What was recalled
In early February 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a significant safety recall involving high-performance rescue equipment manufactured by Teufelberger Fiber Rope Corp. This action affects specific static ropes and throwlines that were marketed for critical life-saving operations. It is important to understand exactly which products are involved, as these items look professional and function like standard rescue gear, making the distinction between recalled and non-recalled units crucial for anyone in the field.
The recall targets two primary brands: CMC and New England Ropes. These were not generic utility ropes but specialized 7.5 mm and 8 mm static ropes designed for rescue operations. The specific models included in this recall are the CMC Escape Line, which is identifiable by its orange color with a yellow tracer; the New England Ropes Aramid 7.5mm, which features a tan body with a black tracer; and the New England Ropes KM-III 5/16"/8mm, distinguished by its white color with a blue tracer. Additionally, the recall covers the New England Ropes NFPA throwline, which is yellow with a red tracer.
Identifying the correct lot numbers is essential because not every rope produced by these brands is affected. Only those ropes and throwlines with lot numbers beginning with 160101 through 1609915 are included in this recall. The model name and the specific lot number are printed directly on the end band label attached to the rope itself, as well as on the original product packaging. Consumers should check these labels carefully. These items were sold in various lengths, ranging from 150 feet up to 2,400 feet, meaning they could be found in a wide variety of professional and emergency response kits.
These products were distributed widely across the United States. Because they are specialized equipment used by first responders, search and rescue teams, and industrial safety professionals, they may currently be in use or stored in various facilities. The recall was officially issued on January 31, 2017, but the equipment may have been sold prior to that date. If you work with rescue gear, it is vital to inspect your inventory against these specific model names and lot number ranges to ensure your safety tools are reliable.
The core issue lies in the certification labels on these ropes. They were mislabeled as being certified to specific voluntary National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) safety standards. This labeling was incorrect. The ropes cannot be relied upon for any purpose that depends on those certifications, which is why Teufelberger has issued this recall. If you have any of the items described above with the specified lot numbers, you must treat them as unsafe for their intended rescue purposes.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a critical failure in trust: the equipment was labeled as meeting specific National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) safety standards when it did not. To understand why this matters, we have to look at what those standards actually represent in the world of rescue operations. NFPA standards are rigorous benchmarks designed to ensure that ropes and throwlines can withstand extreme forces without snapping, stretching dangerously, or degrading under stress. When a product is certified to these voluntary but widely adopted safety criteria, rescuers, climbers, and emergency personnel rely on that certification as a guarantee of structural integrity. It is the difference between buying a life jacket that has been rigorously tested in rough waters versus one that looks similar but might burst under pressure.
The specific mechanism of harm here stems from this mislabeling. Because the Teufelberger static ropes and throwlines—specifically the CMC Escape Line, New England Ropes Aramid, New England Ropes KM-III, and the New England Ropes NFPA models in question—were incorrectly marked as compliant, users assumed they possessed a level of strength and durability they did not actually have. Static ropes are designed to have very little stretch, which is essential for certain rescue techniques where precise positioning is required. If a rope that is supposed to be certified fails under load, it can lead to catastrophic breakage or excessive elongation. This means that during a fall, the equipment might not hold the user’s weight, leading to a free-fall scenario rather than a controlled arrest.
When rescue personnel trust gear that is not up to standard, they may expose themselves and others to severe injury risks that would otherwise be mitigated. The hazard isn’t just about the rope breaking; it’s about the false sense of security it provides. A rescuer might perform a maneuver requiring maximum tension on the line, believing the NFPA label confirms it can handle the force. In reality, the materials or construction may not meet the necessary thresholds for impact resistance or tensile strength. This discrepancy creates a silent danger: the equipment looks and feels professional, but its safety margins are nonexistent. For individuals using these ropes for high-stakes activities like industrial rescue, climbing, or emergency response, this lack of certification means they are operating without the verified protection they were led to believe was in place.
While no incidents have been reported to date, the potential for harm is significant because the flaw is inherent to the product’s documentation and perceived compliance. The risk is not limited to a single point of failure but extends to every use case where the user relies on the NFPA label as proof of safety. If the rope cannot perform as advertised under stress, the consequences can range from minor injuries due to sudden slippage to life-threatening falls. This is why the CPSC has deemed this mislabeling a substantial product defect; it undermines the fundamental reason these tools are used in emergency situations.
Who is most at risk
To understand who is most vulnerable in this recall, we first need to look at the specific context of these products. The items involved are not ordinary household ropes used for tying down a kayak or securing a ladder. These are specialized static ropes and throwlines from brands like CMC and New England Ropes, designed specifically for rescue operations. This means the primary group at risk consists of professional first responders—such as firefighters, paramedics, and search-and-rescue team members—as well as serious amateur enthusiasts who use this equipment for technical climbing, industrial work-at-heights, or water rescue scenarios.
The core danger here is not that the rope will break under normal weight, but rather a profound failure of trust. The recall highlights that these ropes are mislabeled as certified to specific voluntary NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) safety standards. In high-stakes rescue situations, your life depends on the equipment performing exactly as its label promises. When a responder throws a line to a victim in turbulent water or rappels down a cliff face, they are operating under the assumption that the gear has undergone rigorous, verified testing for strength, abrasion resistance, and thermal stability. Because these specific models cannot be relied upon for any purpose despite their labels, anyone who trusts that certification is walking into a situation with a false sense of security.
While the physical act of falling or being injured can happen to anyone, certain factors make the consequences more severe for specific users. First responders are at heightened risk because they often use these ropes in chaotic, high-stress environments where there is little margin for error. A rescue worker relying on a mislabeled throwline might fail to secure a victim, leading to a fatal outcome for both parties. Similarly, industrial workers who depend on static ropes for fall arrest systems are at extreme risk; if the rope’s actual performance does not meet the safety margins implied by the NFPA label, it may not withstand the dynamic forces of a sudden fall, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
You might wonder if children or the elderly are at risk here. Generally, no. This recall does not involve consumer toys, playground equipment, or home gardening tools that might be within reach of households with young children or older adults. The hazard is isolated to professional and technical-grade gear. However, for the professionals who use these ropes daily, the risk is existential. They are the ones placing their bodies and the lives of others on the line every day. For them, a mislabeled product is not just a minor inconvenience—it is a critical safety failure that undermines the very foundation of their profession: trust in their equipment.
It is also important to note that because there have been no reported incidents as of the recall date, we do not yet know the full extent of potential harm. This silence does not mean the risk is low; it simply means a catastrophic event has not yet occurred publicly. The users most at risk are those who have continued to use these ropes since they were manufactured, believing them to be NFPA-compliant when they are not.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your rescue equipment is part of this specific recall requires careful attention to detail, as the affected items look very similar to safe, certified ropes that were not included in the notice. Because the core issue is a mislabeling of safety certifications rather than a visible physical defect like fraying or discoloration, you cannot rely on the rope's appearance alone to determine its safety status. Instead, you must cross-reference three specific pieces of information: the brand names, the model specifications, and most critically, the lot numbers printed on the packaging and the product itself.
First, verify that you possess one of the affected brands. This recall specifically targets products manufactured under the CMC and New England Ropes banners, which were distributed by Teufelberger. If your rope comes from a different manufacturer, it is not part of this specific action, though you should always check for other relevant safety notices. Next, examine the model details carefully. The recall covers static ropes and throwlines with diameters of either 7.5 mm or 8 mm (often listed as 5/16 inch). You need to look for these exact model names printed on the end band label attached to the rope and on the original product packaging: CMC Escape Line 5/16"/8mm, New England Ropes Aramid 7.5mm, New England Ropes KM-III 5/16"/8mm, or the New England Ropes NFPA throwline.
To help you distinguish these specific models before checking the numbers, note the color coding described in the recall. The CMC Escape Line is identified by an orange rope with a yellow tracer thread. The New England Ropes Aramid 7.5mm is tan with a black tracer. The New England Ropes KM-III is white with a blue tracer, and the recalled NFPA throwline is yellow with a red tracer. While these colors can help narrow down your search, they are not definitive proof of recall status on their own.
The most crucial step is checking the lot number. The recall only applies to ropes and throwlines with lot numbers that begin with the sequence 160101 through 1609915. This range covers products sold in lengths from 150 to 2,400 feet during the relevant period. You will find this lot number printed on the end band label at the end of the rope coil and clearly displayed on the product’s original packaging. If your lot number falls outside this range, or if it does not start with those digits, your item is not included in this recall. Do not guess based on purchase date alone; always read the printed lot code to be certain.
What to do — step by step
If you own any of the recalled Teufelberger rescue ropes or throwlines, your immediate priority must be safety above all else. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a critical issue: these items are mislabeled as meeting specific voluntary NFPA safety standards but cannot actually be relied upon for that purpose. This means they pose a serious fall and injury hazard. Because the integrity of the rope is compromised regarding its certified strength, using it for rescue or life-safety applications is dangerous. Therefore, your first and most crucial step is to stop using these products immediately. Do not attempt to test them, inspect them further for damage, or use them for any purpose, including training or non-critical loads. Treat them as if they are broken, even if they look perfect on the outside. The danger lies in the false assurance of their certification, which could lead you to rely on a product that does not meet the safety thresholds it claims to satisfy. Once you have secured the item away from any active rescue operations or storage areas where others might accidentally use it, you need to initiate the remedy process provided by the manufacturer. Teufelberger has committed to replacing these defective items free of charge. To get this replacement, you must contact Teufelberger Fiber Rope Corp. directly. You have two options for reaching them: you can call their toll-free number at 844-361-7041, or you can visit their website at www.teufelberger.com and click on the "Static Rope Safety Notice" link for more information. When calling, be prepared to provide specific details about your product to ensure they process your claim correctly. Have your model name and lot number ready, as these are essential for identifying whether your specific roll is part of this recall. When you reach out to Teufelberger, clearly state that you are contacting them regarding the January 31, 2017, recall of static ropes and throwlines due to mislabeling hazards. They will guide you through the process of obtaining your free replacement. The company is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, so try to contact them during these hours for the most direct assistance. If you choose to use the online resource, follow the instructions on the "Static Rope Safety Notice" page carefully. This step is vital because it ensures you receive a product that actually meets the necessary safety standards, restoring your confidence in your equipment. Do not discard the recalled item until you have received and verified your replacement, as the original packaging or labels may be needed for verification purposes during the exchange process.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that your rope or throwline matches the specific lot numbers and models identified in this recall, the good news is that the remedy provided by Teufelberger Fiber Rope Corp. is straightforward and entirely free of charge. The company has committed to providing a free replacement for any affected items. This is a significant relief, particularly because these are specialized pieces of equipment used in high-stakes rescue operations where reliability is not just convenient—it is critical for life safety. You do not need to pay for return shipping, nor do you need to purchase a new product from a different manufacturer at your own expense. Teufelberger is taking full responsibility for the mislabeling issue, which falsely claimed certification to specific voluntary NFPA safety standards that these ropes did not actually meet.
To initiate this process, you will need to contact Teufelberger Fiber Rope Corp. directly. The primary method for reaching their recall support team is via their dedicated toll-free number: 844-361-7041. It is important to note their hours of operation so you do not waste time calling when agents are unavailable; they are staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Having your lot number and model name ready before you call will help streamline the interaction, as customer service representatives will likely need to verify that your specific unit falls within the recalled range (lot numbers beginning with 160101 through 1609915) before proceeding with the replacement.
If you prefer digital communication or wish to review more detailed information about the safety notice first, you can visit their official website at www.teufelberger.com. Once on the site, look for the specific link titled "Static Rope Safety Notice." This online resource serves as the central hub for all recall-related documentation. It is advisable to read through this notice carefully before making contact, as it may contain updated instructions or additional context about the replacement process that could save you time during your phone call.
The replacement process itself is designed to ensure that you receive equipment that meets proper safety standards. Since the core issue here is the false certification of static ropes and throwlines used for rescue, getting a correct, certified replacement is essential for your future safety. Do not attempt to repair these items yourself; the defect lies in the fundamental labeling and potentially the underlying material properties relative to the claimed standards, so only a manufacturer-authorized replacement will suffice. By following these steps, you ensure that your rescue gear is trustworthy again, allowing you to focus on your work without the lingering anxiety of using mislabeled equipment.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using these ropes. For rescue professionals, climbers, and safety technicians, specialized equipment is often a matter of life and death in high-stakes situations. When you have spent time and money on gear like the CMC Escape Line or New England Ropes products, discarding them feels like a significant loss. You may be tempted to keep using them for lower-risk tasks, such as securing cargo, general utility work, or practice drills where the consequences of failure seem less severe. However, ignoring this recall poses a serious and unnecessary risk that extends far beyond the inconvenience of replacing your equipment.
The core danger lies in the deceptive nature of the mislabeling. These static ropes and throwlines were falsely marked as meeting specific voluntary NFPA safety standards. In the world of rescue and fall protection, those standards are not just suggestions; they represent rigorous testing protocols that ensure a rope can withstand immense forces without breaking or stretching dangerously. Because these items do not actually meet those certifications, their true strength and durability are unknown. You are essentially gambling on their integrity every time you rely on them for support. If the internal fibers have degraded or were manufactured to lower specifications than advertised, the rope may appear intact on the outside but fail catastrophically under load.
The consequences of such a failure are severe. As noted in the recall details, the hazard is explicitly defined as "fall and injury." In practical terms, this means that if you are using one of these recalled ropes for personal fall arrest, rescue operations, or even securing heavy loads overhead, a sudden break could result in a hard fall from height. This can lead to traumatic injuries ranging from broken bones and spinal damage to fatal accidents. There have been no reported incidents involving these specific models yet, but the absence of current reports does not mean the risk is absent; it simply means that by chance, no one has been hurt so far. Relying on luck is never a safe strategy when gravity is involved.
Beyond the immediate physical danger, ignoring this recall can have broader professional and legal implications. If you are a safety officer or emergency responder using uncertified equipment in your duties, you may be violating occupational safety regulations that require certified gear. This could expose you and your organization to liability if an accident were to occur. Furthermore, false certification creates a dangerous precedent of complacency. It tricks the user into feeling secure when they are actually vulnerable. The peace of mind these ropes offered was built on a lie. By continuing to use them, you are not just risking your own safety; you are potentially endangering anyone who relies on you or works alongside you in that environment.
The best course of action is to accept the free replacement as a gift of true safety rather than an inconvenience. Teufelberger is offering this remedy precisely because they recognize that the false sense of security provided by the mislabeled NFPA standards is unacceptable. Do not let the hassle of contacting them or swapping out your gear outweigh the profound value of knowing your equipment will actually hold up when you need it most. Your safety, and the safety of those around you, is worth far more than the temporary effort required to resolve this issue.