A few days after first blogging about this subject, Treetools was alerted to overlooked information in the Petzl ZigZag Technical Notice regarding using the ZigZag as a lanyard. See more information in the addendum below.
Just when you think you've heard (and seen) it all, another curly one comes along. A technical question arose at the 2025 NZ Arb Waikato/BoP Regional TCC regarding using the Petzl ZigZag as a lanyard adjuster. The TCC head technician, Jamie Brunt, paused when asked the question before referencing the comprehensive 'technical content' on the Petzl website.
Jamie also sought Treetools' opinion; our answer was NO: do not use the Petzl ZigZag as a work positioning lanyard adjuster.
First question: Why would you use the ZigZag as a lanyard adjuster? It's expensive in this application and a relatively large unit compared to other mechanical lanyard adjustment device alternatives.
It turns out that the 'boss' suggested using the Petzl ZigZag to extend its life since the device slipped in a climbing configuration. When employed as a lanyard adjuster, the additional friction around the stem reduced slippage, so you are 'good to go'.
On checking the Petzl Technical Content, Jamie found the closest reference titled 'Wrong attachment of the rope end to the ZIGZAG (DdRT usage).' The title is a dead giveaway with terms like 'wrong attachment' and 'DdRT usage.'
Petzl says other attachment methods for the ZigZag are possible BUT NOT RECOMMENDED.
DdRT usage means the ropes run parallel, connected at a central bridge anchor point. By contrast, a work positioning lanyard runs D-to-D (or side-to-side), making the rope end connection and the mechanical friction device far from parallel. The Petzl Technical Content diagrams show the result of this misconfiguration.
A simplistic view says the Petzl ZigZag is another form of the Petzl Zillon, and that's OK as a lanyard adjuster, so why not the ZigZag? (We've heard the same argument used in a single-line application).
Unfortunately, these devices appear similar but are entirely different and built to meet independently distinct safety standards. The Petzl ZigZag meets the EN 12841:2006 certification for rope adjustment in rope access systems, and the Petzl Zillon complies with the work positioning lanyard standard EN 358.
You cannot transpose one application for another and hope to achieve the same result. Sure, it's possible, BUT NOT RECOMMENDED.
Besides, the gear used in a TCC sets a de facto standard for the industry, and we should be very picky about manufacturer rules and recommendations.
Jamie made the right call.
Yes, the Petzl ZigZag Technical Notice states that you can connect the ZigZag and rope termination to your harness's EN 358 side attachment points. But the 6c Petzl statement needs more unpacking. The vital words in this communication are 'when the user has their feet supported'.
Arborists, at work or in a tree-climbing competition, particularly the 'work climb', 'aerial rescue', or 'masters' events, do not always have their feet supported. It is a big ask to expect TCC judges, particularly those in regional competitions, to know when to call the climber on the use of their lanyard. If you subscribe to the sentiments of 6c verbatim, using the ZigZag as a lanyard adjuster would significantly limit the climber's options.
Therefore, Treetools sticks by our original assessment: do not use the ZigZag as a lanyard adjuster; it's possible but not recommended.
In the future, TCC organisers might reject the Petzl ZigZag lanyard at the gear check and suggest an alternative work positioning lanyard configuration to the competitor.
