IMPORTANT: Inspection of the sternal rope-ring attachment point on RIDGEGEAR RGH14 Rope Ring harnesses.
| Date: | 1st October 2026 |
| Product: | RGH14 Rope Ring |
| Item Code(s): | RGH14 ECO ROPE RING/0, RGH14 ECO ROPE RING/1, RGH14 ECO ROPE RING/2, RGH14 ECO ROPE RING +/1, RGH14 ECO ROPE RING +/2, RGH14 ECO ROPE RING/0, RGH14 ECO ROPE RING/1, RGH14 ECO ROPE RING/2 |
| Affected Serial Numbers: | 25-xxxxxx to 26-xxxxxx |
As part of our ongoing quality-assurance activities, we identified a potential manufacturing issue affecting the rope-ring assembly at the sternal attachment point of an of RGH14 Rope Ring harnesses.
Incorrectly positioned safety stitching and rope ends were found within one webbing loop. As a precaution, all RGH14 Rope Ring harnesses must not be used until the inspection described in this notice has been completed.
The inspection must confirm that the safety stitching and both rope ends are correctly positioned within each webbing loop at the sternal attachment point.
DO NOT USE THE PRODUCT UNTIL THIS INSPECTION HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
What you need to do:
Before the harness is used again, inspect the rope ring, webbing, stitching and sternal attachment area as described below. If you are unable to complete the inspection, contact RIDGEGEAR, your RG salesperson, or your distributor for assistance and further instructions.
The method allows competent users and trained inspectors of personal fall protection equipment to perform the control steps immediately.
What to check for:
- Measure the position of the safety stitching on each sternal attachment loop from the top edge of the webbing to the end of the stitching.
2. Check the position of both rope ends within each webbing pocket and confirm that they are correctly located in relation to the safety stitching.
How: Measure from top of webbing to end of
stitching.
Use an engineer’s rule, professional tape measure,
or other suitable measurement device, measure the
distance ‘L’ between the upper edge of the webbing
surface and the lower edge of the stitching. If necessary, use a straight edge perpendicular to the webbing surface. Measure along the centre line of the webbing.
How: Check the location of the two ends of rope within the webbing pocket.
Visually inspect the ends of the rope within the pocket
and ensure that the cut ends of the rope show no
evidence of stitching visible. The rope may be slightly
within the edges of the webbing width.
If the safety stitching or either rope end is incorrectly positioned, or if you are uncertain about the condition of the assembly:
- Do NOT use the harness.
- Immediately remove it from service and clearly identify or quarantine it to prevent accidental use.
- Contact RIDGEGEAR at salesrg@unitex-uk.com or +44 (0)1538 384108. Quote the harness model and serial number and, where possible, provide photographs of the rope-ring area.
We will then advise you of the appropriate next steps, which may include:
- Return for inspection / replacement / other corrective action.
If no defect is found
If the rope ring, webbing, stitching and surrounding components are correctly assembled and show no signs of the condition described in this notice, the harness may remain in service subject to the normal pre-use and periodic inspection requirements.
Please record completion of this inspection in accordance with your normal PPE inspection and equipment-management procedures. In addition, mark the product label with a capital letter ‘P’ in black permanent marker (fig.5).
Why we are taking this action
The harness is a safety-critical item of personal protective equipment. We are issuing this notice as a precaution so that potentially affected equipment can be identified and removed from service.
We are continuing to investigate the cause and scope of the issue and have taken appropriate action within our
manufacturing and quality-control processes.
Required response
Please complete this inspection immediately, or before the harness is next used and, where applicable, confirm
completion to your RIDGEGEAR distributor, or by email to salesrg@unitex-uk.co.uk.
If you have supplied an affected harness to another user or organisation, please forward this notice to them immediately so that the equipment can be inspected before further use.
If you are uncertain about the condition of a harness, do not use it. Contact your RIDGEGEAR distributor for
further guidance.
We apologise for any inconvenience this precautionary action may cause. The safety of users and the integrity of our products remain our priority.
Yours faithfully,
RIDGEGEAR Limited.
