In back-to-back announcements, 3M Fall Protection has announced an immediate stop use and product recall of the 3M™ DBI-SALA® Nano-Lok™ edge and Wrap Back Twin-Leg Self-Retracting Lifelines as well as incorrectly stamped 3M™ PROTECTA® Cobra Mobile/Manual Rope Grabs.
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 and owners are being requested to immediately stop using their 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 when you return your unit.
Rope grab has incorrect diameter sizes for allowable rope
3M has also determined that the 3M™ PROTECTA® Cobra Mobile/Manual Rope Grab AC202D is incorrectly stamped for use with 1/2 to 3/4 inch diameter rope on the exterior body of the unit.
This Cobra Rope Grab is certified for use only with 5/8 inch diameter polyester or polypropylene rope. All marketing information and the Instructions for Use (IFU) for this rope grab correctly identify the size of rope to be used as 5/8 inch polyester/polypropylene rope.
In the event of a fall from height, a Cobra Rope Grab used with 1/2 inch diameter rope may not arrest the fall and could result in serious injury or death to the worker.
To remedy this situation, 3M is launching a Stop Use & Product Recall to replace all AC202D and related Cobra Rope Grabs that are stamped 1/2″—3/4″ Dia.
Users and owners are requested to immediately stop using and inspect your Cobra Rope Grab as described above: Step 1: Verify the rope diameter is stamped 1/2″—3/4″ Dia on the front side of the unit. Step 2: Verify the rope grab is stamped PROTECTA COBRA on the front side of the unit. If the unit is stamped 5/8 inch diameter OR if the unit has a white label showing 5/8 inch diameter, then the unit is safe to return to normal use (see image on right for correct 5/8” diameter marking).
If the information in Step 1 and Step 2 is stamped onto the side of the rope grab as illustrated above, remove the unit from service immediately. Owners of AC202D Cobra Rope Grabs can choose one of the following options for each affected rope grab they own: 1. A free, new, properly marked replacement AC202D Cobra Rope Grab; or 2. A check for $100.
You can provide your contact information directly at www.AC202CobraRecall.com to arrange for the return and replacement of your rope grab at 3M’s expense, or for a $100 check, or you can also contact 3M Customer Service at 1-833-638-2697 or at 3musfpserviceaction@mmm.com.