Adventure Rope Gear

It has come to our attention that the #5 Big Bros made since March 2008 have improperly aligned inner tubes. Through an error in CNC machining, the inner sleeves on these units are rotated slightly to the side causing the ends of the unit to be out of parallel. Although barely noticeable in use, this off-center orientation is not to spec and should be corrected. It could cause additional instability in some placements, particularly more parallel-sided cracks. As always, climber safety is our top priority so we are recommending that owners of #5 Big Bros inspect their units as outlined below, and if they are out of spec, return them to us at Trango. #5 Big Bros manufactured before March 2008 and all other sizes are not affected.

To determine if your #5 Big Bro needs to be repaired:

1. Hold the unit so you are looking straight down at its top. The release button will be on top. If the thinnest portion of the Inner Tuber bevel is directly aligned with the release button, the unit was manufatured correctly and you can use it with confidence.
2. If the thinnest part of the the Inner Tube bevel is rotated to the side by 15° or so, then discontinue using the Big Bro and return it to us.
3. If you can not determine if it is correct or not, return the unit to us and we will inspect it, repair it if necessary and return it to you.

If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 800.860.3653 x10, or refer to our website for a list of FAQs on the problem.

Ship the suspect Big Bros to:
Trango
740 South Pierce Ave. #15
Louisville, CO 80027
Attn: BB warranty

Be sure to remove the sling and clearly mark them with a tag or label with your name and return shipping address. Also include your phone number and e mail. We will return the repaired units to you as soon as possible. The repaired units will have a newly manufactured inner tube and screw collar and you can climb on them with confidence.

Thanks for your understanding and patience. Trango continues to have the highest commitment to making Extraordinary Climbing Gear and appreciates your loyalty to our products.

Casey Newman
Brand Manager
Trango
Boulder, CO

We have received an information regarding a voluntary recall notice for the products ,LOCKER’ and ,SITE’ from Singing Rock. Please find the original recall notice and further information in the PDF file below.

2010_1_Voluntary_Recall_LOCKER_SITE_SingingRock.pdf

ERCA Safety Warning 1/2010

(297 KB)

Our attention was drawn to reports of non-locking-karabiners used for participant’s self-belay systems (e.g. double life lines, cowstails, etc.) on several ropes courses. As this is a notably deviation from the currently recommended minimum safety standards (chapter –III- E.3. of the ERCA standards “Karabiners used for belaying”), we are concerned.

A gap in EN 15567

Following consultation with the ERCA board, experts for adventure parks and the Safety Commission it has been concluded conclusion that only belay systems with locking karabiners, as currently recommended, should be used as part of all ropes course belay systems, to ensure the safety of participants. We have also noticed that EN 15567 fails to provide any details concerning the types of karabiners or any advice which type of karabiners should be used in belay systems.

Historical background: Twistlock-Karabiners

As a consequence of dramatic accidents (e.g. the zip line accident at Kanzianiberg) and the legal outcome of this incident; it was concluded that twistlock-karabiners were no longer regarded as being sufficiently safe when used as a single point attachment. At Kanzianiberg a participant fell off going down a zip wire when a twistlock-karabiner opened and clipped off a harness. Therefore ERCA advised the use of two double-action-karabiner attaching participants to harness or ropes. As an alternative, a single triple-action karabiner may also be used. At that time, the use of non locking karabiners for attachments or via ferrata equipment was considered poor practice…….

Download the complete Safety Warning 1/2009 here

The intent of this bulletin is to educate challenge course designers of the
potential risks associated with delayed lock-on in some cable grab systems and
to provide information so that challenge course designers can critically evaluate
the effectiveness of their systems.
This technical bulletin is for those designing or using cable grabs as part of a
personal fall arrest system on a challenge course. This technical bulletin
specifically applies to cam/lever type cable grabs which have been designed for
use in ladder safety systems employing rigid rails or wire rope. In addition, it is
specifically meant to address those circumstances where the cable grab is
connected directly to the front of the climber’s harness (sternum or waist) with a
connector or connector/shock absorber combination.
Information contained in this bulletin is NOT meant to apply to cable or rope
grabs which are designed for use in fall arrest systems which connect to the
dorsal “D” of a full body harness. This bulletin does not apply to rope grabs that
are used with textile ropes.
Background
The use of cable grabs in the challenge course industry became widespread in
the last decade. Cam/lever type cable grabs employ a spring-loaded lever
camming upon the cable to arrest a fall. The cable grab moves when the spring
bias is overcome by upward tension. During a fall, the spring-loaded lever locks
and the cable grab becomes a fixed anchor point. The climber decelerates a
short distance, comes to a complete stop, and remains suspended in mid-air.
A slip by one or both feet is unlikely to result in a fall if one or both hands retain a
firm grip. When both hands lose their grip, however, the climber falls away from
the tree or pole which adds horizontal force to the vertical force generated by
gravity (Clark, 1985). This horizontal force must disperse before the downward
force of the fall can engage the cam of the cable grab onto the vertical cable. The
larger the horizontal component of the fall, the longer it may take for the fall
arrester to engage (Arndt & Weaver, 2008; Riches, 2004). It is also possible that

the cable grab may not engage at all and the climber will fall to the bottom of the vertical cable. This appears to have happened in a challenge course incident that
occurred 27 July 2008. As a result of this specific incident North Safety has
recommended that North FP571/10 cable grabs should only be used with their
Rungmaster™ ladder system.
Technical Information
The fall arrest industry has become aware of delayed lock-on in cam activated
vertical fall arresters (Arndt & Weaver, 2008; Second, 2007). Safety warnings
were issued in Europe on 1 June 2004 (HSE, 2004), in the United States on 13
December 2006 (GIDEP, 2006; Second, 2007) and in Canada on 31 July 2008
(Sulowski, 2008) as a result of test results and accident reports. These advisories
and other communications indicate that some cam/lever type cable grabs used
with a front connection may not function as intended in the event of a backward
fall.
There are also a number of factors that may increase the potential for delayed
lock-on in cam/lever type cable grabs addressed in the scope of this bulletin.
Deviating from the parameters upon which a manufacturer has designed and
tested a particular cable grab system may lead to such an occurrence.
Manufacturers’ recommendations regarding connector length, connector location,
cable tension, cable angle, and harness compatibility need to be carefully
considered in light of their potential contribution to delayed lock-on. While
addressing these factors may reduce the risk of delayed lock-on, testing and
accident investigations (Arndt & Weaver, 2008; Riches, 2004) indicate that the
potential for delayed lock-on may still exist.
Delayed lock on is a phenomena that is often hidden, as current standards
pertaining to cable grabs require an unobstructed vertical drop test using only a
solid mass rather than an articulated manikin (ANSI A14.3, ANSI Z359.1, CSA
Z259.2.1, and EN 353-1, 353-2). This test approach may not adequately
simulate actual use conditions in the field. While standard-setting bodies are in
the process of developing fall back tests (ANSI A14.3-2008; Doughty, 2008),
current standards do not require manufacturers to perform tests that adequately
simulate the kinds of backward falls which may lead to delayed lock-on (Arndt &
Weaver, 2008; Riches, 2004; Sulowski, 2008). Correspondence from members
of both the ANSI Z359.1 and the ANSI A14.3 committees indicate that there is an
awareness of this issue, but agreement has not yet been reached about a
suitable test method and subsequent change to the standards. The American
Ladder Institute has indicated that they are aware that “outward (backward) fall
risk potential is critical” and that they “will continue to monitor this issue and
provide an addendum to the standard once a test method becomes available”
(ANSI A14.3-2008, p. 10).
Delayed lock-on is a low frequency but potentially severe event. Readers should
be aware that tests and research have been limited in scope and have primarily
focused on fall arrest systems using rigid rails rather than wire rope. Because
cable grabs used on wire rope utilize the same mechanical cam principle,
researchers (Riches, 2004) and industry advisories (Sulowski, 2008) have
indicated that the potential for delayed lock-on may apply to this entire class of
arrest devices rather than a single product. It is also important to acknowledge
that not all cable grabs may be subject to the risks of delayed lock-on. Specific
design considerations and testing approaches by some manufacturers may
mitigate this risk in particular brands of grabs.
Summary and Recommendations
1. Challenge course designers should consult with the cable grab manufacturer
and a Qualified Person to evaluate the potential for failure due to delayed
lock-on in their systems. The compatibility of cable grabs with various harness
types, installation approaches in trees or on poles, and connectors must be
carefully established.
2. For organizations that use cam/lever type cable grabs with a frontal
attachment, we recommend that you review your training procedures to
ensure that the device is being used correctly as required by the
manufacturer and regulations in your specific jurisdiction.
References
American Ladder Institute. (2008). American National Standard for Ladders -
Fixed – Safety Requirements ANSI A14.3-2008. Des Plains, IL: American
National Standards Institute.
American Society of Safety Engineers. (2007). American National Standard –
Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Subsystems, and
Components ANSI/ASSE Z359.1-2007. Des Plains, IL: American National
Standards Institute.
Arndt, S. R. & Weaver, B. T. (2008). A previously unidentified failure mode for
ladder-climbing fall protection systems. American Society of Safety Engineers:
Safety 2008. Las Vegas, NV. (9-12, June).
BSI. (2002). BSI BS EN 353-1 Personal protective equipment against falls from a
height Part 1: Guided type fall arresters including a rigid anchor line. Bristol, UK:
British Standards Institution.
BSI. (2002). BSI BS EN 353-2 Personal Protective Equipment Against Falls from
a Height – Part 2: Guided Type Fall Arresters Including a Flexible Anchor Line.
Bristol, UK: British Standards Institution.
CSA. (2004). CSA-Z259.2.1-98 (R2004)-Fall Arresters, Vertical Lifelines and
Rails. Rexdale, ON. Canadian Standards Association.
Clark, K. J. (1985). Fall arrestors – A new approach to dynamic performance
testing. British Telecommunications Engineering, 4, 70-73.
Doughty, P. (2008). Update on fall protection testing. SATRA Spotlight, p. 10-11.
Government-Industry Data Exchange Program. (2006, December 13). Saf-TClimb
systems must tie-off with shock absorbing Y-type lanyards. Document
Number N4-S-07-01. Retrieved 26 November 2008 from

http://www.msha.gov/Alerts/Equipment/northfallprotection01172007.pdf

Health and Safety Executive. (2004, June 1). Safety warning: BS EN 353-1 2002
Part 1 Fall Arrest Equipment. Retrieved 6 October 2008 from

http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2004/e04074.htm

Riches, D. (2004). Preliminary investigation into the fall-arresting effectiveness of
ladder safety hoops. Sudbury, UK: Health and Safety Executive. Retrieved 6
October 2008 from http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr258.htm
Second manufacturer warns of possible injuries or death to climbers through use
of safety sleeve. (21 March 2007). Wireless Estimator. Retrieved 26 November
2008 from:

http://www.wirelessestimator.com/t_content.cfm?pagename=Safety%20Climb%2

0Recall
Sulowski, A. C. (2008, July 31). HA-022 – Fall systems for ladders – Rigid rail.
Retrieved 6 October 2008 from:

http://www.fallpro.com/fall_protection_info_center/hazard_alerts_fall_protection_

systems_for_ladders_rigid_rail

The Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) has become
aware of incidents associated with the use of removable “pole steps” on
challenge courses.
Pole steps have been adopted from the pole line hardware industry and
are typically used on a challenge course as a means to create a
removable access climb on the lower section of a tree or pole as access
to a high element. The “steps” are removed during non-program use
time to prevent unauthorized access to the high elements.
During use, the steps are fitted onto a plate and lag which are
permanently attached to the tree or pole. Injuries can occur while
climbing or during descent if a participant comes in contact one of the
steps during a fall, particularly if contact is made with the upturned end
of the step.
ACCT recommends that programs that use pole steps as a part of their
access to high elements evaluate their use and consult with a
professional challenge course vendor familiar with their program and
course design to assess their suitability and proper use on their course.

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.

Name of Product: Maxim Apogee and Maxim Pinnacle Dynamic Climbing Lines/Ropes

Units: About 530

Manufacturer: New England Ropes, of Fall River, Mass.

Hazard: The climbing lines can break, posing a serious fall hazard for climbers.

Incidents/Injuries: None.

Description: Two types of climbing ropes have been included in this recall, the Maxim Apogee 9.1mm and Maxim Pinnacle 9.5mm. The Maxim Apogee 9.1mm is a 48 carrier climbing rope. The colors are yellow and black, and red and yellow. The model numbers are 3411-91 and 3415-91, with date codes 060801 thru 080601. The UPC codes are: 75396312299, 75396312298, 75396312301, and 75396312300. The Maxim Pinnacle 9.5mm is a blue 48 carrier climbing rope. The Model number is 3403-95, with date codes 070201 thru 080601. The UPC codes are 75396312292 and 75396312293. The date codes and the UPC codes are on the original packaging.

Sold at: Retailers nationwide from August 2006 through June 2008 for between $180 and $262.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dynamic climbing lines and contact the manufacturer for a free replacement.

Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers can contact New England Ropes toll-free at (866) 617-9038 anytime or visit the firm’s Web site at www.neropes.com/Climbing.aspx

MSA informs affected parties that the December 23, 2009 recall notice remains in effect. MSA
goes on to warn customers NOT to participate in ANY efforts to modify, upgrade, or refurbish
recalled units. To do so is a violation of federal consumer product safety laws and subject to
severe civil and/or criminal action.
To access MSA’s statement, go to www.msanorthamerica.com/noticeindex.html.

On 01.09.2009 at approximately 14:30 there was an accident on an adventure park in south Germany.

The woodland rope course comprises many freestanding obstacles, that can be negotiated individually and the majority of them end with a zip wire back to the ground.

The user secured himself in the correct manner to the steel ring provided as the connection method to the wire rope (10mm cable of type 6 x 19+1SE, with thimbles on both ends, approx. 40cm long) on one of these zip wires and jumped from the starting platform that was approx. 4m high.

For reasons unforeseen and as yet unclear the 40cm long piece of wire rope, that connects the zip wire trolley to the aforementioned steel ring, broke.  This break in the wire rope caused a crash which resulted in the visitor being severely injured.

The initial response by the trainer, the treatment by the emergency doctor and the transportion of the casualty by helicopter to the clinic all took place very quickly and professionally.

The police are investigating the incident and will thoroughly examine exactly what happened.

Meanwhile, all similarly built obstacles are, as a precaution, being changed and the company is operating again.

The company is in regular contact with ERCA and has made it possible to issue this technical safety warning.  Further information will be issued as soon as the results of the investigation are available.

We have received an information regarding a stop use notice for Repoint^TM Descenders and Auto-Belay Descenders in english language. Mine Safety Appliances Company (MSA) wrote:

“MSA very recently became aware of two incidents where climbers using Redpoint Descenders experienced rapid rates of descent resulting in injuries. Our preliminary investigation indicates an issue with the one-way bearings provided by our 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.

This 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.

Very truly yours,
Charles J. Seibel,
Jr. Manager of Product Safety”

For further information please see the original product safety notices of the manufacturer:
>>> http://media.msanet.com/www/PDFs/MSANorthAmerica/SafetyNotices/08040-08(stop-use%20notice).pdf
>>> http://media.msanet.com/www/PDFs/MSANorthAmerica/SafetyNotices/08040-17(StopUseUpdate).pdf

Or contact the MSA Customer Service directly:
Phone: 001-800-MSA-2222 or 001-412-967-3000
Fax: 001-800-967-0398
Email : info (at) msanet.com
Website : http://www.msanorthamerica.com/customerservice.html

Download the complete Safety Warning 3/2009 here …