Worker safety company 3M issued an immediate recall of two devices designed for fall protection after it discovered major issues that could expose workers to serious injury or death, according to a notice from the company. The recall covers the 3M DBI-SALA Twin-Leg Nano-Lok edge and the Twin-Leg Nano-Lok Wrap Back Self-Retracting Lifeline. Both products are part of a personal fall protection system that connects retracting lifelines to the ring of a worker’s harness.
3M determined that in a fall and certain other scenarios, the energy absorber of both devices may not properly deploy, which could expose a worker to serious injury or death. While there have been no reports of accidents or injuries associated with the issue, 3M said the products must be removed from service immediately.
“This stop use/recall does not affect the single-leg versions of these models,” the company said. “As of the date of this notice, no 3M twin-leg SRL product is approved for use over sharp or abrasive edges.”
Owners of the two recalled devices can return them to 3M to be repaired or replaced as soon as a solution to the issue is identified, tested, and certified. Owners can also elect to receive cash payments as long as there is no alternative replacement solution available.
If the device was manufactured after January, 1, 2017, the owner will be paid $400. Customers with a manufacturing date before then will receive $200. 3M’s website provides a list of specific product number affected by the recall.