ReMOD - NOT Recall
The Cresto statement is translated from Swedish, and confuses rather than clarifies. However, it is responsible to notify potential users of a POTENTIAL problem.
To clarify, the THREAD used on the stitching of the sliding bridge, has been found to be of the wrong type, with a rating of only 500kg. Maybe someone was having a bad day on the shop floor, and replaced the thread with the wrong type - I don't know. As we all know, as tree climbers we have never made a mistake that resulted in endangering ourselves or another, so we can only muse as to how this could've possibly happened.
The quality control of the manufacturer has enabled the traceability of all POTENTIALLY affected products to be quickly identified, and purchasers notified. This did not require a general recall notice, but involves a change of use whilst waiting for the forwarding of a replaceable component.
So, to clarify TREEFLEX IS NOT RECALLED, but the sliding bridge must not be used until a replacement is received.
TreeFlex, therefore, is still safe to use by attaching to the Blue attachment point, until the replacement bridge arrives. A 22kN Maillon can be properly fixed there to accomodate more karabiners, if required. I appreciate that this may be slightly inconvenient, but at least the harness does not need to be recalled, and you can still earn from its use.
Please find attached the press release from STL for additional clarification.
RE: comments on certification - TreeFlex has passed stringent drop tests to conform to EN 813 and 358, and is also prepared for EN361 Fall arrest. We expect that when TFX is sold in the states, it will meet ANSI standards also.
The harnesses that were used for testing, obviously had the correct thread. Each harness cannot be drop tested before it goes out of course!!!
To re-cap:
TREEFLEX DOES NOT HAVE A DESIGN FLAW, BUT A MANUFACTURING ERROR ON ONE OF ITS COMPONENTS - THE THREAD ON THE SLIDING BRIDGE.
TREEFLEX IS NOT RECALLED - IT IS ONLY TO BE USED BY THE BLUE (FIXED WAIST) ATTACHMENT POINT, AND HIP D RINGS, AS APPROPRIATE, UNTIL THE REPLACEMENT BRIDGE IS ATTACHED SECURELY.
A REPLACEMENT BRIDGE IS ON ITS WAY TO ALL THOSE PURCHASERS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED.
ALL TreeFlex owners are to receive a new bridge, from Safety Technology Ltd, regardless of whether or not they have been affected. Just one of the benefits of a modular design. If anyone requires help in its application, or has any concerns, please contact myself or STL, and we will be delighted to be of assistance:
http://www.treemettlenexus.com/contact.html
http://www.safetytechnology.co.uk/contact.php
We apologise for any inconvenience.
Kind Regards
Paolo.
