INSPECTION NOTICE – LADSAF X2 & X3

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED

3M Fall Protection (formerly Capital Safety) has identified a limited numbers of Lad-Saf X2/X3 sleeves with the locking lever not working properly.  This condition can allow the sleeve to disengage from the cable during use. The assembly error is believed to affect only a limited number of units and has been corrected. There have been no accidents or injuries related to this issue.

This Notice only applies to the X2 (#6160030, 6160037, 6160047) & X3 (#6160054) versions of the sleeve. These sleeves are sold individually or as part of a system.  

Please forward the attached Inspection Notice to any of your customers who purchased X2 or X3 Lad-Saf sleeves or systems from you.  The inspection is the same as a pre-use inspection.  INSPECTION NOTICE

For further information on the operation and use of the Lad-Saf X2 & X3 sleeves, see video at https://youtu.be/IjknN2vkE2w

Total Access (UK) Ltd. will be contacting this week each of their customers directly whom have been supplied these units.

On Monday 15^th August 2016, Total Access (UK) Ltd. were advised by Skylotec GmbH of the following Product Safety Alert Notice, with the attached product safety inspection request.

Total Access (UK) Ltd. has already communicated this safety alert notice to all those whom have purchased directly from Total Access (UK) Ltd.

If users require additional information or clarification, then please do not hesitate to contact Total Access (UK) Ltd,  Skylotec GmbH, or your supplier.  

The latest manufacturer’s information is available from the Skylotec GmbH website; see links below:

https://www.skylotec.com            

 https://www.skylotec.com/uk_en/2016/08/sicherheitsueberpruefung-peanut-i-und-y-2/

Safety Check PEANUT I and Y

We have become aware of a potential error in the manufacturing process of our products PEANUT I and PEANUT Y. For your own safety, we ask you to please check all the products in your possession. We want to avoid the use of a faulty product in all instances, as this could potentially result in severe damage/s.

Products that need to be checked:

PEANUT I Art. No.:  HSG-021-…  HSG-AUS-021-…	PEANUT Y Art. No.: HSG-022-… HSG-AUS-022-…

All carabiner versions (not only those models depicted here) may be affected. Please note that PEANUT products are also components of configured sets.

In the case of any uncertainties or questions, we are happy to assist you in determining whether your product is affected or not. Please do not hesitate to contact us at: sicherheit@skylotec.de

Should you discover that you have an incorrect / faulty or doubtful product, please contact us immediately for assistance.We regret that such a safety check is necessary and apologize sincerely for any inconvenience it may cause you. We thank you for your understanding on the matter.

It is our desire to eliminate all potential problems before they arise and always make the best decisions with regards to the safety of our users, thus, SKYLOTEC assures that all possible precautionary measures are being carried out in order to eliminate this kind of default from re-occurring in the future.

Safety Check Peanut Instructions

Instructions for checking:

1. Please check the connecting piece between the black plastic housing and the shock- absorbing element (see figure 1). Verify that the pin and the shackle are properly riveted (see figure 2).The riveting has to end evenly on both sides.

2. Take the device near the connecting piece, jolt and turn the device in both directions (see figures 3a and 3b). The rivet must not loosen.

3. Push the rivet from both sides with a stable object (e.g. screwdriver)

(see figures 4a and 4b). By doing that, the rivet should not move. If the rivet moves or if it is not properly connected to the shackle (see figures 5a and 5b), the product must not be used.

4. For good measure, compare the riveting with the figures 6a and 6b

….. See full instructions for figures and more information

Alert: Petzl ASPIR harnesses modified by malicious third parties are being sold online. They pose a mortal danger to users.

The facts

On April 6, 2016, Petzl was warned by authorities that modified Petzl ASPIR (C24) harnesses were being sold on eBay. These new or slightly used harnesses were modified by irresponsible third parties after reaching the market a first time. Modified products were seized, an immediate stop to the eBay sales was requested, and legal proceedings were initiated.

Warning: Risk of Death!

The waistbelt or leg loop security straps on the modified ASPIR harnesses have been cut, then stitched back together (see photos below).

Stitching on modified ASPIR (C24) harness. This stitching is not present on original ASPIR harnesses.

These technical modifications greatly affect harness strength, rendering the harnesses non-compliant with our internal requirements and with regulatory requirements. Tests carried out on the seized harnesses showed that the added stitching can break under the slightest impact; breaking occurred at 2 kN (200 kg), instead of the required 15 kN (1500 kg).

Modified ASPIR harnesses pose a serious risk of death to users. They must be destroyed.

Do you own an ASPIR harness?

1. The harness was purchased from a dealer belonging to Petzl’s official distribution network. You are in possession of an original Petzl ASPIR harness; it is compliant.
2. The harness was not purchased from Petzl’s official retail network but from marketplaces such as eBay:
   – check for any additional stitching by inspecting the entire length of the waistbelt and leg loop straps (see photos); if you have the slightest doubt, send us a photo for further guidance (aftersales@petzl.com) or contact your local Petzl dealer.
   – if the additional stitching is present, stop using the harness immediately, destroy it, and inform Petzl of the destruction (aftersales@petzl.com).

How to be sure you’re purchasing an original Petzl product?

Petzl-brand products are only sold through our official distribution and approved retail network. By buying your products from this network, you’re getting the guarantee of purchasing an original Petzl product.

Modifying protective security products is prohibited.

The irresponsible modifications made to these harnesses are shocking and put users’ lives in danger. For this reason, it is imperative that we warn our clients and our community about these reckless acts. Please pass this information on to those around you. 

To find the distributor and dealers in your country, go to our dealers section.

All Petzl Equipment sold by Total Access (UK) Ltd. is purchased via the Approved Petzl Distribution Network, & is fully traceable.

If any customer requires any additional information, or has any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

April 18 2016

Petzl immediate actions

• We have inspected our inventory and have not found cracked ASAP LOCK arms. 
• We have audited the ASAP LOCK production plant. The quality inspectors who inspect each individual ASAP LOCK before packaging have never seen this issue. 
• We have begun a technical investigation to determine the cause of this exceptional event.

Risk assessment for the users

Extreme tests:

• We have intentionally cut both stainless arms at each rivet, to simulate potential cracks. 

ASAP LOCK before test with multiple cuts to simulate cracks

• We performed the EN12841 test with a Petzl PARALLEL 10.5 mm rope and Petzl ASAP’SORBER.
• We performed a static tensile test with a Petzl PARALLEL 10.5 mm rope. 

Dynamic Tests results: 

• The fall was arrested and the mass was not released.
• The ASAP’SORBER was deployed. 
• No deformation of the cuts due to the dynamic test 

ASAP LOCK prototype after dynamic test

Static tensile test results:

• Rupture of the rope sheath at 7.2 KN 
• Visually apparent opening of one cut but without rupture of the component or release of the load. 

Conclusions:

• As described in the instruction for use, Petzl ASAP LOCK must be used with the ASAP’SORBER or the ABSORBICA L57. These two shock absorbers limit the dynamic forces to 5KN.  
• In the worst case scenario, a cracked ASAP LOCK arm presents no additional risk to the user. 
• However, the presence of such cracks in the arm requires immediate retirement of the ASAP LOCK. 

Investigation of the causes of these cracks

• This first investigation is only based on the pictures and email we received. A complementary investigation will be conducted as soon as the three cracked ASAP LOCK are returned to Petzl. 
• Because all cracks of the three defective ASAP LOCK are located around a rivet, our working hypothesis is that the cracks are the result of a combination of the riveting parameters that create a potential residual tensile stress in the stainless steel, and the heat treatment that results in this part being too rigid. In that case, the cracks will initiate always in the smaller section, and will appear over time. The gradual appearance of these cracks makes them undetectable during Petzl’s final quality inspection. 
• Only a very small number of units may be affected by this phenomenon. Today, only these three ASAP LOCK have been reported to us with cracks on the stainless steel arms.

Petzl corrective actions

As an immediate measure of precaution, technical modifications will be implemented on the manufacturing process of the ASAP LOCK:

• Adjustment of the riveting parameters to eliminate potential residual tensile stress in the stainless steel parts. 
• Adjustment of the heat treatment parameters of the stainless steel parts to reduce rigidity of the material.

Petzl Recommendations for ASAP LOCK in service

• Regularly inspect your ASAP LOCK in accordance with the ASAP LOCK PPE checking procedure
• A cracked arm presents no additional immediate risk to the user. However, as with any PPE, the presence of such a crack requires an immediate retirement of the product 
• In the unlikely event you find a cracked arm, retire your ASAP LOCK immediately and contact your local distributor for a replacement under warranty.
• ASAP (B71 AAA) is not concerned by these recommendations. 

Future actions

• As soon as we receive the products in question, we will send them out for metallurgic analysis, in order to confirm the investigation hypothesis. We will also perform dynamic tests on the ASAP LOCK. This complementary analysis may initiate other corrective actions.
• Petzl continues to investigate the potential causes of these cracks, and will communicate its findings as soon as possible.

Petzl is committed to continuously improve its products to serve the communities with high quality tools and continue to earn the trust of its customers. We are sorry for any inconvenience that this issue may create. We commit to do our best to solve quickly this problem. 

Courtesy Safety Notice Regarding AustriAlpin COBRA Buckles.

AustriAlpin Vertriebs GmbH recently posted the attached Courtesy Safety Notice (dated 14^th January 2016) regarding AustriAlpin COBRA buckles & how these buckles can be checked.

In an extremely small quantity (0.0000005 % = 1 buckle out of 2 million), a mistake occurred at the rivets.

This notice can also be viewed via the manufacturer’s website page located at:

http://downloads.austrialpin.at/Safety_notice_2016_EN.pdf

The buckle manufacturer requests that all their clients and end users of COBRA® buckles to do a visual check, as detailed in the attached Courtesy Safety Notice.

The AustriAlpin COBRA buckles have been on the market for approximately 10years, & used by a variety of harness / PPE manufacturers for a number of equipment models.

AustriAlpin COBRA buckles are also used on The Total Access (UK) Ltd. JAG10 Adjustable Woodpole Anchorage Strop (Product ID 6183), manufactured on or after 23^rd July 2013 (picture also attached).

Some of the Harness / PPE manufacturers that use / have used AustriAlpin COBRA buckles include, but are not limited to:

• Cresto; Checkmate; Edelrid; Honeywell Safety Products; P & P Safety; SAR Products; Singing Rock; Skylotec.

Some of the Harness / PPE manufacturers that DO NOT use AustriAlpin COBRA buckles include, but are not limited to:

• Capital Safety Group (Sala & Protecta brands); IKAR GB; Mammut; Mittelmann; Petzl; RidgeGear; Spanset; Tractel.

 Owners / Users of PPE containing AustriAlpin COBRA buckles, please read the attached notice:

• If any affected buckle is found, please contact the company that supplied you with that item of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on which the AustriAlpin COBRA buckle is located.

Total Access (UK) Ltd. apologies for any inconvenience that this may cause.

For more information click here

/upload/managerFile/Legal Docs/Safety notice 2016 EN.pdf

The emerging findings from the HSE investigations indicate that the operational stability of a Genie Z135/70 MEWP may be compromised by the incorrect measurement of the boom angle sensors.

Background:

In order to prevent the Z135/70 model machine operating outside its stability limits, the onboard control system monitors the elevation of the secondary boom to prevent it from telescoping outwards until its elevation is sufficient, as required by the manufacturer (greater than or equal to 75.5°).

The MEWP’s onboard control system relies on the correct setting of the elevation of each boom to maintain the effective operational stability of the machine.

Genie, the manufacturer issued a Safety Notice on 29th July 2013, which required the immediate removal of all Z135/70 MEWP’s from service until the listed inspections therein had been performed.

Action required:

The manufacturer’s safety notice should be followed. Any machines for which the required calibration checks have not been completed should be removed from service. Following the completion of checks, the machines should continue to be inspected, serviced and maintained as per the manufacturer’s requirements.

Work regarding the manufacturer’s safety notice should only be carried out in accordance with the recommendations in the machine service manual i.e. on firm level ground, with suitable environmental conditions etc.

Prior to any functional checks being undertaken by an operator using the platform controls, as part of the manufacturer’s listed inspections, calibration of the angle sensors should be confirmed from ground level using an inclinometer. The use of test weights might also be appropriate.

Relevant legal provisions:

• Sections 2 & 3 of Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
• Regulations 5, 6 & 20 of Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

References:

Genie Safety Bulletin 130005 dated 29th July 2013 ^[6]

Further information:

Terex Genie website ^[7]

General note:

Please pass this information to a colleague who may have or use this equipment.

(source)

As part of PETZL’s continued commitment to the highest standards of quality and security PETZL have released additional technical information on the maintenance and inspection of their TRAC and TRAC PLUS pulleys. This information bulletin may be found on the dedicated PETZL Adventure Park web site. For convenience the document can be downloaded direct by clicking here  
 

P24 & P24 1    P24AUA    P4DUA        P24AUB          P24DUB

TRAC pulleys have been available for over 10 years and are used throughout the world. Their durability in their intended market is well established. This information bulletin is provided to increase user knowledge and highlight the need for effective inspection when products are used in increasingly extreme applications. It is not a safety notice.
 
This information bulletin is aimed specifically at those organisations that use the TRAC and/or TRAC PLUS pulleys intensively for commercial operations.
 
The information relates to field observations of unusual wear phenomena occurring on components. This wear appears to be linked to a combination of very intensive use, high frequency vibration from longer zip lines and elevated levels of corrosion from certain environments.
 
PETZL request that this information is made available to all those who work with, maintain and inspect TRAC and/or TRAC PLUS pulleys in these intensive environments; and would ask that users are encouraged to follow the recommendations listed.
 
As a distributor of Petzl products Total Access (UK) Ltd. has sold these products, and we wish to bring this information to your attention; and ask that you communicate it onwards to those you know who use such products.
 
For UK and Ireland customers who have any questions regarding this new information please e-mail sales@totalaccess.co.uk For users in other countries please contact the PETZL distributor in your country.

Yours sincerely
 

Total Access (UK) Ltd.

Unit 5

Raleigh Hall Industrial Estate

Eccleshall

Stafford

ST21 6JL

Tel: 01785 850333

This incident did not occur on an MPA member’s site; however this type of platform just might be hired in or purchased for use with a high level of recurrence and consequence. An overhead line team were working from a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) when the main boom (arm) of the device failed. This resulted in the platform dropping and twisting through 45 degrees. The operatives working from the platform were fully attached and no injuries were sustained. Emergency rescue procedures were utilised to allow the operatives to descend safely. The type of vehicle that the platform was mounted on is simply an example; investigations have shown that the failure was due to a manufacturing defect which has been found on similar MEWPs.

ACCIDENT / INCIDENT IMAGES

Click image to enlarge MEWP Failure Click image to enlarge Example

LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS TAKEN

We understand currently that a manufacturer’s recall has not been initiated. What action is required? Everyone: Look out for CMC MEWPs in your work environment. If you identify this type of MEWP on your site you must not use it and report it to your Supervisor. With any MEWP ensure that you carry out the correct checks before use. Make sure you have a plan which covers what to do in an emergency. Supervisors: Ensure your teams understand that this failure is not routine and we need to keep everyone safe. If you have hired a MEWP for your site ensure it is not manufactured by CMC. It is recommended that any CMC MEWP should be returned to the hire company If you own this type of platform contact CMC direct immediately for further advice http://www.cmclift.com/Categoria/AZIENDA.aspx

(source)

Following feedback from two rope access users in the last six months, we have decided to implement a minor improvement to the AVAO BOD CROLL rope access full body harness.

The AVAO BOD CROLL has a quick link connecting the CROLL to the ventral loop of the harness, and is currently assembled with its plastic gate facing towards the user. In very rare and particular conditions- when the harness isn’t loaded but the CROLL is in use, perhaps achievable whilst passing a parapet edge for example, there is a very small potential that the quick link could conflict with the CROLL as shown here.

In order to minimize this possibility even further, from now we have decided to assemble the quick link with the plastic gate facing away from the user, and will change the technical notices to reflect this. The TOP CROLL will also be included in this update. If you anticipate that you may face this particular condition with your existing AVAO BOD CROLL, then in order to minimize any potential equipment conflict, our advice is that you simply flip the quick link into the position shown in the image ‘AVAO BOD CROLL after 2013’ below. For information, the existing quick link orientation was made with the introduction of the AVAO BOD CROLL in order to reduce potential rope friction on the gate of the quick link, and to protect the plastic gate from damage or loss by placing it closer to the user. However, with the safety and efficient work of our customers always in mind, we decided to implement this change in production in order to minimize any potential equipment conflicts. As a reminder, an important part of your ‘Partner Check’ prior to each use is to ensure that all user’s harnesses are correctly adjusted and fitted. Correct harness adjustment can play a significant role in component compatibility.

AVAO BOD CROLL 2013                  AVAO BOD CROLL after 2013