© Petzl Distribution 2025
© I T R A © S a r a h D e l B e n, F o n d a t i o n U G A © O l i v i e r L e f e b v r e
Support ecological transition
in mountainous areas
Encourage mountain exploration Prevent accidents
in vertical environments
Our courses of action:
The Petzl Foundation’s mission is to support and initiate public interest projects
through its activities in mountainous and vertical domains; projects that help bring
balance to humankind’s place in its natural, cultural, and economic environments.
The foundation supports non-profit organizations through financial and equipment
grants, as well as consultation and training.
"Professionals of the Void" — Working High Off the Ground
In 1979, high mountain guide René Desmaison published an autobiography about
his career and his personal commitments, titled Professionnel du vide (“Professional
of the Void”). Renowned for his many first ascents, the French mountaineer shared
his life story — one shaped by commitment and pushing human limits in mountains
all over the world. Today, "professionals of the void", or those who work at height,
often hanging in free space, are more often found on urban infrastructure, ski lifts,
and industrial buildings than on north faces or cliffs in the Verdon Gorge. In France,
there are now over 15,000 rope access technicians, compared to fewer than 2,000
mountain guides and 6,000 climbing instructors.
Rope access workers operate in high-risk environments every day. The work demands
physical fitness and a level of vigilance that few other professions require. While many
are passionate about their work, they know all too well that it is among the most grueling
and hazardous professions (1).
To better understand their working conditions and improve the prevention of occupational
injuries and accidents, the Petzl Foundation has supported several research programs.
In 2024, a team of researchers from Lyon worked to measure the mechanical,
physiological, and psychological stresses faced by these professionals on the job.
Their findings build on an initial report published in 2017 on rope access worker injuries.
The results of these studies are available on our website in both French and English (2).
Beyond research efforts, we also support organizations that rely on rope access
work to carry out their missions. In 2024, we helped equip volunteers from the Corps
Mondial de Secours, an NGO specializing in search and rescue operations for victims
of natural disasters.
1. Workers at height (across all sectors), deep-sea fishermen, and high mountain guides are among
the most dangerous professions in France.
2. https://www.petzl.com/fondation/s/mieux-connaitre-blessures-cordiste?language=en_US
The Conservatory of Natural Areas of Isère, France, also received a donation of equipment for
working at height, enabling them to carry out biodiversity surveys in hazardous environments
to help protect endangered species.
The Petzl Foundation
Exploring New Horizons
The site for professionals working at height
and in dark environments.
• Discover Petzl’s solutions for verticality and lighting
• Check out tips and technical information on best
practices for using Petzl products
• Find all the Petzl news and reports on various trades:
videos, news, portraits, and events
Find us on:
Pages to explore
Beyond our product offerings, Petzl offers a wide range
of technical information: Instructions for Use, tech tips,
PPE inspection records, and more.
Discover all the content pages on our website. Whether you
are novice or expert in your field, Petzl shares its technical
expertise to help you work more safely and efficiently.
On our product pages, you will find:
- Instructions for Use: they are the base of our technical
information and provide the essentials for using your products.
Remember to read them before using your products.
- Technical tips, “by Petzl”. They contain information
complementary to the Instructions for Use: test results,
feedback, and technical videos. Documents with all you need
to know about your products!
- Documents and procedures for PPE inspection:
use them when you inspect your PPE.
Petzl.com
The activities depicted are inherently dangerous. All users must be trained and competent in the use of the equipment for these activities.
Headquarters: Petzl Distribution, Z.I. Crolles, 38920 CROLLES, FRANCE
Graphic design:
Pierre Bena design - www.pierrebenadesign.com
Product photos (non-contractual photos): © Petzl Distribution
Kalice - www.kalice.fr
Aurélie Jeannette, Photographer - www.aureliejeannette.com
Yannick Siegel
www.petzl.com
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Digital Publication: Fluidbook.com
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