I got this by email from Steve at climbinganchors.com. Being what it is I am sure Steve will not mind this safety notice being re-published here.

GRIGRI 2: RETURN for REPLACEMENT

Concerns all GRIGRI 2’s with the first five digits of the serial number between 10326 and 11136.

Petzl has discovered that exerting excessive force on the fully extended handle of the GRIGRI 2 can cause internal damage, such that the GRIGRI 2 handle may become stuck in the open position.

When the handle is stuck in this position the assisted braking function is disabled. A damaged GRIGRI 2 with the handle stuck in this configuration will function similarly to a manual belay device.

When using a damaged GRIGRI 2 with the handle stuck, failure to control the braking side of the rope will increase the risk of an uncontrolled descent. A GRIGRI 2 with a damaged handle must be immediately removed from service.

It is important to note that failure to control the braking side of the rope is a misuse of the GRIGRI 2 under any circumstance (see GRIGRI 2 Technical Notice).

As of today, seven damaged products have been returned to Petzl through the worldwide distribution network. Petzl has no knowledge of any accidents resulting from a damaged GRIGRI 2 handle

Because the safety of users is Petzl’s primary concern, as a measure of precaution Petzl has decided to take the following actions:

– increase the mechanical strength of the handle of all GRIGRI 2’s since serial number 11137.

– recall all GRIGRI 2’s with the first five digits of the serial number between 10326 and 11136, and replace with a new revised GRIGRI 2.

Petzl will pay for all shipping costs to complete this replacement.

Everyone is committed to resolving this issue as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The previous generation GRIGRI is not concerned by this.

If you possess a GRIGRI 2 (D14 2O, D14 2G, D14 2B) with the first five digits of the serial number between 10326 and 11136 please initiate an exchange by mailing it with your contact details to:

GRIGRI 2 Returns

REPLY PAID 645

ARTARMON NSW 1570

You can visit Speleans website to download a Reply Paid form and Contact Sheet: http://www.petzl.com.au/grigri2return.html