CPSC recall 05-578, announced June 3, 2005, covers Mine Safety Appliances Co. (MSA) Redpoint™ and Auto-Belay Descenders (783 units). This product, which assists wall climbers during descent, has a faulty bearing that can cause the brakes to fail. The notice cites 3 incident reports. Consumers should stop using the descenders immediately and contact MSA to schedule a free repair of the product. Recall contact: call (800) 672-2222, or go to www.MSAnet.com.
Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.
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.
Which products are included?
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.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
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.
Incidents and injuries
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.
Official remedy
Consumers should stop using the descenders immediately and contact MSA to schedule a free repair of the product.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- Mine Safety Appliances Co. (MSA)
- Manufacturer
- Mine Safety Appliances Co. (MSA), of Pittsburgh, Pa.
- Recall number
- 05-578
- Units
- 783
- Manufactured in
- United States
- Sold at / sales period
- MSA worldwide, from August 27, 2004 through April 6, 2005. Sale Price: About $2,000.
Redpoint™ and Auto-Belay Descenders
CPSC product type: Climbing Equipment
Recall contact information
Contact MSA at (800) 672-2222 anytime or visit the firm's Web site at www.MSAnet.com
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
