MSA issues ‘Stop Use’ notice for welding harnesses

Cranberry Township, PA — Personal protective equipment manufacturer MSA has issued a Stop Use notice for certain welding harnesses.

After a field report and an MSA investigation, the company is advising customers to stop using Gravity Welder Harnesses made between July 2015 and Jan. 29 that are marked with the following part numbers:

• 10151154 - 304 HARNESS,BLK,KEVLAR,BKD,SD,STD
• 10158954 - 304 HARNESS,BLK,KEVLAR,BKD,SD,XSM
• 10158956 - 304 HARNESS,BLK,KEVLAR,BKD,SD,XLG
• 10158957 - 304 HARNESS,BLK,KEVLAR,BKD,SD,SXL

Affected harnesses should be taken out of service, marked “UNUSABLE” and destroyed, MSA states in the Jan. 29 notice.

The leg strap and chest strap of the affected harnesses are incompatible, MSA states. In case of a fall, the shoulder straps might extend and alter the protection provided by the harness.

MSA provides instructions for finding the part numbers and manufacture dates on labels, as well as directions for finding them if the labels are illegible from use. If the part number matches the list above but the date of manufacture is illegible, MSA advises customers to treat the harness as unusable.

MSA adds that the Gravity Welder Harnesses could have been ordered as part of kit numbers 10026061, 10026064, 10105480 and 10103470. Harnesses in these kits also are labeled with the individual harness part number and can be identified as detailed above.

Affected harnesses will be replaced free of charge after a form is filled out and emailed to MSA, the notice states. Customers may call (866) 672-0005 or email [email protected] for more information.