Here’s an important news item to pass on to your tower climbing contractor, courtesy of NATE. Rock Exotica has announced a serious recall for a selection of its Omni 1.1″ pulley variants, serial numbers 20050xxx through 22304xxx.
“The button assembly on a limited number of 1.1-inch Omni swivel pulleys and associated variants may not be secure,” said Rock Exotica in its recall notice. “If the button comes out, the side plate can open, allowing the rope to fall out which can result in serious injury or death.”
The company said a small number of pulleys manufactured between 2020–2022 may not have had adequate thread locker or sealant, allowing the set screw to back out.
“Under normal circumstances, either the thread lock or sealant is adequate to secure the button and prevent this issue,” it said.
At present, Rock Exotica is issuing a recall for Omni Block 1.1” style pulleys manufactured from Feb. 2020 through Oct. 2022. These pulleys must be returned for inspection and/or repair.
The rigging manufacturer is also issuing an inspection notice for all Omni Block style pulleys made from 2018 to current. Pulleys can be inspected by the user or retuned for inspection. Inspection criteria and instructions can be found here.
“As a reminder, all products should be inspected before and after each use,” said Rock Exotica. “For Omni pulleys, the buttons and set screws should be a part of this inspection, along with checking for cracks/deformation/corrosion, the action of the side plate, sheave and swivel eye, bolts, and general condition.”
In a separate notice, NATE says, “If you have any of the [Omni Block] products, please contact your equipment provider. If you purchased any of these units through Gravitec Systems [a NATE member], they are contacting you directly.”