The 3M™ DBI-SALA® Self-Rescue Descent System is a self-rescue system that has a harness mounted backpack containing a spooled lifeline feeding through a sealed descent device. In an emergency, the user can release the Easy-Link™ D-Ring and initiate a descent or, if the user is incapacitated, a rescuer can initiate the descent using a rescue pole
3M Fall Protection issued a Product Advisory on June 10, 2020 to address a potential cracking issue that may occur after repetitive descents of the training model of the 3M™ DBI-SALA® Self-Rescue Descent Systems, specifically P/N 3320037.
The notice directed the competent person to complete an inspection for this condition of the inner rope spool as part of the normal routine to reset the training 3M™ DBI-SALA® Self-Rescue Descent Systems device as required after each descent.
Since issuing the Product Advisory, 3M has completed a review of returned training units from the field and have concluded that this cracking condition is also a result of embrittlement over time of the plastic spool used to hold the lifeline rope.
This embrittlement could inhibit the ability of the Self-Rescue Descent System to fully descend an end user in the event of a fall. This spool is internal to the Self-Rescue Descent System and unlike the training models cannot be inspected. 3M stated they are not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this condition.
Given this recent information, 3M Fall Protection is issuing a “Stop Use and Recall” of all 3 models of the 3M™ DBI-SALA® Self-Rescue Descent Systems including P/N 3320030; 3320031 & 3320037. End Users: Please inspect your 3M™ DBI-SALA® Self-Rescue Descent System’s label to confirm that it is P/N 3320030, 3320031 or 3320037. The P/N can be found under the cover – see picture above.
The company stressed that all 3M™ DBI-SALA® Self-Rescue Descent Systems manufactured since July 2020 (20/Jul) are acceptable for use and are not part of this recall. The manufactured date can also be found on the label.
Once you have confirmed the P/N & affected date, access the 3M™ DBISALA® Self-Rescue Descent System web page SelfRSQRecall.com to enter your contact information, affected P/N’s, etc. and a UPS shipping label will be created for you to return your 3M™ DBI-SALA® Self-Rescue Descent System(s) directly to 3M.
Returned product must pass a pre-use inspection. If it passes the inspection, they will complete a repair free of charge and the label will have a stamped hole added as an indication that the rework has been performed – see picture with arrow to the right. If it does not pass the pre-use inspection, they will return the product to you unrepaired for disposal.
If you have any questions regarding this notice, contact the 3M Fall Protection Customer Service Team at 3musfpserviceaction@mmm.com or call 1-833-638-2697.