16 August 2012
WE KINDLY ASK YOU TO TAKE NOTE OF THE WHOLE ANNOUNCEMENT.
Important announcement relevant to the Via Ferrata Sets WITH ROPE FRICTION TECHNOLOGY.
Following some comprehensive tests carried out on used or aged rope friction based Via Ferrata Sets, several manufacturers and organizations operating in the alpine sport industry found out that the systems with rope friction technology can present a malfunctioning in case of fall.
The tests showed that, in case of fall, the impact force can increase and the tensile strength of the lanyards can be reduced in such a way that it could result in a complete rupture of the set. The consequences could result in severe injury or even death. The level of risk depends on the specific model. Therefore, each rope friction based Via Ferrata set owner should consult the information provided by the manufacturer of the set.
Making reference to what written above, Climbing Technology has proved to be very sensitive concerning the safety of the users that utilize its products. We have realized a market research for both rental sets and sets used by private users, in order to have some reference samples that could match as much as possible the issues to be verified. We have carried out the tests on the rope friction based Via Ferrata sets, according to the procedures forecast by the reference norms, using several new and old Via Ferrata Sets. During the implementation of the tests, an increase in the values of the dynamic arrest and a decrease in the slippage of the shock absorbing system has been verified, but none of these values endangers the resistance of the system as a whole. Climbing Technology announces that the results of the performed tests confirm that the below listed Via Ferrata Sets with rope friction technology, are still efficient during the use and they allow a safe utilization. Therefore, they can be employed freely, provided that the notices indicated in the user’s instructions, such as the frequency of use, the maximal lifespan of the product and its maintenance, are duly respected. We would like to remind you that the requirements of the norms make reference exclusively to the new products. Actually, all the climbing equipment undergo reductions in the performance and in the resistance, which are related to the utilization and the ageing of the products themselves (as you can see in the below listed table).
| Manufacturing Date (year) | Type of use | Maximal lifespan |
| Starting from year 2008 (included). | No use with optimal storage | 5 years |
| Occasional use | 3 years | |
| Normal use | 12 months | |
| Intensive use | 6 months | |
| Before year 2008. | Attention! The owners of the set must immediately stop its use, because the lifespan is over! | |
PRECAUTIONARY RECALL – AUGUST 2012
As a precautionary measure, Climbing Technology is recalling the following Via Ferrata Sets:
| This precautionary recall follows similar actions that have been undertaken by leading European manufacturers concerning Via Ferrata Sets produced with the same materials. Following some defects in the functioning, it has been assumed that an intensive use of the device might lead to stress situations, with a subsequent reduction in the mechanical characteristics of the elastic arms. This reduction could affect the compliance with the safety standards that govern the product and therefore could make it unsuitable for use. |
The owners of the mentioned Via Ferrata Sets should take the following steps:
- Do not use the product.
- Return the set to Climbing Technology by Aludesign S.p.A. according to the instructions below. We will return the product to you as soon as possible.
| Address for the return | Further information |
| Climbing Technology by ALUDESIGN SPA Via Torchio 22 24034 Cisano Bergamasco (BG) Italy Telephone: +39 035 783595
E-mail: recall@aludesign.it
Please contact us for arranging the shipment at our charge. |
Kindly clearly indicate on the package your data: – name and surname; – address; – e-mail; – telephone number. |
Climbing Technology guarantees the safety and quality of their products. Your safety is our first concern. We are sorry for the inconvenience.
ATTENTION!
THE FOLLOWING VIA FERRATA SETS MODELS ARE NOT AFFECTED BY ANY RECALL AND THEREFORE THEY CAN BE USED, ALWAYS COMPLYING WITH WHAT INDICATED IN THE USER’S INSTRUCTIONS.
