Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
CPSC recall · Reported June 3, 2005
CPSC, MSA Announce Recall of Climbing Wall Descenders
This product, which assists wall climbers during descent, has a faulty bearing that can cause the brakes to fail. When this occurs, wall climbers risk rapid descent, with no braki…
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
Mine Safety Appliances Co. (Msa), of Pittsburgh, Pa. recalled Two types of descenders, which are used in recreational wall climbing, are included in th… - a moderate-severity action.
CPSC, MSA Announce Recall of Climbing Wall Descenders was recalled by Mine Safety Appliances Co. (Msa), of Pittsburgh, Pa. in June 3, 2005. Reason: This product, which assists wall climbers during descent, has a faulty bearing that can cause the brakes to f…. Remedy: Consumers should stop using the descenders immediately and contact MSA to schedule a free…. Verify recall #05578 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Mine Safety Appliances Co. (Msa), of Pittsburgh, Pa. issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-This product, which assists wall climbers during descent, has a faulty bearing that can cause the brakes to f….
- Moderate
- severity level
- 783 units
- affected scope
- June 3, 2005
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #05578 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This CPSC action (record #05578) was formally reported on June 3, 2005. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Mine Safety Appliances Co. (Msa), of Pittsburgh, Pa. is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as 783.
The documented reason for this recall is: This product, which assists wall climbers during descent, has a faulty bearing that can cause the brakes to fail. When this occurs, wall climbers risk rapid descent, with no braking capability. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Consumers should stop using the descenders immediately and contact MSA to schedule a free repair of the product. - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Electronics recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 609 electronics recalls on record
Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Affected scope
783
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product description
Two types of descenders, which are used in recreational wall climbing, are included in this recall: Redpoint and Auto-Belay descenders. The descenders consist of a round metal housing into which a retractable red strap (Redpoint) or steel cable (Auto-Belay) is coiled. The front of each descender's round metal housing includes a red label (Redpoint) or green label (Auto-Belay) with the name of the product. A label on the back of the product's housing includes the descender's date of manufacture, last service date, and product number. Redpoint Descenders are identified with product numbers 10024873, 10027646 or 10027798. Auto-Belay Descenders are identified with the product number 10021806. Redpoint Descenders manufactured or serviced from August 27, 2004 through April 6, 2005 are included in the recall. Auto-Belay Descenders serviced from August 27, 2004 through April 6, 2005 are included in the recall.
Reason for recall
This product, which assists wall climbers during descent, has a faulty bearing that can cause the brakes to fail. When this occurs, wall climbers risk rapid descent, with no braking capability.
Remedy, what to do
Consumers should stop using the descenders immediately and contact MSA to schedule a free repair of the product.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 05578 |
| Date reported | June 3, 2005 |
| Date initiated | June 3, 2005 |
| Recalling firm | Mine Safety Appliances Co. (Msa), of Pittsburgh, Pa. |
| Affected scope | 783 |
| Distribution | Not disclosed |
| Official source | CPSC notice → |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What to do with this recall
Consumers should stop using the descenders immediately and contact MSA to schedule a free repair of the product.
- Check the recall number (05578) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
Two types of descenders, which are used in recreational wall climbing, are included in this recall: Redpoint and Auto-Belay descenders. The descenders consist of a round metal housing into which a retractable red strap (Redpoint) or steel cable (Auto-Belay) is coiled. The front of each descender's round metal housing includes a red label (Redpoint) or green label (Auto-Belay) with the name of the product. A label on the back of the product's housing includes the descender's date of manufacture, last service date, and product number. Redpoint Descenders are identified with product numbers 10024873, 10027646 or 10027798. Auto-Belay Descenders are identified with the product number 10021806. Redpoint Descenders manufactured or serviced from August 27, 2004 through April 6, 2005 are included in the recall. Auto-Belay Descenders serviced from August 27, 2004 through April 6, 2005 are included in the recall.. Recalled by Mine Safety Appliances Co. (Msa), of Pittsburgh, Pa.. Units affected: 783.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
This product, which assists wall climbers during descent, has a faulty bearing that can cause the brakes to fail. When this occurs, wall climbers risk rapid descent, with no braking capability.
What should consumers do? ▼
Consumers should stop using the descenders immediately and contact MSA to schedule a free repair of the product.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on June 3, 2005. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 05578.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (05578) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.
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Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported June 3, 2005. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.