Self-Retracting Lifelines Under Recall
Self-retracting lifelines used for fall protection safety are under a recall by 3M. Do you have these in your inventory? Find out more in the iSi blog!
If your company uses DBI-SALA self-retracting lifelines, you may be subject to a recall. 3M has issued a stop use recall on the DBI-SALA Twin-Leg Nano-Lok edge and the Twin-Leg Nano-Lok Wrap self-retracting lifelines. If you have any of these, stop using them immediately and take them out of service. All models manufactured since 2013 are affected.
⚡ TL;DR: 3M recalled DBI-SALA Twin-Leg Nano-Lok edge and Wrap models (all units made since 2013) because energy absorbers may fail to deploy during a fall, risking serious injury or death. If you own these units, return them to 3M for repair/replacement at no cost or request a $200 refund. Check your inventory now.
⚠️ The Pain: Many facilities don’t maintain detailed fall protection equipment inventories. Your technicians might be wearing recalled lifelines every day without knowing it. A single catastrophic fall could result in a fatality, OSHA citations, and legal liability—all for not doing a 15-minute SKU inventory check today.
Although no injuries have occurred yet, 3M has found that the energy absorbers may not properly deploy, which could result in serious injury or death.
What are Self-Retracting Lifelines?
Self-retracting lifelines are part of a fall protection system. They are placed above a worker’s head and work much like seat belts do. They pull out and retract, but when tugged or a force is applied, an internal mechanism acts as a brake to shorten the distance of a fall. Both of the affected DBI-SALA models are used to connect two self-retracting lifelines under the D-ring of a fall protection harness. The edge model anchors at foot level and the Wrap Back wraps around the anchor.
I’m Affected by the Recall – Now What?
If you have one of these models, you can either return it to 3M to be fixed, repaired, or replaced at 3M’s expense. If 3M has not been able to determine a fix or a certified solution for your particular model, you may choose to send it back for a $200 refund. Once repair solutions are determined, and model SKU numbers have been certified, the cash option will not be available. As of August 8, 2019, 3M has only found a fix for the edge model, not the Wrap-Back.
For the edge model, 3M announced a fix had been certified to ANSI standard Z359.14 about 2 weeks after the recall notice. Once the unit has been repaired, it will have a green checkmark on the front label. This fix will only be available in regions that recognize the ANSI standard as a regulatory certification. If you are located in an area where additional certifications are required for fall protection devices, 3M will be working to receive those certifications.
3M specifies that until it can fix your Nano-Lok edge models, none of its other twin-leg self-retracting lifelines are approved for use over sharp edges or abrasive edges. That was the key feature of the edge model.
Your fall protection program is only as good as your equipment inventory. Right now, pull out your fall protection equipment list and cross-reference SKU numbers against the affected models. If you find any Nano-Lok units, stop using them immediately and contact 3M. This is not optional and not something to “get to eventually.” A fall arrest failure is a potential fatality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What DBI-SALA self-retracting lifelines are subject to the 3M recall?
A: 3M issued a stop-use recall on DBI-SALA Twin-Leg Nano-Lok edge and Twin-Leg Nano-Lok Wrap self-retracting lifelines. All models manufactured since 2013 are affected. Although no injuries had occurred at the time of the recall, 3M identified that energy absorbers may fail to properly deploy, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Q: How do self-retracting lifelines work in fall protection systems?
A: Self-retracting lifelines are part of fall arrest systems positioned above workers’ heads. They operate like seat belts—extending and retracting freely—but when force is applied, an internal brake mechanism activates to arrest the fall and minimize the distance fallen. The affected DBI-SALA models connect two self-retracting lifelines under a fall harness D-ring.
Q: What options are available if my company owns recalled lifelines?
A: Affected companies can return recalled units to 3M for repair, fixing, or replacement at 3M’s expense. If no certified solution is available for a particular model, a $200 cash refund is offered. As of the recall date, 3M had only certified a fix for the edge model; the Wrap-Back fix was still pending.
Q: What must I do if I own a Nano-Lok edge model?
A: Stop using the equipment immediately and contact 3M. 3M has certified a repair solution for the edge model (with a green checkmark applied after repair), though additional regional certifications may be required. Until repaired, other twin-leg self-retracting lifelines cannot be used over sharp or abrasive edges.
Get the Recall Notice
To learn more about this recall and to see if your model numbers are affected, check out the recall website at https://www.nanolokedgerecall.com/.
💰 Fall Protection Investment: A comprehensive fall protection program with proper inventory management and equipment inspections costs $2,000–$5,000 annually. A single fall-related fatality or serious injury can result in OSHA fines ($100,000+), legal settlements ($500,000–$5,000,000+), and operational shutdown. Prevention and compliance are the lowest-cost option.
Required Fall Equipment Inspections
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