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8/31/11 (AEIN) Utah-based Petzl America Inc. has recalled approximately 20,000 belay devices used by rock climbers in the U.S. and Canada. The recalled model GRIGRI 2 features assisted braking and appeared in stores during early-to-mid 2011, according to a joint recall issued by Health Canada and the Consumer Product Safety Commission on Tuesday.
The assisted braking feature of the GRIGRI 2 belay device fails when the handle undergoes excessive force and becomes stuck open. This could cause a rock climber to fall. Luckily, no injuries have been reported so far. The recall affects units bearing serial numbers that start with numbers from 10326 through 11136. The serial number is under the handle when the handle is folded.
Stores in North America sold the French-made product for approximately $95 U.S. dollars during February through June. It was available in multiple colors, including blue, orange and gray. Customers may reach Petzl America Inc. by calling the toll-free number 800-932-2978 on a weekday. Staff are available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mountain time. A replacement belay device will be supplied by the company.
The manufacturer of this product, Petzl SAS is headquartered in Crolles, France. Belay devices help rock climbers control the movement of the safety rope when traveling downward on the rope or falling. They are relatively small pieces of equipment; the GRIGRI 2 measures approximately two inches wide by four inches long.