March 17th 2014:
This information is aimed specifically at those organizations
that use the Petzl CROLL ascender intensively for
commercial operations.
- Facts:
Two different customers have informed us recently of the failure of the
rivet head on two Petzl CROLL rope clamps. Neither failure led to an
accident. These two CROLL rope clamps were used on offshore platforms
in the North Sea. There was no sign of specific wear or damage on either
CROLL before thesefailures occurred.
- Perspective:
Over hundreds of thousands of Petzl CROLL have been produced in the
last 20 years, with hundreds of thousands of hours of use recorded and
tens of thousands of kilometers travelled on ropes. Over this time,Petzl
has not had a failure of this type reported before.
- Immediate Petzl actions:
Our technical team is urgently working on this matter, and Petzl is
committed to carrying out an in-depth investigation to understand
the exact causes of these two failures.
- Our initial analysis has concluded that:
- these two CROLL are genuine Petzl products
- these two CROLL were produced in August 2012
- the rivet materials and dimensions comply fully with our
requirements
Numerous trials and tests are being undertaken in the Petzl test
laboratory to replicate the service conditionsand attempt to produce
a reoccurrence of this failure. To date,it has not been possible to
replicate the failure observed.
- Petzl recommendations:
The occurrence of this in-service failure is exceptionally low (two
in hundreds of thousands).
As a matter of user confidence:
- Petzl reminds you that when connected to a rope device,
the user must have a back-up device or aconnection to
- a second rope clamp (secondary means of support).
- Petzl recommends that users visually inspect their CROLL B16 &
B16AAA to check that the rivet head is not missing.
Note that the new smaller CROLL and other Petzl rope clamps are
not concerned by this information. Only the old CROLL B16 &
B16AAA are concerned.
- Future actions:
- Petzl is continuing to investigate the cause of these exceptional
occurrences.
- Petzl will communicate the results of these investigations, including
any potential corrective actions, as soon as they are concluded.
When: April 18th at the latest Petzl requests that this information be made
available to all those who work with, maintain and inspect Petzl CROLL
rope clamps; and strongly recommends that the recommendations listed
be put
into effect.
- FAQ
Does this affect all the old CROLLs produced?
To date, we do not have enough information to answer this question. The
known facts today show us that the old CROLL B16 & B16AAA produced in 2012
maybe the only rope clamps concerned.
Does this affect the new smaller CROLL B16BAA?
No, only the old CROLL B16 & B16AAA are concerned.
Does this notice affect other similar items, such as the ASCENSION
or PANTIN?
No, only the old CROLL B16& B16AAA are concerned.
I use my CROLL in a non-marine environment; do I need to carry
out the check?
Even if the two incidents did appear on offshore platforms in the North Sea,
as a measure of precaution,we advise that you carry out this check.
How do I check the rivet head?
Simply visually check that the rivet head is still in place.
If the rivet head is intact, can I continue to use my CROLL?
Yes, but follow Petzl recommendations.
What should I do if the rivet head on my CROLL is missing or
damaged?
In this case, your product must be immediately retired, and you must
contact your local distributor/agent.
If the rivet head were to fail during use, what is the likely
outcome?
If you are under tension, nothing will happen, but as soon as the
tension is released, you may lose the rivet and your CROLL will
not lock any more.
Have there been any reported accidents/injuries?
No accidents have been reported to us.
When does Petzl expect to have more information?
April18th at the latest.
For more information, please contact the Petzl distributor
in your country.