The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·05578·Announced 2005-06-03

MSA Recalls Redpoint and Auto-Belay Climbing Wall Descenders

Mine Safety Appliances Co. is recalling 783 Redpoint and Auto-Belay descenders due to a faulty bearing that can cause brake failure and rapid descent.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural defect in safety equipment that has resulted in reported injuries, including a cracked vertebra, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Mine Safety Appliances Co. (MSA) is recalling 783 Redpoint and Auto-Belay descenders used in recreational wall climbing. The recall includes Redpoint Descenders with product numbers 10024873, 10027646, or 10027798, and Auto-Belay Descenders with product number 10021806. These units were manufactured or serviced between August 27, 2004, and April 6, 2005.

The descenders have a faulty bearing that can cause the brakes to fail. When this occurs, wall climbers risk rapid descent with no braking capability. MSA has received three reports of Redpoint Descender brake failures, resulting in one cracked vertebra, bruised ribs, and a sprained ankle.

Consumers should stop using the affected descenders immediately. To schedule a free repair, contact MSA at (800) 672-2222 or visit www.MSAnet.com.

The recalled product

Product
Redpoint™ and Auto-Belay Descenders
Manufacturer
Mine Safety Appliances Co. (MSA), of Pittsburgh, Pa.
Category
Consumer Product — Climbing Equipment
Hazard
Affected units
783

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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