Recall: Avalanche Rescue Snow Shovels Recalled by Mountain Safety Research Due to Risk of Failure During Emergency Rescues (Recall Alert)

Description: This recall involves Mountain Safety Research Operator™ T, Operator™ D, and Responder™ avalanche rescue snow shovels. Lock buttons on the lower shaft connect the metal shovel blade to the metal shaft. Recalled shovels have a slit on either side of the lower lock button. The shovels measure about 32 to 34 inches long. The blades are red or yellow in color and the handles are gray. "Mountain Safety Research" is printed on the shaft of the handle. "MSR" is printed on the front of the shovel blade.

Name of product: Avalanche rescue snow shovels

Units: About 4,300 in the United States and 340 in Canada

Hazard: The lower lock button on the avalanche snow shovel's shaft can fail to secure the blade, causing the shovel's shaft and blade to come apart and render the shovel unable to be used as intended to rescue avalanche victims.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled shovels and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or to Mountain Safety Research for a free replacement shaft.

Recall date: May 12, 2015

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Sold At: Outdoor recreation stores, including Bass Pro Shops, REI and others, nationwide and online at Amazon.com and other websites from October 2014 through January 2015 for between $60 and $70.

Importers: Cascade Designs Inc., of Seattle, Wash., also known as Mountain Safety Research (MSR)

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Consumer contact: Mountain Safety Research at (800) 531-9531 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT, email consumer@cascadedesigns.com or online at www.msrgear.com and click on "Have You Purchased an MSR Snow Shovel" for more information.

Recall number: 15-732