Auto belay failure. Date of Failure: 12 July 2021 Location: Outdoor climbing w...

Auto belay failure. Date of Failure: 12 July 2021 Location: Outdoor climbing wall, summer camp, Tennessee, USA Description of Incident: Camper (9 years old, approximately 60 lbs. WELDING on any portion of the Auto-belay box VOIDS THE WARRANTY. TRUBLUE Auto Belay - Beware. Jul 21, 2016 · Then, when you reach the top (or fall), it gently lowers you to the ground. They increase the safety and accessibility of rock climbing for both novice and expert climbers. " This month, we cover an increasingly common gym accident involving an auto belay; and the risk of rock fall at outdoor crags. 3. A magnetic braking auto belay endures cycle after cycle without deterioration of braking performance, while friction devices will inevitably heat up and require the replacing of the brake pads. From blackrockclimbers. In rare circumstances this component can prevent the backup brake activation mechanism from operating properly. The Auto-Belay connection structure should be able to withstand the 2000 lb. The Jan 25, 2023 · Your monthly dose of climbing accident analysis from the editors of "Accidents in North American Climbing. There are many companies currently making large belay gates and other devices such as warning systems or alternative connection devices are also available. Oct 25, 2021 · While autobelays are safe if used properly, and current models have near nonexistent rates of failure, many gyms don’t require autobelay users to pass top rope belay tests, and/or have low (or nonexistent) age minimums for autobelay use. It replaces the need for a human belayer as the auto-belay automatically retracts the climbing rope, taking up the slack as you climb. Our Zip Line and Free Fall products for the amusement and adventure industries are used in the most epic builds around the globe. Just make sure you always 100% double and triple check you’re clipped in properly before climbing and you’ll be fine. Moresco wrote to ANAC: “I’d run 3. From an operator’s standpoint, auto belays are valuable tools for increasing climber throughput during peak hours of operation. failure load with the same consideration given in UBC Allowable Stress Design – Alternate Basic Load Combinations (Section 1612. Aug 31, 2023 · The lawsuit uncovered that C3 was aware of defects in the equipment. The notice can be found here. It is designed to improve belay safety for the climber by allowing the belayer to manage their duties with minimal physical effort. Fort Collins Police Services spokesperson Brandon Barnes told The Coloradoan that the climber fell from about 40 feet up in the auto-belay area. As part of the settlement, C3 Manufacturing has agreed to pay $5 million, and Vertical World will pay $1 million. The CPSC warns consumers to stop using the TRUBLUE iQ and TRUBLUE iQ+ auto-belay devices immediately. Many indoor climbers use auto belays regularly to exercise, hone their technical climbing skills, and improve their sport-specific strength. Nov 29, 2019 · A new video released by The Climbing Academy (TCA) Glasgow highlights a worrying trend in indoor climbing accidents: people are forgetting to clip into the auto belay tape and are effectively soloing Sep 25, 2023 · More than four years after a climber fell 30 feet while using an auto-belay device at a Seattle climbing gym, the manufacturer and gym have agreed to settle a lawsuit for $6 million. To ascend, the lanyard is simply wound into the device by a retraction spring as you climb. Failure Mechanisms of Auto Blocking Belay Devices, such as Black Diamond ATC, Petzl Reverso and others Welding will compromise the integrity of the Auto-belay box housing causing failure of the Auto-belay which may result in injury or death. they should start to brake almost immediately. Sep 21, 2023 · Seattle’s Vertical World and Colorado-based manufacturer C3, which produces Perfect Descent auto belays, have settled in a lawsuit following a severe climbing accident that occurred on August 1, 2019. Nov 4, 2022 · All about auto-belay retraction systems, understanding the science, design, and benefits of innovative retraction mechanisms in climbing gyms. Most of these auto-belay accidents have been people who don't tie in or don't tie in correctly. Oct 22, 2019 · C3 Manufacturing has issued a stop use and recall notification for Perfect Descent Auto Belay model 220 Indoor, Outdoor, Speed Drive, and Direct Drive units manufactured between February 2017 and April 2019. Jun 21, 2021 · A woman has died following an auto-belay accident at Ascent Studio Climbing & Fitness, in Fort Collins, Colorado, on Saturday, June 12. Durable, light and upgrade-ready! Self regulating magnetic braking system Designed for indoor or outdoor use Trusted worldwide with high-quality parts If selecting TRU-CLIP Connector, additional Key Links may be needed for optimal coverage. That’s why today Aug 22, 2024 · Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled auto belay devices and contact Head Rush Technologies for a free inspection and repair. TCA thought it was important to bring this issue to the fore by inviting Sam to share her story. Feb 27, 2025 · The recalled auto belay device can fail to retract, posing a fall hazard and risk of serious injury or death. Jan 15, 2024 · The industry has experienced at least two auto-belay deaths in the past three years and several serious injuries related to auto-belays. C3’s auto-belay devices, known as the “Perfect Descent,” were sold despite a history of defects with the auto-belay retraction springs. Sep 3, 2023 · A rock climbing auto belay is awesome to train without a partner, but how do they work? We take a deep dive into these mechanical devices. Jun 2, 2023 · The updated guidance requires using barriers with auto belays. 2 Feb 20, 2021 · Forgetting to clip auto belay – an interview In 2019, experienced Glasgow-based climber Sam, took a fall from an auto belay after not clipping in at The Prop Store in Maryhill. A cautionary tale to all climbers, that it could happen to anyone. May 21, 2020 · Auto belay devices like the TrueBlue or The Perfect Decent are game-changers for rock climbers. Head Rush's patented magnetic braking mechanism allows each device to adjust to each climber weight and create a consistent descent experience for everyone alike. Feb 25, 2026 · The recalled auto belay device can fail to retract, posing a fall hazard and risk of serious injury or death. The climbing centre's instagram page reported 3 days ago that it was auto belay failure, and they've removed all auto belays and will never use them again in that centre. Redpoint Descenders manufactured or serviced from August 27, 2004 through April 6, 2005 are included in the recall. Ensure safe operation. This recall involves TRUBLUE iQ Auto Belay Devices, which enable climbers to safely descend while climbing. An auto belay (or autobelay) is a mechanical device for belaying in indoor climbing walls, in both training and competition climbing formats. even if the cause of the accident was failure to use the auto-belay altogether. Most of these are falls from the top of the wall due to failure to clip in, making them catastrophic. The CPSC warns consumers to stop using the TRUBLUE devices immediately. Feb 27, 2025 · Consumers should immediately stop using recalled auto belay devices and contact Head Rush Technologies for a free onsite inspection and repair. com Dangers of Automatic Belay Systems for Rock Climbing BlackRock Climbing Auto Belay Failure Auto belays offer many benefits to climbers. With the right belay device, a small, weak climber can easily arrest the An auto belay (or autobelay) is a mechanical device for belaying in indoor climbing wall s, in both training and competition climbing formats. The more fortunate have realised their mistake and downclimbed, while others have miraculously been spared of serious consequences by a low fall. The belayer must be trained in the correct use of all equipment and conduct regular gear inspections. The intention of these guidelines is to improve auto belay safety by elevating the respect given to auto belays by climbers, and walls. All Auto-belay systems are protected by a zinc coated steel case and come equipped with two pressurized hydraulic rams and internal check valves, ensuring the safety of climbers as they descend. Jun 27, 2025 · The upshot was that climbers using auto belays should put the slower, reflective, analytical System 2 to work before starting to climb. Local WA gyms remove auto belays due to what I can only believe is fear from litigation due to climbers misuse Any gym owners or anyone who owns any TRUBLUE auto belays, they have/are just about to, issue a recall notice. Jan 5, 2018 · Secondly, an auto belay must be capable of enduring hundreds of climb per day in a high throughput facilities. Jon Lachelt, co-founder and general manager of Ascent Studio Oct 12, 2020 · Wondering what auto belays are? In this post, we detail what are the main types of auto belays, how they work and how to use them properly. Moresco wrote to ANAC: “I was new to climbing. The device enables a climber to ascend indoor routes on a top rope but without the need for a human belaying partner. de/38335 Auto Belays - How not to muck it up. The device, which is permanently mounted Oct 21, 2024 · The auto belay device backup brake can fail to activate, posing a fall hazard and risk of serious injury or death. Jun 6, 2025 · Thankfully, auto belay falls are rare in proportion to the number of climbs. CLIMBING IS A DANGEROUS ACTIVITY Failure by the operator to heed any and all instructions, warnings and cautions for the correct installation, operation, care and maintenance of the TRUBLUE Auto Belay may result in serious injury and/or death. The TRUBLUE iQ is available in gray with blue handles and features an added catch-and-hold brake on the front. About 2,200 TRUBLUE iQ Auto Belay Devices were included in the June 20, 2024, recall. Make sure that you're comfortable with the basic operation of an auto belay before moving on to more advanced skills and drills. My first encounter with an auto belay was at Number 1 Parachute Training School, Brize Norton as I exited a mock up of a Hercules. More Information and recommendations: https://alpenverein. The Auto-belay is the only system on the market that can be self-installed. Climbing gyms around the world have seen tragedy strike when auto-belays are not used correctly, especially when climbers become complacent. Oct 25, 2021 · In reply to Wire Shark: The 'SafeWork' mentioned in the article is a government department in NSW investigating the incident. It was terrifying! There was a brief stomach churning moment of freefall before the device took action and I still remember it to this day. Scary stuff Nov 29, 2019 · A new video released by The Climbing Academy (TCA) Glasgow highlights a worrying trend in indoor climbing accidents: people are forgetting to clip into the auto belay tape and are effectively soloing auto belay lines. These devices were a topic of debate a few years ago after some incidents of failure, and many were recalled. FAILURE TO CLIP INTO AUTO-BELAY North Carolina, Asheville Author: Adam Herzog. The TRUBLUE iQ is gray with blue handles and a gray sash on the front cover. We have been seeing an increasing number of accidents on auto belay lines which are gaining the attention of H&S and Environmental Health. RidgeLine®, Climb-N-Challenge®, Klime Wallz®, and Coconut Tree Climb®. The number of auto belay accidents are increasing. The most tested and trusted auto belay in the world. Experienced climber Sam talks about the moment she fell after climbing on auto belay without clipping. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Aug 3, 2022 · Auto belays can be safe when used correctly and have almost no failure rates. Moved Permanently The document has moved here. On July 15, 2021, HeadRush released a statement about the failure. I think it’s natural to fear auto belays, especially as they feel so alien when you’ve been used to having a partner belay you. Bend Rock Gym needs to provide information about why this happened, including the specific mode of failure. In recent years, auto belay devices, particularly in indoor climbing gyms, have grown in popularity. I blamed System 1 – the fast, reactive, reflexive, impulsive, fight-or-flight part of our mental process – for dangerous errors and oversights among auto belay climbers. Oct 22, 2021 · Last week, a man fell 43 feet to his death at a rock climbing gym in Sydney, Australia. Based on both rumor and inference from the messaging, this looks like a fixed-gear failure, and no part of that system should fail catastrophically if maintained correctly. Climb Year: 2022. [1] It is designed to improve belay safety for the climber by allowing the belayer to manage their duties with minimal physical effort. The reopening announcement also advises that a failure of an auto bely device (which allows someone to climb a wall without a partner) caused the man to fall. Failure to Clip Into Auto-Belay Illinois, Rockford, YMCA In the early evening of November 29, Robert Moresco (38) fell to the ground from a climbing wall equipped with auto-belays. Publication Year: 2023. One of the more widely sold auto belays in North America was recalled due to a design flaw that caused some of the internal parts to wear more quickly than anticipated. . Apr 24, 2023 · An auto belay is a mechanical device that is used in rock climbing to provide an effective and efficient way of lowering a climber to the ground after they have completed their climb. Please help this poor girl. However, rather than using a stand-‐alone trailer or stationary back-‐support for stabilization, the AUTO-‐BELAY SAFETY SYSTEM must be properly installed within the structure of the climbing structure itself or Jul 25, 2025 · Improper use of belay devices or failure to inspect gear can compromise the safety of the system. Yeah, every climbing gym in the world uses auto belays these days and there have been zero issues. The climbing wall was 22 feet high, and I fell about 15 feet. One caused a ground fall from ~25 feet up, one instance was caught and after a couple tugs the system caught and the climber was able to be safely lowered and the third instance resulted in a down climb to safety. Jul 16, 2022 · As you will be aware, the use of auto belay devices has grown in the last few years and accelerated during the pandemic. But, are they safe and why are they so darn EXPENSIVE! Auto-Belay Descenders are identified with the product number 10021806. Jun 20, 2024 · Consumers should immediately stop using recalled auto belay devices, and contact Head Rush Technologies for a free inspection and repair. Authorities have not yet released the woman’s name. You are far more likely to die driving your car anywhere than you are to die from the auto belay. Climbing Auto Belay Failure. The August 22, 2024 recall affects about 220 units. Jul 11, 2024 · An auto belay system is a device used in climbing that automatically takes in slack as the climber ascends and safely controls the descent in case of a fall. Can Autobelays fail? While autobelays are safe if used properly, and current models have near nonexistent rates of failure, many gyms don’t require autobelay users to pass top rope belay tests, and/or have low (or nonexistent) age minimums for autobelay use. Is My Auto Belay Included in the Recall? The February 27, 2025, recall included about 410 TRUBLUE iQ Auto Belay Devices. It provides a hands-free belaying experience for the climber. ) had successfully climbed to the top of the climbing wall (about 52’, straight vertical climb, no pitches or obstacles) utilizing a TruBlue Speed Auto Belay device. It is important to note that the majority of auto-belay-related incidents and deaths are not a result of the malfunction of the auto-belay itself. ” On December 14, Adam Herzog (43) suffered severe head trauma, 15 fractures, spinal injury, and other trauma after failing to clip into an auto-belay in a climbing gym. Jul 15, 2021 · On July 12, 2021, Experiential Resources, inc. As of October 1, 2024, the company has received no reports of incidents or injury in Canada. We came to the decision to remove auto belays. Feb 8, 2024 · An informal post on a climbing forum titled "Auto-belay Accident" is the most perfect, concise way to tell a reader, they are going to read about a climbing accident that occurred on an auto-belay. Oct 21, 2021 · The Sydney Indoor Climbing Gym has confirmed that the failure of a special climbing device, called an autobelay, caused a man to fall to his death. I was at the gym the day after the accident, and it was business as usual with all the auto belays in use, except the route where accident happened which I noticed was missing the auto belay. Owners of this HeadRush TruBlue Speed Auto Belay devices are advised to closely monitor this situation for Aug 16, 2023 · Keep your TRUBLUE iQ Auto Belay functioning safely with our quick webbing replacement tutorial. With auto belay use growing even more rapidly because of the pandemic, the CWA is taking this opportunity to expand on guidelines for auto belay use at indoor climbing facilities. Jan 5, 2018 · The TRUBLUE Auto Belay is the only auto belay to utilize magnetic eddy current braking technology, which offers benefits in addition to reliability and cyclic endurance. Dec 14, 2017 · The TRUBLUE Auto Belay is a great training tool for building endurance and providing a backup for learning new skills. THE PRESCRIPTION—APRIL 2021 One of the most common incidents reported in Accidents in North American Climbing is lowering a climber off the end of the rope (specifically, allowing the end of the rope to pass through a belay device, causing the climber to fall to the ground). Mar 3, 2025 · A few weeks ago, a climber in the Netherlands was pretty badly injured when the webbing (!) of an auto belay apparently snapped, causing them to fall from approximately 8 meters. They eliminate the need for a climbing partner who belays the climber, belaying is manually controlling the rope to hold the climber… Sep 22, 2023 · A three-year lawsuit over an auto-belay accident has ended in a $6 million combined payout from the climbing gym and the auto-belay manufacturer. Auto Belay Accident—Climber Fell 45 ft due to tiny distractions leading to one big mistake in the gym The Auto-Belay fails to take up the cable and the climber falls a short distance), the maximum up-force can be as high as 2000 lbs. Jan 3, 2023 · Auto belays also provide beginners with an easy way to try climbing out for themselves, with fewer barriers to entry than other, more technical climbing disciplines. However, in light of the proliferation of claims for failing to “orient” or “instruct” climbers in how to use an auto belay, and other intentional and unintentional chicanery, we need to make them rarer still. May 22, 2015 · In reply to Marek: If an auto belay is letting you drop 6ft it's defective as an unprotected fall from this height could cause serious injury if you hit the floor. Anecdotally both in the UK and US it has been observed that a number of incidents around auto belays have happened with experienced climbers, for example at the end of a successful session on auto belay then getting distracted and failing to clip in. Today’s auto-belays have been re-engineered to include backup braking systems and mandatory regular servicing. Discover how today! Jul 17, 2024 · The results of that investigation indicate that a limited number of TRUBLUE Speed Auto Belay devices may have been assembled with a component that was incorrectly manufactured by the supplier. Climbing Sports comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment wristrule • Additional comment actions We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The data shows that these accidents occur among both new and experienced climbers. Jan 6, 2023 · Get essential tips and guidelines for climbing on an auto-belay system, ensuring safety, and great customer experiences in climbing gyms. Colorado-based C3 Manufacturing and Seattle’s According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the recalled auto belay device can fail to retract, posing a fall hazard and risk of serious injury or death. And do the frequency of those errors combined with the criticality of the failure mode mean one is safer than the other? Does the presence of a climbing partner on belay reduce instances of forgetting to clip in? Is that sager? This could probably be a homework problem in an engineering course aimed at reliability assessments or FRACASes or Dec 2, 2021 · Fatal Auto-Belay Failure Forces Change at Australian Climbing Gym Last week, a man fell 43 feet to his death at a rock climbing gym in Sydney, Australia. However, there are two types of braking systems utilized for a controlled descent: magnetic and friction based. This means that newer, less experienced climbers can tend to gravitate towards autobelays. However, a lot of people are curious about how frequently and if auto belay devices can fail. Our patented magnetic braking technology has enabled the TRUBLUE Auto Belay to become the most tested and trusted Auto Belay in the world. Local gym in my area uses these auto belay systems, in the past two weeks they've failed 3 times. No mention of the brand of device though. At least one injury has been reported due to an alleged brake failure. At my university gym, one of the wall employees was getting some late night crag action on an autobelay. However, most gyms do not require top rope belay testing or have low (or absent) age requirements for autobelay usage. Today, the gym confirmed that the incident involved an auto-belay system. Download the TRUBLUE Auto Belay operator manual for safety guidelines, installation instructions, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Sep 6, 2023 · Hector Diffut, 26, fell 30 feet from the top of an indoor wall after forgetting to clip into the auto belay. It reminds us that forgetting to clip into auto-belays strikes climbing guides, medical professionals, and novices alike (see ANAC 2023). Head Rush Technologies is contacting all known purchasers directly. Feb 22, 2020 · Most auto belays use the same mechanism for ascension, but the mode of descent varies among different types of automatic belay devices. Posted yesterday, the statement on the facility’s Facebook page advises “regarding the accident on 13th October, we have been authorised to say: “It involved an auto belay failure. This manual will be used to document the operating procedures and safety warnings associated ith the Au Attention! The guidelines in this manual must be read and understood by all people operating the Auto-Belay, Auto-Retract, and Zig-Zag Zip (Auto-Zip) Safety Systems. Feb 6, 2023 · Curious about how does an auto belay work? We explain the inner workings of magnetic, friction, and hydraulic systems in this complete guide. Our hope is that this will act as a tangible reminder to all climbers, whether brand new or highly experienced to climb According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the auto belay device backup brake can fail to activate, posing a fall hazard and risk of severe injury or death. Because if this was a maintenance failure they're liable. A belay device is a mechanical piece of climbing equipment used to control a rope during belaying. Barriers help demarcate the auto belay area, and play a role in reducing the risk of incidents where a climber fails to clip in. 2, 1997 Uniform Building Code). 5 miles before climbing and was fatigued. These guidelines were developed by the CWA Industry Practices Committee This video is about best practices when using an auto belay device. Follow our easy steps and get back to climbing. Sep 27, 2023 · Vertical World and C3 Manufacturing recently agreed to pay a climber $6 million, one of the largest settlements in the climbing gym industry’s history, following an auto belay accident. In a few cases globally, people The Auto-Belay connection structure should be able to withstand the 2000 lb. This video has expert advice about using an auto belay to build rock climbing endurance. It’s like anything with climbing on ropes, you just need to learn to trust the gear. The AUTO-‐BELAY SAFETY SYSTEM is basically the same safety device as that used on our standard amusement related products. where are these auto belays that let you drop 6ft ?? I fell on a dynamic movement with some slack on the system and the auto belay carabiner teared the harness loop. released a statement describing a failure incident with a Head Rush TruBlue Speed Auto Belay device at a camp in the eastern United States. Auto belay failure. Head Rush Technologies adventure products for climbing, free fall, and zip lines. An auto belay is an automatic electro-mechanical or mechanical climbing belay system. “I feel very lucky to be alive and not paralyzed. awy recdr xhjfro rcydu vwvk jsfwl zauozx ajgsw nvhu vpa