Usage Instructions - Fuel Holds

Introduction

FUEL climbing holds (hereinafter referred to as “holds”) are designed and manufactured according to the NEN – EN 12572-3_2017 standard. To ensure that the products are used safely and have a long lifespan, it is important to comply with the usage instructions below. Failure to follow the usage instructions will void the warranty on the holds and related products from FUEL. FUEL is not liable for any damages resulting from non-compliance with the usage instructions. In these usage instructions, a qualified person refers to an individual trained in building climbing routes for commercial climbing gyms.

General Information

Installation of the products should only be done by a qualified person.
The holds are designed for indoor use only. Outdoor use can reduce their lifespan and cause the color of the holds to fade. Outdoor use is strongly discouraged and is at your own risk.
Mindful handling (explained in the following sections) of the holds ensures a long lifespan.
The holds are made of high-quality PU (Polyurethane) and should not be exposed to temperatures higher than 50°C.

Storage

The holds should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Temperature variations ranging from -20°C to 40°C will not cause any problems for the holds. Room temperature is optimal.

Cleaning

The holds should be regularly cleaned after visual inspection by a qualified person to ensure a longer lifespan.
Protective clothing should be worn during the cleaning of the holds.
Cleaning should only be done with water or certified cleaning agents suitable for climbing holds (follow the instructions provided by the supplier of these cleaning agents).
Exposing climbing holds to aggressive cleaning agents can cause damage. Only use certified cleaning agents.
The temperature of the water or cleaning agents used should be lower than 40°C.
When using a pressure washer, use appropriate pressure and maintain a minimum distance of 30 centimeters between the nozzle and the holds. Be cautious as loose holds can be forcefully washed away, leading to injuries.

Installation

NEN Standards

The surface on which the holds are installed must comply with the following NEN standards:

EN 12572-1 or
For bouldering walls, EN 12572-2.

Holds with M10 Mounting Point

Main attachment is done using an M10 bolt (DIN 912, 8.8).
The torque should be a minimum of 20Nm and a maximum of 40Nm. Note that impact wrenches can easily generate torque above 100Nm. Using excessive torque from an impact wrench can cause damage and defects to the holds.
Rotation locking using one chipboard screw – torque: maximum 5Nm.
Use only undamaged M10 bolts.

Holds without M10 Mounting Point

Main attachment using chipboard screws with CE marking;
Each attachment point must be used;
Rotation locking only through chipboard screws with CE marking:
Diameter: 4.5mm, screw length depends on the depth of the screw hole;
The full thickness of the climbing wall must be penetrated by the chipboard screw;
Use only galvanized chipboard screws;
Torque: maximum 5Nm;
Partial or full thread on the screw is allowed.
Place holds only on straight walls – placing holds on curved surfaces is not allowed;
The hold must be placed on the wall with full contact – protruding holds on a climbing wall are not allowed;
Consider the rope routes when placing holds. The rope can suffer damage from or cause damage to the holds;
After securing the hold, a qualified person must immediately perform a visual inspection for potential defects (e.g., sharp edges and cracks). The hold must be replaced immediately if it has incurred any damage. This is to prevent injuries.

Maintenance and Removal

To ensure the safe use of the holds, a visual inspection must be conducted before each use. The visual inspection should be performed at least once a year by a qualified person based on the NEN EN 12572 standard. It is mandatory to immediately replace and/or remove holds with visible damage to prevent injuries.

For repairs, adjustments, or removal of holds, please contact FUEL.