Safety regulator, MSA Announce Recall of Climbing Wall Descenders
Recall 05578 · Jun 3, 2005 · Mine Safety Appliances Co. (MSA)
783
units affected
783
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 05578
- Date
- Jun 3, 2005
- Company
- Mine Safety Appliances Co. (MSA)
- Units affected
- 783
- Product
- Redpoint™ and Auto-Belay Descenders
- Product type
- Climbing Equipment
- Hazard
- Other or not stated
The product
Two types of descenders, which are used in recreational wall climbing, are included in this recall: Redpoint and Auto-Belay descenders. The descenders consist of a round metal housing into which a retractable red strap (Redpoint) or steel cable (Auto-Belay) is coiled. The front of each descender's round metal housing includes a red label (Redpoint) or green label (Auto-Belay) with the name of the product. A label on the back of the product's housing includes the descender's date of manufacture, last service date, and product number. Redpoint Descenders are identified with product numbers 10024873, 10027646 or 10027798. Auto-Belay Descenders are identified with the product number 10021806. Redpoint Descenders manufactured or serviced from August 27, 2004 through April 6, 2005 are included in the recall. Auto-Belay Descenders serviced from August 27, 2004 through April 6, 2005 are included in the recall.
What can happen
This product, which assists wall climbers during descent, has a faulty bearing that can cause the brakes to fail. When this occurs, wall climbers risk rapid descent, with no braking capability.
The fix
Consumers should stop using the descenders immediately and contact MSA to schedule a free repair of the product.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- MSA has received three reports of Redpoint Descenders' brakes failing. One fall resulted in a cracked vertebra. Other injuries include bruised ribs and a sprained ankle.
- Sold at
- MSA worldwide, from August 27, 2004 through April 6, 2005. Sale Price: About $2,000.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled redpoint™ and auto-belay descenders?
Consumers should stop using the descenders immediately and contact MSA to schedule a free repair of the product.
What is the hazard?
This product, which assists wall climbers during descent, has a faulty bearing that can cause the brakes to fail. When this occurs, wall climbers risk rapid descent, with no braking capability.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.