Recall: Avalanche Airbags Recalled by Snowpulse Due to Risk of Injury

Avalanche Airbags Recalled by Snowpulse Due to Risk of Injury

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Snowpulse Avalanche Airbags

Units: About 1,200 in the United States and 2,600 in Canada

Importer: Mammut Sports Group Inc., of Shelburne, Vt.

Manufacturer: Snowpulse SA, of Martigny, Switzerland

Distributor: Mountain Sports Distribution, of Golden British Columbia, Canada

Hazard: A leak in the airbag's cartridge can result in the airbag not deploying, posing a risk of death and injury in the event of an avalanche.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves Snowpulse Avalanche airbags with inflation-system 1.0 air cartridges. The airbags are used for skiing, snowmobiling and mountain climbing to help keep the user above the surface if an avalanche occurs. Model year 2008 to 2010 airbag cartridges are included in this recall. The packs are between 15 and 45 liters and have the "Snowpulse" logo printed on them. The metal cartridge is inside the pack and unscrews from the airbag. Cartridges using inflation system 1.0 gauges can be identified by the pin inside the threaded fitting on the side of the cartridge. If this gauge does not have an "A" or a "B" on the dial then it is included in the recall.

Sold by: Specialty outdoor and motorsports stores nationwide from September 2008 through April 2012 for between $900 and $1,200.

Manufactured in: Switzerland

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled airbags and contact Snowpulse for a replacement cartridge.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Snowpulse at (800) 451-5127 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.snowpulse.com

Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1653