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Safety warning: Petzl Asap Lock (2016)

Op 30 maart 2016 ontdekte een eindgebruiker scheuren in de roestvrijstalen armen bij drie verschillende Petzl Asap Locks. Meer informatie hierover vindt u in deze blog.

Introduction

On March 30, 2016, during routine equipment inspections, one customer detected cracks on the stainless steel arms on three ASAP LOCK units. In light of this information, a complete inspection of Petzl ASAP LOCK inventory was conducted and no cracked ASAP LOCK arms or Side plates were found.

Context

Mechanical tests conducted by Petzl on the ASAP LOCK with intentionally cut arms and Side plates showed that a crack presents no additional risk to the user.

The first investigation concluded that the cracks could be 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. Based on these observations, Petzl has implemented technical modifications in the manufacturing process to eliminate the possibility of this phenomenon.

These results were publically published on April 18, 2016 (click on the download on the top of the page). Since April 18, 2016, there have been a very small number of additional reports of cracks on the clevis arm and of a crack on the stainless steel side plate of the wheel.
 


To date (6th of October 2016), the global returns rate for this phenomenon is very low. The returns rate for normal environments is close to Zero (0.001%), but is higher (0,3%) in corrosive environments (i.e.: offshore).

Risk to users

Following the return of some cracked ASAP LOCK units, further EN 12841 static and dynamic tests were carried out.

These additional tests have shown that a cracked ASAP LOCK arm or locking wheel side plates presents no immediate risk to the user providing the device is used as described in the product technical instructions.

Reminder: the ASAP LOCK must always be used with an ASAP’SORBER or ABSORBICA (L57) shock absorbing lanyards.

A metallurgic analysis has been conducted on returned cracked ASAP LOCK units. This analysis confirms our earlier investigation hypothesis 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.

We have also concluded that a corrosive environment is playing a part in exacerbating the appearance of cracks in stainless steel which is too rigid.

Actions

Petzl confirms technical modifications implemented in the manufacturing process to the Clevis Arm and Wheel side plates eliminate the possibility of this phenomenon occurring in the future (see April 18, 2016, click on the download on the top of the page).

If you encounter this problem:

  • In the unlikely event you find a cracked ASAP LOCK, immediately remove your device from service and contact the Petzl distributor in your country. They will advise you on the return and replacement procedure.
  • If this is not possible (e.g. remote work location), you can finish your day’s work and then retire the device and return it for replacement, as the testing has shown there is no immediate risk to the user.
  • The warranty for this defect has been extended to 10 years.

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.

Original article

This information is provided by Petzl, click here for the full article.