A Matter of Millimeters

PMI is a distributor of life safety equipment for work-at-height and we care about your safety and the equipment you use. Heightec has recently released an important inspection statement regarding the heightec D42 Twist Chest Ascender. If you use this chest ascender, then please carefully read the inspection notice and comply with all requests to see if your heightec D42 Twist Chest Ascender meets the requirements for replacement. We recommend measuring the device as heightec states and checking the batch number on the device before sending it in because it may not qualify for replacement. PMI customers can send their Twist to PMI or heightec for inspection and possible replacement if it meets the criteria stated in the notice by heightec.
We apologize for any inconvenience that this request may cause. Always make sure that you are using equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions and that each person is properly trained to use the equipment.
PMI is always happy to answer any questions and provide you with further assistance for this inspection notice by contacting us at (706) 764-1437 or 1 (800) 282—ROPE (7673) or custserv@pmirope.com. If your heightec D42 Twist Chest Ascender meets requirements for replacement then you can send it with the inspection notice and your return address to the:

Pigeon Mountain Industries, Inc.
c/o Kim Hunter
P.O. Box 803
Lafayette, GA 30728

heightec Inspection Notice:

Incident

During an IRATA Level 1 training course a candidate’s chest ascender, a heightec Twist (D42) released the rope during a wide re-belay maneuver when the ascender was in the bottom of the ‘V’ of rope and both sides of the ‘V’ were loaded. No one was injured during the incident.

Investigation

Checks have indicated that twist ascenders manufactured before December 2011 could be susceptible to a similar issue. Compact and Pulsar ascenders are not affected.

Action required

Twist ascenders manufactured before December 2011 may be identified by their batch number, e.g. 1211, where the first two digits signify the month (12 = December) and the last two digits signify the year (11 = 2011).

If you have any twist ascenders manufactured before December 2011 measure across the body of the device to the side of the rivet head as shown in the photo. The shortest distance between the two points shown should be 26mm or less.

If the dimension is greater than 26mm then quarantine the device and return it to heightec for free replacement. Alternatively, contact heightec Technical Manager Chris Edmondson on 01539728866 or Email, chris.edmondson@heightec.com. 7/10/15

The heightec Group Ltd, Lake District Business Park, Mint Bridge Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6NH, UK

Tel: +44 (0) 1539 728866 Fax: +44 (0) 1539 728833

Email: info@heightec.com Web: heightec.com