MSA is issuing this Inspection Notice to inform you that MSA has identified isolated instances of unflared top eyelet rivets in MSA V-Edge 2.4m Twin Leg Cable PFL.  MSA has not received any reports of injuries associated with this condition.  However, we are requesting that you perform the inspection outlined in this notice.

An unflared top eyelet rivet may eventually begin to dislodge from the PFL.  If the rivet begins to dislodge from the PFL, the PFL may not arrest a fall.

In a review of all riveted connections on PFLs and SRLs, MSA has identified that the field inspections in the following table are to be performed.

* Appendix A and Appendix B can be found in the attached Inspection Notice

MSA is committed to safety and quality and has implemented increased inspection and quality controls to prevent this condition in the future.

MSA is advising all customers to inspect the rivets listed in Table 1.  Inspect per the Instructions in this Notice.  Remove from service any PFL or SRL that does not pass the inspection.

Inspection Instructions

Perform the following inspection to determine whether your PFL or SRL needs to be taken out of service.  Please reference Appendix B in the attached Inspection Notice for assistance in locating each type of rivet.

Top Eyelet Rivets

1. Place the PFL on a flat surface so that there is not a load on the top eyelet rivet.
2. Attempt to remove the top eyelet rivet from the eyelet by pushing the rivet.
3. Attempt to remove the top eyelet rivet from the eyelet by pulling on the rivet.

Casing Rivets

1. Hold or suspend the PFL such it does not make contact with a surface that would prevent movement of the casing rivets.
2. Attempt to remove the casing rivets by pushing the rivets.
3. Attempt to remove the casing rivets by pulling on the rivets.

Shock Pack Rivets

1. Hold the SRL shock pack such that the shock pack does not make contact with a surface that would prevent movement of the shock pack rivets.
2. Attempt to remove the shock pack rivets by pushing the rivets.
3. Attempt to remove the shock pack rivets by pulling on the rivets.

Some small back and forth movement of the rivets is to be expected while pushing or pulling.  If any of the rivets are able to be removed from the PFL/SRL, remove the PFL/SRL from service.

Note:  If there is a green dot on your PFL/SRL box label or there is a green dot on the end of your rivets, it has already been inspected by MSA and has been determined to be acceptable.  No further inspection on your part is necessary.

If there is any question about the results of the inspection, remove the PFL/SRL from service and contact MSA Customer Service.

Replacing Affected PFLs and SRLs

We recognize that this in an inconvenience and, in an effort to minimize any disruption, we pledge to take any replacement actions as expeditiously as possible.

If you are in possession of PFLs or SRLs that have an unflared rivet, we will provide you with replacements free of charge.

To receive a replacement, please complete the enclosed MSA PFL/SRL Rivet Inspection Return/Replacement Form on page 7 of the attached Inspection Notice and e-mail it to MSA Customer Service at the appropriate e-mail address below.  Replacement PFLs/SRLs will be shipped to you and we will forward you instructions for returning the affected PFLs/SRLs.

MSA Customer Service Contact Information:

If you have any questions regarding this Inspection Notice, please contact MSA Customer Service as follows:

• U.S., Canada, or U.S. Territories -- 1-866-672-0005 or by e-mail at:  ProductSafetyNotices@MSAsafety.com.
• Outside the U.S., Canada, and U.S. Territories -- 724-776-8626 or by e-mail at:  LAMZonecs@MSAsafety.com.

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause; however, your safety and continued satisfaction with our products is important to us.

Best regards,

Nate Andrulonis

Manager of Product Safety