PRODUCT RECALLS

July 23 , 2010
DMM International Recall on the Dragon Camming Device in size 6

DMM International has identified a raw material problem that may affect the strength of certain units of the Dragon Cam in size 6 (Product Code A7056A).

This recall only involves the Dragon Cam in size 6 and no other sizes of Dragon Cam are involved. The problem originates from a structural defect in a raw material that is uniquely used to make a single component on the size 6 Dragon.

The raw material involved is used to make the aluminium axle boss on the Dragon Cam in size 6. DMM International has discovered that
the components made out of this defective material can develop cracks and that these cracks can grow and propagate with time. This could cause the units to fail below their rated strength.

Please download the following document for more information: DMM Recall

December 16 , 2009
MSA STOP USE NOTICE Auto Belay Update

On November 3, 2009, MSA issued an update to the stop use notice dated 10/14/2009 for certain products described below.

As you are already aware, MSA issued a Stop Use Notice on Redpoint and Auto-Belay Descenders on October 14, 2009. The Stop Use Notice was emailed and mailed to all Redpoint and affected Auto-Belay purchasers that MSA has on record. In addition, this notice has been circulated via the Internet through climbing wall organizations and social networking sites, and it has been posted on the MSA website. We have made every effort to ensure that all users of the Redpoint and Auto-Belay Descenders have been notified of this situation.

We understand the difficulties and challenges that our Stop Use Notice creates for owners of climbing walls and/or climbing gyms, and we regret any inconvenience that users may experience as a result of this equipment being out of service. However, user safety is our primary concern.

Both units involved in the reported accelerated descents, specified in the recent Stop Use notice, have been returned to us for evaluation. Our review discovered no evidence of any physical damage that would have affected the rate of descent. Over the past two weeks, we have conducted a Thorough investigation and several key performance tests in attempt to pinpoint the root cause of the reported accelerated descents. We have dimensionally checked the brakes, induced stresses on the brakes and one-way bearing in several ways, and conducted a dimensional and chemical analysis of the bearing; however, to date, our testing has not produced an accelerated descent. Bearings have been sent to the bearing manufacturer for further independent analysis, and we are currently awaiting a report. We
are also conducting additional tests to determine the effect of vibration on the performance of the bearing. We expect to have the results of these tests in approximately one week.

It is important that the Stop Use remain in effect. Please do not use any Redpoint Descender or affected Auto-Belay Descender until advised by MSA. As a reminder, the Stop Use Notice applies to the following descender units:

• All Redpoint Descenders (part numbers 10024873, 10027646, and 10027798) regardless of the date the unit was manufactured or last serviced

• Auto-Belay Descenders (part number 10021806) manufactured or last serviced on or after June 30, 2000

Rest assured we are making every effort to complete our investigation as quickly as possible and, more importantly, provide you with an effective and safe resolution to this matter.

As additional information becomes available, we will be sure to communicate it to you in a timely fashion. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to provide you with the answers you need.

If you have any questions, please contact MSA Customer Service at 1-800-MSA-2222 or 412-967-3000. If you would like to view the original notice it is HERE.

October 16, 2009
Auto Belay STOP USE NOTICE

MSA Issues STOP USE NOTICE
Redpoint™ and Auto-Belay Descenders

St. Paul, MN October 15, 2009

The Climbing Wall Association (CWA) forwarded to all of its members a stop use notice that MSA issued, dated 10/14/2009 for certain products described below. MSA very recently became aware of two incidents where climbers using Redpoint Descenders experienced rapid rates of descent resulting in injuries. MSA's preliminary investigation indicates an issue with the one-way bearings provided by their supplier, which may prevent the brakes from engaging during descent. Due to the nature of this condition, the users were not able to detect the problem before the rapid descents occurred.

The Stop Use Notice applies to the following descender unit

    • All Redpoint Descenders (part numbers 10024873, 10027646, and 10027798) regardless of the date the unit was manufactured or last serviced
    • Auto-Belay Descenders (part number 10021806) manufactured or last serviced on or after June 30, 2000

The part number, date of manufacture, and date of last factory service of the unit is located on the white date of manufacture label affixed to the back of the housing.

Based on these findings, MSA is advising affected users to discontinue using the Redpoint and Auto-Belay Descenders indicated above. Please forward this notice to all appropriate personnel.

MSA regrets this inconvenience; however, the company recognizes that this condition represents a potential safety concern. MSA will issue a follow-up notice shortly, after conducting further investigation into this matter. During the investigation, MSA will not be shipping any Redpoint Descenders currently on order or in for service, and will not be taking any new orders.

If you have any questions, please contact MSA Customer Service at 1-800-MSA-2222 or 412-967-3000



END

Press Release ..........
MSA Issues Stop Use Notice
Redpoint (tm) and Auto-Belay Descenders

Boulder, Colorado; October 15, 2009 MSA issued a stop use notice dated 10/14/2009 for certain products described below. MSA very recently became aware of two incidents where climbers using Redpoint Descenders experienced rapid rates of descent resulting in injuries. MSA's preliminary investigation indicates an issue with the one-way bearings provided by their supplier, which may prevent the brakes from engaging during descent. Due to the nature of this condition, the users were not able to detect the problem before the rapid descents occurred.

The Stop Use Notice applies to the following descender units:

  • All Redpoint Descenders (part numbers 10024873, 10027646, and 10027798) regardless of the date the unit was manufactured or last serviced,
  • Auto-Belay Descenders (part number 10021806) manufactured or last serviced on or after June 30, 2000.

The part number, date of manufacture, and date of last factory service of the unit is located on the white date of manufacture label affixed to the back of the housing.

Based on these findings, MSA is advising affected users to discontinue using the Redpoint and Auto-Belay Descenders indicated above. Please forward this notice to all appropriate personnel.

MSA regrets this inconvenience; however, the company recognizes that this condition represents a potential safety concern. MSA will issue a follow-up notice shortly, after conducting further investigation into this matter. During the investigation, MSA will not be shipping any Redpoint Descenders currently on order or in for service, and will not be taking any new orders.

If you have any questions, please contact MSA Customer Service at 1-800-MSA-2222 or 412-967-3000

July 30, 2008
Climbing Wall Association

Press Release
New England Ropes/Maxim Issues Recall Notice

Maxim Apogee 9.1MM and 9.5 Pinnacle Dynamic Climbing Lines

Boulder, Colorado; July 30, 2008 In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Maxim is announcing a voluntary recall of Maxim's Apogee 9.1mm Dynamic Climbing Line (These Climbing lines were sold to consumers from August 2006 through May 2008. Both colors yellow and fire will be included in the recall.) and Maxim's Pinnacle 9.5mm Blue std Dry Dynamic Climbing Line (These Climbing lines were sold to consumers from February 2007 through May 2008).

Please go to Maxim's website HERE for descriptions, photos, affected lot/job numbers, and to complete the recall questionnaire.

Reason: The reason for this recall is the product may not pass the required 5 falls, and may pose a serious risk over time.

Consumers are to immediately stop using the dynamic climbing lines and to contact Maxim by phone (866-617-9038). Consumers should return the recalled dynamic climbing lines directly to Maxim for a product replacement.

The News Release will be accessible on the CPSC's website, www.cpsc.gov, and Maxim's website, http://ww w.neropes.com/maxim/recall/. We ask that you make this information available to your associates as soon as possible so they may make contact with any possible consumers by whatever manner you believe appropriate.

Maxim / New England Ropes greatly appreciates your assistance in this important effort and your continuing support of Maxim / New England Ropes and its products.

About the Climbing Wall Association, Inc. (CWA). The CWA is a 501(c)(06), non-profit, industry trade association incorporated in May of 2003 for manufacturers of climbing wall equipment, builders of climbing walls, operators of climbing walls, and others involved in the climbing industry. The CWA is the only trade association addressing the needs and interests of the climbing wall industry and climbing wall operators. The mission of the Climbing Wall Association is to support the development of the climbing wall industry, to promote the sport of climbing, and to advocate for the interests of our members. This announcement is being forwarded as a service to our members and subscribers.

Together we're stronger.

Climbing Wall Association, Inc.
William Zimmermann
Executive Director
email: bill@climbingwallindustry.org
phone: 720-838-8284

Maxim's Recall Hotline
phone: 866-617-9038


May 1, 2008

Petzl Gri-Gri New Belay Technique

For immediate release.

December 28, 2006
Harness Recall

For immediate release.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. (To access color photos of the following recalled products, see CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov.)

Name of Product: Edelweiss Challenge Climbing Harnesses

Units: About 5,900

Distributor: Liberty Mountain, of Salt Lake City, Utah

Hazard: The buckles on the harness leg loops could fail, posing a fall hazard for climbers.

Incidents/Injuries: Liberty Mountain has received five reports of the leg buckle failing. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The sit harnesses are worn around climber's waist and legs and attach to climbing ropes to protect climbers from falling. The harnesses have three buckles including one on the waist belt and one on each leg loop. "Edelweiss" is printed on the waist belt. Only harnesses using the para buckle system are included in this recall. Para buckle harnesses have a single bar installed in the center of each of the three buckles.

Sold at: Climbing equipment retailers, Liberty Mountain's catalog, and by various Web retailers from January 2005 through September 2006 for about
$47.

Manufactured in: France

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled harnesses and contact Liberty Mountain for instructions on returning the harnesses including a return authorization number. Liberty Mountain will provide a free inspection and free repair.

Send your harness for repair to:

Liberty Mountain
4375 West 1980 South,
Salt Lake City, Utah 84104

Customer Contact: For more information, contact Liberty Mountain at (800) 366-2666, by fax at (801) 954-0766, by e-mail at info@ libertymountain.com, or visit the firm's web site at www.libertymountain.com.

November 1, 2006
Petzl Issues Recall Notice

For immediate release.
AM'D Ball-Lock and William Ball-Lock Carabiners

Boulder, Colorado. November 1, 2006. Petzl America voluntarily announced a recall of Petzl M34 BL Am'D BALL-LOCK and M36 BL William BALL-LOCK carabiners on October 18th. The affected carabiners have a metal locking sleeve with a green button. There is a possibility that the sleeve can be unlocked without pressing the green button. Affected units were sold during March and July, 2006. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

This recall does not apply to the older nylon-sleeve locking system, but only to Ball-Lock carabiners with the metal locking sleeve manufactured in March and July, 2006. This recall is in effect only in the USA – it does not affect BALL-LOCK carabiners sold in other countries.

Customers should stop using the recalled carabiners immediately until inspected. If you have a BALL-LOCK carabiner with the metal sleeve with a batch number between 06076 and 06178, you may return it to the place of purchase or to Petzl America for inspection and possible replacement. An inspection procedure is provided on the Petzl site.

For assistance in any matter related to this recall, please contact Petzl America at 877-807-3805 or rcl.bl06@petzl.com.

To view the Petzl recall notice: http://en.petzl.com/petzl/Accueil.

To view the CPSC recall notice: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07010.html.

To view the product safety bulletin: NOTICE_BALL-LOCK_RCL06.pdf .

January 12, 2006
Alien Cam Recall

Colorado Custom Hardware (CCH) has recently completed an investigation, and extensive testing of our product to identify and isolate safety issues concerning the brazing on CCH Alien cams. The safety of our customers is our number one priority and therefore we are issuing a recall for any cam bearing the marking described below.

The units with this issue are marked with a small center punch dimple (picture) at the base of the round ball where the axle goes through the cable eye. Although few failures have been reported, CCH recommends immediately discontinuing the use of any Alien cams with this mark. We are issuing a full recall of these cams. Please return them to CCH for a free replacement. You can mail your cams to:

Colorado Custom Hardware Inc.
ATTN: Brazing Recall
115 East Lyon Street
Laramie, WY 82072

CCH has always worked to assure the absolute highest quality of every cam we produce, and we are currently working on ways to further enhance our already stringent standards of quality control. Again, I would like to reiterate that ensuring the quality and safety of all CCH products is our highest priority.

Sincerely,
David Waggoner
President of Colorado Custom Hardware

 
 

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