August 2010
In December 2009, MSA issued a “Stop Use Notice” on Redpoint and Auto-Belay Descenders following two overseas accidents where these devices were reported to have failed.
On 30th June 2010, MSA issued the following update.
MSA recently became aware of reports that one or more companies might be offering Redpoint Descender upgrade and refurbishment programs. All MSA Redpoint Descender units are subject to an MSA recall notice of December 23, 2009, which is still in effect. Accordingly, any effort to modify, upgrade or refurbish the units is counter to MSA’s recall and must not be attempted. Customers are advised to strictly follow the terms of the recall and return all Redpoint units directly to MSA.
We understand that third party refurbishment programs may include the addition of a secondary braking mechanism in the event that the unit’s one-way bearing fails. MSA conducted a thorough investigation into the accelerated descent incidents involving Redpoint Descender units and our conclusions did not confirm that the one-way bearing was solely responsible for the incidents. Any third party retrofit may not correct the condition which necessitated the recall. Accordingly, any use of such refurbished Redpoint units is entirely at the risk of the user, without recourse to MSA. Furthermore, such modification or refurbishment efforts of recalled products violate federal consumer product safety laws and place the refurbishment companies at risk of possible severe civil and criminal monetary sanctions.
As such, we will not return any Redpoint Descenders that have already been sent back to MSA. Returned units are destroyed shortly after receipt to ensure that they can not be put back into use.
If you have any questions regarding the above, or need any additional information, please contact our customer service center in North America at 1- 866-672-0005 or your nearest MSA affiliate.
