Auto belay death. Sold At: Headrushtech.


Auto belay death "Auto" belays, for one reason or another, soon to be an apparatus non grata? Top brands. The latest safety trend to hit the climbing gym scene is auto belay barriers. An auto belay consists of a rope or cable Once someone has been belay certified on top rope and auto belay, staff do not check every person once they leave the ground… that would be intense and I guarantee that climbers would hate it. Auto belay devices are used in rock climbing. They allow a person to climb indoor routes on a top rope without a human partner belaying from below. The 99% was just a metaphore to make a point, yes auto belays are way safer than that. Focus: The route I was on was a white (marked) 5. Although the frequency of auto-belay-related incidents is relatively low (compared to the frequency of auto-belay usage without incidents) — the severity of these incidents has caused many gym managers and owners to become extremely concerned. That said I don't trust those auto belay systems for even light people. Users of the TRUBLUE iQ Auto Belay must be trained on proper usage of the Auto Belay. Aug 22, 2024 · Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled auto belay devices and contact Head Rush Technologies for a free inspection and repair. For media inquiries, please contact: Josh Kerns for PCVA 206-920-1482 (voice or text) [email protected] While traditional auto belays use a top roping format with the device hanging from the top of the route, in 2021, a new type of auto belay–the lead auto belay–was developed that used a lead climbing format (i. other → Top types Binding machines Boards Calculators Correction media Desk accessories & supplies. " certainly seems like news speak. Failure to do so can result in death, serious injury, and equipment damage. Media coverage about the settlement: Gym and Auto Belay Manufacturer to Pay $6M in Settlement for Auto Belay Accident, Outside, 9/21/23. The only actual mechanical failure of an auto-belay I've ever heard of/seen was the opposite problem. Use of the TRUBLUE iQ+ Auto Belay for any purposes other than that intended by the Jun 16, 2021 · The "unclipped" is the biner not fully closing around the belay loop (pinched between gate and nose) and when weighted it slips off. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the recalled auto belay device can fail to retract, posing a fall hazard and risk of serious injury or death. org. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). The Larimer County Coroner’s Office identified the decedent as Steffani A. Ironically, Johnston has been pushing for better auto belay practices for years. This accident had a happy ending and contained a powerful lesson. Sold At: Headrushtech. Colorado-based C3 Manufacturing and Seattle’s Oct 12, 2020 · Auto belays are belays that don’t need another person on the other end. Health and Safety Jun 17, 2021 · A woman fell about 12 meters to her death at an indoor climbing gym in northern Colorado called Ascent Studio Climbing & Fitness. This is a separate recall from the iQ Auto Belay Devices by Head Rush Technologies, which were recalled on June 20, 2024. headrushtech. Jun 20, 2024 · Name of Product: TRUBLUE iQ Auto Belay Devices. Feb 22, 2020 · The TRUBLUE auto belay system uses magnetic braking and has a minimum/maximum weight of 22 and 330 lbs respectively. Aug 31, 2023 · More information about the C3 Perfect Descent Auto Belay Recall is available here. Jul 11, 2023 · In January 2023, we reported an auto belay accident that sadly occurs with some frequency. When the climber Apr 24, 2023 · Cons of Auto Belays: 1. If the device fails to work properly, the climber could fall along distance or experience ground impact, potentially resulting in injury or even death. Sep 15, 2023 · The theory of this law firm was that an auto belay device produced by C3 Manufacturing, called “Perfect Descent”, failed to arrest the climber’s fall as intended resulting in serious injuries. Retracting at a lightning fast 15ft (4. Remove the Auto Belay from service. Jun 20, 2024 · The recalled auto belay device can fail to retract, posing a fall hazard and risk of serious injury or death. iQ Auto Belay system, its component parts, and all associated hardware. Recall Number: 24-277. Testing complete, it might be on its way to your gym. Use of the TRUBLUE Speed Name of Product: TRUBLUE iQ and TRUBLUE iQ+ Auto Belays Hazard: The recalled auto belay device can fail to retract, posing a fall hazard and risk of serious injury or death. 6. An auto-belay is a unit that allows climbers to sport climb by themselves, while still attached to a rope. The device is mounted to a fixed position at the top of the route. the TRUBLUE Speed Auto Belay may result in death and/or serious injury. com from May 2023 through December 2024 for between $2,800 to $4,600. If you or a loved one were injured due to a defective TRUBLUE iQ or TRUBLUE iQ+ Auto Belay, call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at (800) 337-7755 for a free consultation. The LT versions of the iQ and iQ+ have blue tags above the blue webbing hand grip; the XL versions have a purple tag. Jun 21, 2021 · Following Hesse’s death, the Boulder Rock Club installed “a large triangle of heavy fabric … below the auto-belay system [that] must be removed before climbing with the auto-belay. Use of the TRUBLUE Speed I agree. Dec 2, 2021 · Three Italian engineer/climbers designed a lead auto-belay system for production at scale. The fall was ruled accidental and cause of death multiple blunt force Recently with the death of a climber who was "using" the auto belay, climbit had done some brainstorming trying to figure out easy solutions to the… iQ Auto Belay system, its component parts, and all associated hardware. Sep 21, 2023 · In 1994, he also served as one of the original board members for the Climbing Wall Association. 6m) per second, Speed Drive™ is ideal for speed climbing and competition, dynamic routes, interval training, and fitness routes and circuits. That grade is the upper limit of what I climb. Climbing gym operators using auto belays are encouraged to always follow best practices when it comes to auto belay risk mitigation, specifically (device maintenance, communication, staff training, orientations and assessments, barriers/belay gates, signage, routesetting, etc. TRUBLUE iQ+ Auto Belay Model TBiQ+LT and Model TBiQ+XL and their associated equipment are designed and specified for use in the recreational climbing/aerial adventure industry as a controlled descent device. Jan 25, 2023 · In top rope and lead belay we constantly check each other’s knots. This means that newer, less experienced climbers can tend to gravitate towards autobelays. . But on the auto belay it’s up to the climber to double check his or her system. Though, intentionally bypassing the auto belay tension by pulling out slack is using it different than intended. ) as well as risk management and accident reporting, in general (signed waivers, photos, accident Version 2. The recalled auto belay devices have a serial number within the following serial number ranges printed on the device’s handle, as well on the bottom of the device: The auto-belay itself is safer than the webbing and rope that comprise the rest of the system. There has been a lot of chatter about auto-belays in recent months, both in the media and behind closed doors. We are an authorized distributor of “TRUBLUE” auto-belay, ZIP brake and free fall systems, from HEAD RUSH TECHNOLOGIES. By far, auto belay misuse it the number 1 reason for major falls in a gym. At first reluctant to host auto belays in his gyms, he compromised with a stringent and required belay check that all members who wish to use the auto belays must undergo. In my haste I neglected to check anything. Brandon Barnes of the Fort Collins police told The Coloradoan that the woman fell on Saturday, and it appears she became unattached from the auto-belay the TRUBLUE Speed Auto Belay may result in death and/or serious injury. Last month, the Climbing Wall Association (CWA) released updated Auto Belay Guidance in hope of reducing auto belay incidents and improve the culture of responsibility in the sport of climbing. Oct 21, 2021 · The man’s death came just days after the gym reopened following the end of Sydney’s lockdown. . Place the Auto Belay unit with the flat plastic cover side down taking care not to damage the plastic side covers - Ensure it is secure and cannot fall. Sep 27, 2023 · Additional Resources. Brandon Barnes of the Fort Collins police said it appeared she became unattached from the auto-belay system. Remedy: Repair Recall Date: February 27, 2025 Units: About 410 Consumer Contact Head Rush… Dec 16, 2013 · Photo: humanfactorsblog. A man, reported to be in his 30s Oct 14, 2021 · A woman fell about 12 meters to her death at an indoor climbing gym in northern Colorado called Ascent Studio Climbing & Fitness. Pull out the Nozzle Pin. Mechanical failure: One of the biggest concerns with auto belays is mechanical failure. Investigators said it appears the woman became unattached from the auto-belay system. Pull out all the webbing. The secret is our friction-free, magnetic braking technology, which gives the softest, safest, most consistent catch available on the market today. Sep 22, 2023 · A three-year lawsuit over an auto-belay accident has ended in a $6 million combined payout from the climbing gym and the auto-belay manufacturer. I don't say that the grigri is bad because you can bypass the cam, I say that you need to use it correctly to be safe. Injured By a Defective Product? Call (412) PRODUCT. The CPSC has received at least 109 reports of the belays not functioning correctly, including at least one involving a serious injury. EDIT: yes, it does look like this was a fixed gear failure somewhere in the system, but that's the exception, not the rule, and I'll be stunned if it was the auto-belay itself and not rope, webbing, lanyard, or metal (bolts, caribiners, etc). Recall Date: June 20, 2024. The short webbing assembly will push the two Nozzle halves out. We would like to offer you the following product lines: TRUBLUE, zipSTOP, QuickFlight and FlightLine. I cant count how many people I had to remind to clip into an auto belay Mar 4, 2025 · The recalled auto belay device can fail to retract, posing a fall hazard and risk of serious injury or death. “Despite using the Though fatal accidents at indoor climbing gyms are extremely rare, there have been multiple cases involving auto-belays. According to its website, the St Peters facility is the biggest climbing gym in the southern Sep 25, 2023 · The incident was “caused by a combination of factors, including alleged defects with the auto-belay device, improper supervision by Vertical World staff, and inadequate training for climbers by Vertical World,” Vandivere’s legal team at Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala Attorneys at Law said in an August press release. Use of the TRUBLUE Speed the TRUBLUE Speed Auto Belay may result in death and/or serious injury. A couple of months just before I started rope climbing (had only been bouldering for a few years prior) there was an incident in another gym where the auto belay failed and the person fell to their death. Argyle, 57, of Fort Collins. Remove the Nozzle assembly. 5 m (41 ft) Nylon Webbing Lower Line • 1 x Carabiner • 1 x Operator Manual The Auto Belay is shipped with the line and carabiner attached and does not require any further assembly. It is the responsibility of owner/operator to provide this training. You, the climber, simply clips into the end of the webbing that comes to the ground using a locking carabiner, and as you climb up, the device at the top uses either friction, hydraulics, or magnets to keep you safe if you fall or when you’re ready to come down. Health and Safety Dec 16, 2013 · Photo: humanfactorsblog. Last week, a man fell 43 feet to his death at a Feb 27, 2025 · Name of Product: TRUBLUE iQ and TRUBLUE iQ+ Auto Belays. 10. ” In a 2018 article for Rock and Ice , Francis Sanzaro wrote that, while such methods are not fool proof, “these accidents are becoming more infrequent Oct 22, 2021 · Last week, a man fell 43 feet to his death at a rock climbing gym in Sydney, Australia. 5 meter and 16 meter and associated equipment are designed and specified for use in the recreational climbing industry as a controlled descent device. Feb 27, 2025 · The TRUBLUE iQ+ has an added catch-and-hold brake on the front. TRUBLUE Auto Belay may result in death and/or serious injury. Head Rush Technologies is contacting all known purchasers directly. Posted by u/Dotrue - 541 votes and 190 comments eshop autobelay. The coroner’s office has not released the climber’s name. TRUBLUE Auto Belay Model TB150-12C, TRUBLUE XL Auto Belay Model TBXL150-20A and their associated equipment are designed and specified for use in the recreational climbing/aerial adventure industry as a controlled de-scent device. Jan 15, 2024 · Photo: CityROCK. Jun 17, 2021 · Police say a woman fell about 40 feet to her death at Ascent Studio Climbing and Fitness. TRUBLUE Auto Belays offer the widest weight and height ranges of any modern auto belay system. "Unclipped . Edit: SinRopa, auto belays usually have auto twist locks. Exactly. S. Oct 25, 2021 · While autobelays are safe if used properly, and current models have near nonexistent rates of failure, many gyms don’t require autobelay users to pass top rope belay tests, and/or have low (or nonexistent) age minimums for autobelay use. Aug 22, 2024 · The auto belay device backup brake can fail to activate, posing a fall hazard and risk of serious injury or death. I worked in a gym with auto belays for a long time I have seen alot of falls on them and even more close calls. Today, the gym confirmed that the incident involved an auto-belay system. The TRUBLUE Speed devices pose a risk of injury or death if the backup brake fails to activate. In 2014, conservationist Mark Hesse died in a similar accident in Colorado. Belaying is what Jun 16, 2021 · Update: July 13: The Larimer County Coroner's Office has identified the decedent as Steffani A. Vertical World fully cooperated over many years of investigation. On a mobile temp setup for an army recruiting rock wall, one of the auto-belays got stuck once, as in it wouldn't let the climber down. Hazard: The recalled auto belay device can fail to retract, posing a fall hazard and risk of serious injury or death. Jun 17, 2021 · The coroner has ruled the death accidental. Recall Number: 25-165. 2. It is possible to out-climb a TRUBLUE auto belay due to the lag caused by the magnets trying to recoil the slack, but they are one of the most popular auto belay systems on the market today. In 2021, a young climber died after falling 43 feet from an auto belay–equipped route in Sydney, Australia. com from November 2022 through February 2024 for between $2,800 and $4,600. the climber clipped into the quickdraws like a normal lead climb on a sport climbing route), where the device was fixed to the bottom of the route. Jul 8, 2024 · The Sports Car Club of America is deeply saddened to confirm the death of member James Belay, who passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024, during an SCCA Road Racing event at Roebling Road Raceway in Bloomingdale, GA. Recall Date: February 27, 2025. These physical barriers are designed to prevent users from unintentionally climbing without first attaching themselves to the auto belay leash. TRUBLUE Speed Auto Belay Model TBSD150-20 12. May 31, 2025 · Perfect Descent Auto Belay Recall Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates C3 Manufacturing, LLC, is recalling its Perfect Descent Auto Belay climbing devices over a potential defect which could cause the climber to fall, increasing the risk of severe injury or death, according to the U. Rather, the staff walk around and pay attention to belay technique, watch the cameras etc to make sure everyone is doing things properly. Receipt of the Auto Belay The TRUBLUE Auto Belay is packaged in a recycled cardboard box and contains: • 1 x TRUBLUE Auto Belay Model TB150-12C • 1 x 12. 01 – 07/07/10 Extreme Engineering® Auto-belay Owner’s Manual© Page 2 of 72 Extreme Engineering 9198-B Ridge Road Newcastle, CA 95658 The original fast-retracting auto belay sets the standard for quality and performance. After extensive testing, neither VW nor investigators hired TRUBLUE Auto Belay may result in death and/or serious injury. Overview of the TRUBLUE iQ and TRUBLUE iQ+ Auto Belay Recall iQ+ Auto Belay may result in death and/or serious injury. e. Use of the TRUBLUE Speed As of August 22, 2024, Head Rusk Technologies has issued a recall for around 220 TRUBLUE Speed Auto Belay Devices. 1. Sold At: Online at www. vlgl sts npclkvjz zdcxr vbjg lfarwx pdcv vkcnc pbnghx tcbc

© contributors 2020- | Contact | Support