static tape used in via ferrata sets and specific risks to rental businesses.