In a press release , Petzl America Inc., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), announced the voluntary recall of a belay device because of an issue that can interfere with braking system, posing a serious fall hazard.
Around 18,000 GRIGRI 2 belay devices with assisted breaking are subject to this recall. These devices are used by rock climbers to control their safety rope while either being lowered using the rope or during a fall. The handle on these devices can, if affected with excessive force, become jammed in the open position. If the handle is stuck open, the assisted breaking function is disabled, posing a serious fall hazard to consumers using this device.
There have been no reported injuries in association with this recall; however, seven of the French-manufactured devices have been returned worldwide. One device in the US was returned after users observed the handle could become jammed in the open position. Two thousand belay devices were also recalled in Canada.
The devices affected by the recall are 4 inches long, 2 inches wide, and come in the colors gray, blue and orange. The first five digits of the serial numbers of the recalled devices range from 10326 to 11136. The serial number is engraved on the body of the belay device beneath the folded handle. The recalled devices were sold across the nation in sports and recreation stores from February 2011 to June 2011.
Consumers are being urged to immediately stop using the belay devices and to contact the company to arrange a replacement.
As a Spartanburg personal injury lawyer , I’ve seen similar recalls in the past and know how serious they can be. I hope that no one has been injured as a result of the handle interfering with the braking system on these devices; but if you have, I suggest consulting a personal injury lawyer in your area after first seeking medical attention.
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