A Redpoint descender

A Redpoint descender

The makers of a belay device used on many climbing walls and towers have decided to stop making the model after problems were found with its operation.

A notice to stop using the Redpoint and Auto-Belay devices was issued in October; now, manufacturers MSA say they will no longer make the descenders, which allowed climbers to use walls without being protected by a belayer operating a rope from the ground. The company says it is withdrawing from the recreational market.

The firm has emphasised that existing devices should not be used.

In a statement the company, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, said: “MSA did not make this decision lightly, and we regret any inconvenience this action may cause. As you are aware, there are alternative belay systems available from other manufacturers.

“While we regret having to take this action, the overriding need to ensure the safety of all those using our product on recreational climbing walls is our highest priority.”

The company said it has emailed and mailed to all Redpoint and affected Auto-Belay purchasers that MSA has on record.

The statement continued: “With this action, MSA is effectively exiting the recreational market for climbing wall auto-belay systems. MSA will, however, continue to focus on and serve the industrial fall-protection market, as we have done since 1930. In short, MSA is committed to the industrial fall protection market and will continue to serve our customers there with the most dependable industrial fall protection systems available today.

“We are developing a reimbursement program for eligible Redpoint and Auto-Belay descenders. Our program plans are currently being reviewed by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Following the CPSC review, we plan to issue a recall notice to owners and distributors of the affected products, including instructions for the return of units.”

The affected devices are: all Redpoint Descenders regardless of the date the unit was manufactured or last serviced, and Auto-Belay descenders manufactured or last serviced on or after 30 June 2000.

Users in the UK should contact importers Entre Prises (UK).

The makers of a belay device used on many climbing walls and towers have decided to stop making the model after problems were found with its operation.

A notice to stop using the Redpoint and Auto-Belay devices was issued in October; now, manufacturers MSA say they will no longer make the descenders, which allowed climbers to use walls without being protected by a belayer operating a rope from the ground. The company says it is withdrawing from the recreational market.

The firm has emphasised that existing devices should not be used.

In a statement the company, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, said: “MSA did not make this decision lightly, and we regret any inconvenience this action may cause. As you are aware, there are alternative belay systems available from other manufacturers.

“While we regret having to take this action, the overriding need to ensure the safety of all those using our product on recreational climbing walls is our highest priority.”

The company said it has emailed and mailed to all Redpoint and affected Auto-Belay purchasers that MSA has on record.

The statement continued: “With this action, MSA is effectively exiting the recreational market for climbing wall auto-belay systems. MSA will, however, continue to focus on and serve the industrial fall-protection market, as we have done since 1930. In short, MSA is committed to the industrial fall protection market and will continue to serve our customers there with the most dependable industrial fall protection systems available today.

“We are developing a reimbursement program for eligible Redpoint and Auto-Belay descenders. Our program plans are currently being reviewed by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Following the CPSC review, we plan to issue a recall notice to owners and distributors of the affected products, including instructions for the return of units.”

The affected devices are: all Redpoint Descenders regardless of the date the unit was manufactured or last serviced, and Auto-Belay descenders manufactured or last serviced on or after 30 June 2000.

Users in the UK should contact importers Entre Prises (UK). http://www.ep-uk.com/