Safety Access & Rescue conducts Rope Access Assessments in Malaysia

Safety Access & Rescue's Director, Bill Proctor, has just returned from Sabah in Malaysia where he not only conducted Australian Rope Access Association(ARAA) assessments, but also spent time demonstrating the latest in rope access and rope rescue techniques and equipment to several Malaysian authorities.

Date: 7th December, 2011
Source: Article written by the staff at Safety Access & Rescue.

Recall for Replacement GriGri 2

Petzl has discovered that exerting excessive force on the fully extended handle of the GriGri 2 can cause internal damage to the unit.  As a precautionary measure, Petzl has decided to ask users to immediately stop using all GriGri 2's with the first five digits of the serial number between 10326 and 11136.  These units have been recalled and users can initiate an exchange by contacting the Australian importer at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone on 02 9966 9800.  This recall does not affect the previous generation GriGri.

Date: 21st June, 2011
Source: Petzl website, please click on the link to read the full recall notice.

Petzl issues Request for Self-Inspection of all Absorbicas

Following a via ferrata accident - by reason of precaution - a voluntary product safety alert to inspect Petzl Scorpio via ferrata lanyards (L60 and L60CK) was issued on the 13th May 2011. Since then, an internal anaylsis of Petzl's manufacturing procedures specific to the production of tear webbing energy absorbers has identified a weakness which could explain the defect leading to the cause of the above accident.

As a consequence Petzl has asked that if you possess an Absorbica energy absorber (L57, L58, L58 MGO, L59, L59 MGO, L59 69, L70120 YG, L70150 IM, L70150 YM, L70150 I, L70150 Y, L70150 YM) manufactured before May 17 2011, that you inspect your energy absorber using the special inspection procedure.

Date: 20th May, 2011
Source: Article written based on security alert issued by Petzl.  Click on the link to see the absorbica verification process.

Rescue Squad Trains with the Vortex Multipod

Members of the Mudgee Volunteer Rescue Squad(VRA) have recently spent time training on the use of the Vortex rescue system. VRA spokesperson Errol Grieve said the Vortex Multipod system was the most up-to-date rescue equipment available and would make difficult rescues easier.

Date: 21st April, 2011
Source: Article written by Don Mahoney for the Mudgee Guardian. This article entitled "Rescue squad trains with new equipment" is available as a pdf.