Petzl America Recalls Climbing Equipment Due to Fall Hazard

WASHINGTON , D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Release #07-010 Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 807-3805
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Name of Product: Carabiners used for climbing

Units: About 8,000

Importer/Distributor: Petzl America, of Clearfield, Utah

Hazard: These carabiners have a green button that acts as a safety mechanism to prevent unlocking. The recalled carabiners can unlock unexpectedly without pressing the green button, posing a fall hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall involves the M34 BL Am'D Ball-Lock and M36 BL William Ball Lock carabiners with metal locking sleeves. Carabiners with batch number between 06076 and 06178 are included in the recall. The batch number is engraved on the spine of the carabiner. The recall does not include Ball Lock carabiners having a plastic locking sleeve.

Sold at: Petzl dealers nationwide from March 2006 through July 2006 for about $13 for the Am'D model and about $17 for the William model.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled carabiners immediately, and contact Petzl America to have their carabiners inspected and to receive a free replacement, if necessary.

Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers can contact Petzl America at (877) 807-3805 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or log on to the firm's Web site at www.petzl.com