Petzl Announces GriGri 2 Recall for Replacement

For immediate release

June 20, 2011

Media Contact: Justin Roth, Petzl America, (801) 926-1509,jroth@petzl.com

PETZL ANNOUNCES GRIGRI 2 RECALL FOR REPLACEMENT

CLEARFIELD, Utah – June 20, 2011 – Petzl has announced a Recall for Replacement for all GRIGRI 2 assisted braking belay devices with serial numbers with the first five digits between 10326 and 11136.

Petzl has discovered that exerting excessive force on the fully extended handle of the GRIGRI 2 can cause internal damage, such that the GRIGRI 2’s handle may become stuck in the open position, disabling the device’s assisted braking function.

When using a damaged GRIGRI 2 with the handle stuck in the open position, failure to control the braking side of the rope will dramatically increase the risk of an uncontrolled descent, possibly resulting in injury or death. A GRIGRI 2 with a damaged handle must be immediately retired from service.

As of June 20, 2011, seven damaged GRIGRI 2 units have been returned to Petzl through the company’s worldwide distribution network. Petzl has no knowledge of any accidents resulting from a damaged GRIGRI 2 handle.

Images of the affected products and additional information can be found at: www.petzl.com/grigri2recall.

Users in the US and Canada who have a recalled GRIGRI 2 should stop using the device and visit Petzl America’s online Return Authorization tool. This tool is the fastest way to initiate an exchange: www.petzl.force.com/grigri

Customer service representatives are available to answer additional questions at

1 (800) 932-2978 (toll free), and via email at grigri2recall@petzl.com.

“While the potential risk of damaging the GRIGRI 2’s handle is small, our total commitment to the safety of our users has led us to make this decision,” says Petzl General Director Romain Lécot. “With the summer climbing season just beginning, Petzl understands this recall comes at an inconvenient time and we are working hard to ensure that everyone receives their replacement GRIGRI 2 as quickly as possible. Everyone at Petzl is committed to resolving this issue. We thank you for your continued support.”

Please note that the original GRIGRI belay device is not affected by this recall.

About Petzl

For over 40 years, Petzl has been developing innovative tools and techniques for those entering the vertical world or low-light environments. Our products have proved instrumental for those scaling the highest peaks, exploring the deepest caves, and working at height, as well as for rescue and tactical professionals. Progression is at the heart of the Petzl philosophy – for our customers, who navigate challenging terrain for work or for play, and for our own products, which constantly evolve to meet the needs of those customers. Petzl solutions can be found online and nationwide in specialty shops, premium sporting goods retailers, and professional equipment supply retailers. For the latest from Petzl, visit www.petzl.com.