Precautionary Recall of Via Ferrata Sets with rope friction based shock absorbers

In the course of extensive tests on used via ferrata sets with rope friction based shock absorbers, Mammut has established that these systems could fail in the event of a fall. The tests have shown that increased impact force values can be generated in the event of a fall. In combination with a wear-related decrease in the strength of the carabiner arms, this could lead to the complete failure of the system. Potentially resulting in severe injuries or death.

The Mammut Sports Group has decided to remove all via ferrata sets rope friction based shock absorbers from the market with immediate effect, to eliminate any risk for end users. Mammut urgently calls for users to stop using the affected sets with immediate effect.

This affects all Mammut via ferrata sets with a rope friction based shock absorber. A detailed list of the affected products, and those that are not affected, can be found from page 3 onwards in this document.

Mammut will replace affected via ferrata sets that are less than 7 years old. In exchange, you will receive the latest generation Mammut Tec Step 2 via ferrata set, which complies with the new requirements of the TÜV and DAV (German alpine association).

Please send your Mammut via ferrata set to our customer service department:

For customers outside the EU and Switzerland:	For customers within the EU:
Mammut Sports Group AG	Mammut Sports Group GmbH
Via Ferrata Recall	Via Ferrata Recall
Birren 5	Mammut-Basecamp 1
CH-5703 Seon	D-87787 Wolfertschwenden

Please use the appropriate returns form when sending the product back.

The replacement products will be available from April 2013. We will refund the postage costs for product returns.

Any via ferrata set that has exceeded the maximum recommended service life of 7 years must no longer be used. The Mammut Sports Group strongly urges the immediate disposal of any such sets. This recommended service life applies to all Mammut brand via ferrata sets, regardless of the type of product or its construction.

Please also note the recall of Mammut Tec Step sets with elastic lanyards of November 2012. For reasons of completeness, the sets affected by this recall are listed again on Page 4 of this document.

The Mammut Sports Group has set up a hotline to answer any further questions:

Email: viaferrata@mammut.ch

Tel: +41 (0)62 769 81 85 (office hours)

Please also refer to the list of FAQs starting on Page 7 of this document.

Kind regards,

Mammut Sports Group AG

Affected products

All the via ferrata sets affected by the recall have the same braking element construction (also used in the color "silver").

The following versions, which always have the same rope friction based shock absorbers, but may have different carabiners or carabiner arms, are affected:

2130-00030 Via Ferrata V

(until 2008 item numbers 1020494 and 1020514)