The Cable Lite 2.0 is one of the models affected by the recall

A gear manufacturer is warning outdoor enthusiasts not to use some of its equipment following a fatal accident earlier this year.

German brand Edelrid has issued a product recall for seven of its models of via ferrata sets and said anyone with the affected gear should stop using them immediately.

Edelrid said: “It has been found that, in certain cases the webbing of the elasticated webbing branches, after increased use, may no longer meet the relevant safety standards.

“Thus the protective requirements of a via ferrata set are no longer met or can only be met in part, which in the case of a fall could result in serious injury or death.”

The sets are specialist pieces of equipment designed for use on vie ferrate, the systems of routes using fixed protection, ladders, rungs and other hardware found on mountains predominantly in continental Europe.

The models in question are: Cable Lite, Cable Comfort, Brenta Comfort, Cable Lite 2.0, Cable Comfort 2.0, Cable Kit 4.0, Xtra-Light Schuster.

The sets were all manufactured between 2010 and this year.

Anyone with the models in the product recall is asked to return them to Edelrid or take them back to where they bought them so the retailer can return them.

In the UK, Edelrid’s agents are: DB Outdoor Systems Ltd, Merced Building, Parkside Business Park
Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7 EN.

Edelrid said: “With this recall Edelrid is responding to a fatal via ferrata accident on 8 May 2012 with a rented via ferrata set.

“From the ongoing investigations an association between increased use and a weakening of the elasticated webbing has been established. The actual cause of the accident could not be determined by the independent experts before the instigation of this precautionary recall.”

Seven other via ferrata set models produced by the company are not affected by the recall and can continue to be used.

Anyone with an Edelrid via ferrata set can check its website for relevant details, along with instructions on returning the equipment.

The company added: “We are aware of the circumstances and consequences that this action will cause and offer our sincere apologies.

“The safety of our customers is our utmost concern. A safe and efficient solution to this problem has been developed in cooperation with the independent expert and will be implemented with all possible means and power.”