3M Fall Protection has identified a potential manufacturing issue with a limited number of 3M Protecta® Rebel Self-Retracting Lifelines (with galvanized or stainless-steel lifelines)produced between October 14, 2019 and February 25, 2020. There have been no reports of
injuries or accidents associated with this issue. This manufacturing issue could result in the SRL not engaging properly but can be easily detected through the pre-use inspection asspecified in the Protecta® Rebel Instruction for Use (IFU) document.
The Portable Fall Arrest Trailer System combines the simplicity of a horizontal rail and trolley system with a portable structure to provide reliable fall protection where it's needed, when it's needed. The trailer-mounted system can be easily transported on the job site. The unit is self-contained and does not require a special vehicle to transport it.
Upon investigation of WORKMAN MINI PFL units, MSA determined that the fall clearance required for units exhibiting this condition may be greater than the fall clearance specified in MSA instruction manuals. As a result, we recommend that an enhanced pre-use inspection be performed as outlined in this notice. Included in this inspection recommendation are the WORKMAN MINI PFL and V-EDGE WEB 8ft/2.4m PFL. See Appendix A for a part number list.
Personal Energy Absorber & Lanyard CSA standard change
Jobs change. Technology improves. Equipment evolves.
All of these developments lead to changes in standards.
The CSA Group, one of the largest standards development organizations in North America and a leader in safety certification in Canada and the US, released updated standards in 2017 for personal energy absorbers and lanyards. Standard Z259.11-17 still focuses on industrial and commercial products for fall arrest, but has revisions from the previous version, published in 2005.
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED
3M Fall Protection is pleased to announce it has resolved the partial deployment of the energy absorber that led to the immediate stop use and recall of the 3M DBI-SALA® Twin-Leg Nano-Lok edge SRL issued in July 2019. A robust solution has been identified, tested and certified to the CSA standard Z259.2.2-98. With this solution, the energy absorber of these units will deploy properly under all circumstances of use for which these products are intended. The affected units can now be repaired and safely returned to service.
7/8" 6.5t shackles with PIC 5VJ, remove from service
PLEASE CAREFULLY REVIEW AND ACT UPON THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED
THE CROSBY GROUP has determined the above listed shackles may have a condition that can reduce the ultimate load capacity from the published catalog values. The shackle bow may have a previously undetected defect, and continued use may result in loss of load, property damage, severe injury, or death.
By use of the Production Identification Code (PIC) symbols appearing on the product, we have determined the 7/8" 6.5t shackles with PIC 5VJ shown on the bow may have this condition. See below image showing the position of the PIC on the bow. No other sizes or PICs are part of this Important Safety Notice.
3M Global versions of Twin Nano-Lok edge and Wrap Back models
3M Fall Protection announces an immediate stop use and product recall of the 3Mf™ DBI-SALAf™ Nano-Lokf™ edge and Wrap Back Twin-Leg Self Retracting Lifelines. The twin-leg Nano-Lok edge is part of a personal fall protection system and connects two self-retracting lifelines/devices (SRL's/SRD's) directly under the dorsal d-ring of a worker's harness. It is intended to be anchored at foot-level, and is designed for sharp edge applications. The twin-leg Wrap Back Nano-Lok is intended for wrapping around an anchor and incorporates a similar energy absorber. 3M has determined that in the event of a fall and under certain conditions, the energy absorber may not properly deploy which could expose the worker to serious injury or death. Although there have been no reports of accidents or injuries associated with this issue, these products must be removed from service immediately.
To address this situation in the interests of worker safety, 3M is launching a global stop use of the Nano-Lok edge and Wrap Back Twin-Leg SRL units and is recalling all these units to be repaired or replaced as soon as a solution is identified, tested and certified. In the interim, and until a repair or replacement is available, end-users may elect to receive cash for their returned units as described below. This stop use and recall affects all versions of the Nano-Lok edge and Wrap Back Twin-Leg SRL's since first introduced in 2013.
Users/Owners: Immediately stop using your Nano-Lok edge and Wrap Back Twin-Leg SRL and take these units out of service. Next, go to www. NanoLokEdgeRecall.com and follow the instructions on how to return your unit. As soon as a product solution is available, 3M will either repair or replace your unit and return it to you at 3M's expense. Alternatively, and until a product solution is available, you can elect to receive cash in the amount of $200 USD when you return your unit. As an interim solution for applications requiring 100% continuous connection in leading edge applications with sufficient fall clearance, 3M recommends the DBI-SALA EZ-Stop Leading Edge 100% Tie-Off Cable Shock Absorbing Lanyard. You can also contact 3M Customer Service at 1-833-998-2243 or 3mcafpserviceaction@mmm.com for additional recall information.
Distributors: Please contact our Customer Service department at 1-833-998-2243or email us at 3mcafpserviceaction@mmm.com to obtain a listing of all Nano-Lok edge and Wrap Back Twin-Leg SRL's sold to you. If you have any of these units in stock, please return them to 3M Fall Protection for credit at 3M's expense. Please immediately forward this Notice to any of your customers/users who have purchased Nano-Lok edge and Wrap Back Twin-Leg SRL's from you with an urgent request that they read and comply with this Notice.
3M remains committed to providing quality products and services to our customers. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience that this situation may cause to you or your customers. We appreciate your continued support of 3M Fall Protection products and services.
3M Fall Protection
3M DBI-SALA 16 Foot Talon SRL RECALL
Stop Use & Recall Field Service Action
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED
3M DBI-SALA ® 16 Foot Talon Self Retracting Lifeline
Only Affects Lot Codes 12092430 through 18062730
Dear 3M Fall Protection Distributor:
3M Fall Protection has detected a small quantity of DBI-SALA ® 16 Ft. Talon™ Self Retracting Lifelines that are defective due to an assembly error. There have been no reports of fall-related injuries associated with this condition. However, this assembly error would result in the unit not arresting a fall, which could result in serious injury or death. To remedy this situation, 3M Fall Protection is launching a global Stop Use & Recall Field Service Action to inspect, and repair or replace all 16 ft. Talon Self-Retracting Lifelines with lot codes 12092430 through 18062730 at no cost to all end users.
Please refer to the Stop Use & Recall Field Service Action Notice. The Notice provides instructions for end users and contact information if they have any questions or concerns. We ask that you immediately mail, fax or email the attached Notice directly to your customers who have purchased this product, and undertake any other efforts that you believe could help to put this information in the hands of customers or end users.
Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation in reaching your customers with this information.
Please email any questions you have to 3MCAFPServiceAction@mmm.com.
Few industries require more fall protection equipment than the oil and gas industry. In North America, between 2003 and 2013, more than 1,100 workers in the oil and gas sector were killed in workplace accidents, which is an average of more than a hundred deaths a year.
The work accomplished on an oil rig is considered one of the most at risk in the industry. The workers put in long hours and perform dangerous tasks in harsh environments. Regularly, the workers must climb a derrick ladder to access different areas of the rig. Consequently, many workers climb up to altitudes that are often 100 feet high, numerous times a day. The ladder may be greasy, icy or extremely narrow, which can lead to a fall. Ladders are often offset, forcing workers to switch from one fixed ladder to another. This transition may pose challenges to fall protection systems as workers must be protected the entire time.
Two workers are conducting maintenance on a bridge when one loses his footing and falls. His fall protection gear kicks in and arrests his fall almost as soon as it starts. His life has been saved - but he's not out of harm's way yet.
This worker is still suspended in his fall protection harness, waiting for help. He's at risk for serious health issues, loss of consciousness, and even death.
You've chosen the right safety harness, completed the proper training, and you have a fall protection plan in place. But what happens after the fall? Do you have a rescue plan in place to promptly retrieve a worker who has become suspended in their system?
Why a rescue plan is important
What many people often fail to recognize is that fall protection also includes descent and rescue. When a worker falls and is suspended in their harness, oftentimes calling 911 won't result in the most time-efficient rescue.
The reality is that rescue services are often a secondary aspect for most fire departments. When a fire department arrives at the scene for a rescue, they will need to spend time assessing the site and its hazards, which can result in precious time passing before the rescue actually takes place.
This is why it is beneficial to have a rescue plan in place and to have workers trained on the proper use of on-site rescue equipment in order to conduct their own timely rescues.
From roofers to construction workers; from window washers to electricians. Millions of workers put their lives on the line every day by working at height.
Falls from height remain one of today's biggest workplace hazards. Often, a worker's only line of defense is their fall protection equipment, which commonly includes a self-retracting lanyard (SRL). When your life is on the line, you need to know that your SRL will do its job. Part of your job is knowing how and when to properly inspect it.
A van pulls up to the jobsite and a service worker gets out, ready to tackle the case of the malfunctioning street light. He prepares his bucket truck and pulls out his fall harness. It's old and ratty - probably not much help. So, he leaves it inside the truck and climbs into the bucket. He has to get the job done.
By failing to wear a safety harness, this lone worker put himself at serious risk for injury or death. OSHA regulation 1910.67 mandates that workers in buckets must wear fall protection equipment, with the lanyard connected to an anchor point on the boom or bucket. Failing to do so can have serious consequences. Mechanical failures can result in buckets flipping or separating from the boom, causing workers to fall. There have also been incidents of line trucks being struck by passing vehicles, launching the worker out of the bucket
Gravisys Inc. technicians are certified by the manufacturer to conduct repairs and recertification. This is able to be conducted at the Gravisys office and onsite at the clients facility.
Contract Gravisys for more information.
DBI-SALA Lad-Saf™ Sleeve Notice
Please see the attached DBI-SALA™ Lad-Saf Sleeve recall/replacement notice The incidents reported were due to misuse of the traveller and not defects in the sleeve design itself. With the Stop Use/Quarantine notice, and no immediate replacement X2 or X3 sleeves available, this could potentially put many operations out of service, causing site delays and standby costs.
In order to avoid potential operations downtime and additional delays, you can contact 3M™ Customer Services at 1-800-387-7484, ext 2012, for additional information on the safe use the affected sleeves until replacements can be made available.